Performing Arts and Production Arts - Level 3 Extended Diploma

This course offers you the opportunity to study a range of performing arts techniques in the first year, before going on to specialise in either acting in the second year. Projects and performances both in and outside of the college will allow you to focus on the performance demands of acting. There will be opportunities to experience acting styles such as improvisation and create your pieces, showcasing your work in performances.

Although the emphasis is on practical and performance work you will need to complete written assignments and develop your skills as an informed and reflective practitioner through evaluative logbooks and rehearsal diaries. You will learn to evaluate and comment critically on both professional work and your creative practice, gaining insight into the wider performing arts industry through contextual and industry studies.

You will be working on industry projects where some students will engage with external clients and companies, developing your experience in the world of work and performance.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma.

Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

• Acting Techniques
• Vocal skills
• Improv skills
• Text analysis
• Scriptwriting and development
• Devising
• Rehearsal process
• Production skills
• Movement for Performers
• Singing
• Professional developmental needs, CV, the audition process

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and a Music/Performing Arts subject

Or

• An equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above)

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Many of the students progress to University and/or Drama Schools and are alumni who have benefitted from our course include: Babatunde Aleshe, Jamali Maddix, Tobi King Bakare, Francis Lovehall, Nicola Posner, Claudia Kariki, Romario Simpson, Shaday Barrowes. 

Shenagh joined WKC Performing Arts Department in 2019, after previously beginning her teaching career in further education at Lewisham College in 2018. She is responsible for teaching acting techniques, theatre practitioners, vocal skills, drama improvisation, physical theatre, classical theatre, contemporary theatre, movement skills, scriptwriting skills, and directing end-of-year productions.

Before her tenure at WKC, Shenagh worked professionally as a dancer, actress, and playwright. She is a dual professional, actively engaged in writing for both theatre and TV. She has taught playwriting across several platforms, including Bath Spa University, The National Theatre, and Synergy Theatre Company.

Shenagh received the Alfred Fagon Award for her first play, 'A Pocket in The Sky,' which was also shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award. Additionally, she was long-listed for the same award in 2021. Her plays have been performed on BBC Radio 4, at the Latitude Festival, Tricycle Theatre, and the Royal Court. She has been a writer in residence at The National Theatre Studio and has been selected to participate in schemes with both BBC and ITV.

Sarah joined Westminster Kingsway College in January 2023.  Prior to that she has taught a variety of courses in dance and drama in several other colleges across London and the surrounding areas.  She has a background in contemporary dance and physical theatre and this informs the projects that she works on with her students.  Sarah has a passion for musical theatre and has put on many a production exploring both traditional interpretations as well as new approaches to old standards.  Sarah is a firm believer in the power of collaboration, so frequently incorporates group projects and ensemble work into her lesson plans. This not only helps students develop important social and communication skills but also allows them to learn from and inspire one another.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.