FdA Performing Arts

You will hold:

• A relevant Level 3 qualification in a performing arts related subject (with a minimum of 32 UCAS points).
• Level 2 Maths and English (or a minimum of 5.5 IELTS in each band for international students).

If you do not hold the relevant qualifications, you could gain access to the course by demonstrating you have a good level of knowledge, experience and skill during your audition.

You must submit a personal statement of 500 words; detailing your abilities, attributes, aspirations and suitability to the course.

You will be required to provide stationery and dance shoes and attire (kit list can be requested).There will be additional opportunities throughout the course to attend theatre trips, masterclasses and field trips to international cities, the cost of which will fluctuate dependant on the specific opportunity.

You participate in a group workshop audition where skills will be assessed through participation in the following: dance warm-up/technique class,acting class,singing warmup audition performance (where the students will perform one piece of prepared material) . In order to meet industry standards and assess your ability to work independently and prepare suitable audition material, all candidates are required to perform one of the following: A contemporary monologue (post 1970) lasting 1-3 minutes (please bring a paper copy of their monologue to the audition); a song (post 1970) of your choice lasting 1-3 minutes (please bring a backing track for the song, if this is not possible you can request backing tracks prior to the audition); a 1-3-minute dance solo/movement piece in a style of your choice (please prepare/provide music for this aspect of the audition).

The audition will be followed by a 10 minute interview.
You will also need to submit a word-processed personal statement (500 words). This will assess your academic writing, literacy skills and highlight your attributes and aspirations, enabling staff to assess suitability for study on the course.

This FdA Performing Arts programme aims to help you to:

• Develop the diverse, inter-related skills and knowledge required to become a well-rounded performer.
• Explore, experiment with and develop an awareness of distinctive styles, conventions, practitioners and contexts that have helped shape contemporary practice within and across acting, singing and dancing.
• Engage with the practical, theoretical and creative aspects of the devising, rehearsing and performance process in relation to producing a production.
• Demonstrate your performance skills in a professional context.
• Develop transferable and work-readiness skills to enhance employment opportunities.
• Learn how to take increasing responsibility for your own learning.

Level 4 Modules (Core):

• Training Techniques - emphasises the importance of developing and updating skills to compete in the freelance industry.
• Dramatic Techniques - develops core dramatic performance skills by exposing you to professional theatre.
• The Dancing Practitioner - introduces and provides you with the opportunity to develop your technique in a range of different dance styles.
• The Singing Practitioner - to fine tune pitch, projection and tonality, and refine both melody singing and harmony singing.
• Performance Project 1 - allows you to explore and develop your performance skills with professional styled auditions, rehearsals and a show.
• Personal and Professional Development 1 - includes work-based placement and helps to action plan your personal and professional development.]]]Level 5 Modules (Core):[[[Influential Practitioners
• Acting Through Song and Dance
• Theatre in the Community
• Performance Project 2
• Personal and Professional Development 2.

The course will adopt a range of teaching and learning strategies dependant on the module of study, however due to the skill-based nature of the subject area the principal theme of the teaching and learning within this course is experiential learning. This is to enhance motivation and engagement, and most importantly to provide extensive opportunities for the development and refinement of skills via rehearsal and practice. You will engage in:

• Technique Classes: to develop core skills and training techniques.
• Workshops: to develop skills and experiment with applying theory to practice using practical demonstration, case studies, role-plays and exercises.
• Lectures: to introduce the relevant theories/knowledge of the individual topic areas within a subject.
• Academic Tutorials: to develop research and information gathering skills as they will assist in your learning throughout the programme.]]]Formative assessments allow you and your tutor to monitor your progress and address any gaps in your knowledge or skills. Summative assessments take many forms to meet the demands of each module, and to allow you to evidence your skills and knowledge, including:[[[Practical - audition, rehearsal, performance, technique.
• Portfolio or journal
• Blog
• Essay
• Oral examination (viva)
• Presentations.

You will take part in exciting masterclasses and workshop with industry professionals. These will vary each year.

You will be expected to undertake a 10 hour industry placement as part of the Personal and Professional Development 1 module.

You can follow our performing arts department on Instagram @thisisncdperformingarts

You could progress to secure employment in the industry, working freelance or contracted, or study a top-up degree to gain a full honours degree.