Free Level 2 Performing Arts Course in Burnley

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Performing Arts Course in Burnley. Classes run at Burnley College, full-time during the day.

The course covers acting, musical theatre, and dance over one year. Units include auditioning, script work, voice, movement, devising, and preparing performances. You'll also study the performing arts industry. Assessment is practical, using rehearsals, performances, video evidence, and tutor observations.

You'll finish with a Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Industry Skills.

Who this course is for

Kick-start your career in the Performing Arts while working towards the entry requirements for Level 3. You will study key areas including Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance. The course is made up of seven units of study covering topics in auditioning, preparing performances, acting, musical theatre, the performing arts industry, movement, devising, voice, script work and dance. You will be assessed practically in rehearsals and performances using video evidence and tutor observations. Written work is assessed via coursework and internal assessments. We collaborate with employers including The Lowry Theatre, Burnley Youth Theatre, Elevate Young Minds, New Live Theatre Company, Ludus Dance and many more.

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification. You will be required to attend a practical workshop in acting, dance or musical theatre - dependent of your specialism where you will have the opportunity to showcase your ability, creative potential and passion for your subject.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop acting skills through script work and character study.
  • You'll train in musical theatre, combining performance, voice, and movement.
  • You'll build dance technique and performance skills.
  • You'll practise auditioning and preparing for live performances.
  • You'll explore devising original work and creative processes.
  • You'll develop your voice for stage performance.
  • You'll gain knowledge of how the performing arts industry works.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Assessment uses video evidence of your work and tutor observations during sessions. There is also some written work. Classes are classroom and studio based, full-time during the day at Burnley College.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor, performs in theatre, film, television, or online productions.
  • Dancer, performs in stage shows, music videos, or live events.
  • Musical theatre performer, combines singing, acting, and dance on stage.
  • Performing arts teaching assistant, supports drama or dance classes in schools.
  • Community arts worker, leads creative projects in local settings.
  • Stage crew or production assistant, supports live performance events behind the scenes.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts, the natural next step toward higher-level training and drama school auditions.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, a broader qualification covering more specialist areas.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts, for those looking to move into higher education after Level 3.
  • Degree in Drama, Dance, or Musical Theatre, for those aiming for professional performance careers.