Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Guildford

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Guildford. Classes run at Activate Learning Guildford, full-time during the day. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available to cover costs.

The course focuses on acting for stage and screen. You'll develop your performance skills, learn to use your body and voice in performance, and work on production craft alongside other students. The course is awarded by University of the Arts London and runs over two years.

You'll need four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths, plus an audition. You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

The UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, with a focus on Acting for Stage and Screen is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree-level study or employment in the performing arts. Through collaborative learning and immersive study, you will take your performance and production skills to the next level, while continuing to learn how to use your body and voice in performance, engage with elements of design and technology, and entertain and inform your audience. Course content includes acting techniques, script work, devising and directing, historical developments in the theatre industry, character development, acting for camera techniques, voice-over, commercial acting, and industry insight. To ensure you are as prepared as possible, we also include ensemble singing and movement classes within the programme. More than just developing your technical and creative skills, you will also gain a deeper knowledge of the theories and principles of performing arts, increase your understanding of the industry, and develop the confidence and skills you’ll need to succeed in real-world auditions and interviews. You will learn about professional practice standards, critical and contextual awareness, and the expectations of the professional world of performance and production. You’ll be taught by industry-trained, expert practitioners and benefit from: Three, fully-equipped studios, all with music, TV and video facilities., Film and TV acting classes taught in a state-of-the-art TV studio, where you will get to experience a variety of techniques including use of autocue, green screen, location shooting, and other professional screen-acting practices.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You need to have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths, with a keen interest and evidence in the subject (audition).. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll develop acting techniques for stage and screen performance.
  • You'll train your voice and body for use in live and recorded performance.
  • You'll build skills in production arts, including technical and creative roles.
  • You'll collaborate on performances and productions with other students.
  • You'll explore the performing arts industry and how it works.
  • You'll build a portfolio of practical work to support progression to higher study or employment.

How you will learn

You'll learn through collaborative, immersive studio sessions in the classroom. Assessment is practical and project-based, reflecting the demands of the performing arts industry. You'll take part in performances and productions, and build a body of work over the two years. Written and reflective tasks support your practical learning.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Activate Learning Guildford 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, works in stage shows, music videos, or touring productions.
  • Stage manager, coordinates the technical and logistical side of live performance.
  • Production assistant, supports creative teams on stage or screen projects.
  • Drama facilitator, leads performance workshops in schools or community settings.
  • Casting assistant, helps source and organise talent for productions.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Acting or Performing Arts, a degree at a university or conservatoire building directly on this Diploma.
  • BA (Hons) Theatre Production or Stage Management, for those drawn to the production side of the industry.
  • Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts, a Level 5 option if you want to progress before a full degree.
  • Drama school audition programmes, specialist training routes for those pursuing professional performance careers.