Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Barnsley

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Barnsley. Classes run at Barnsley College, full-time during the day.

The course covers both performance and technical production. You'll train in acting, dance, and stagecraft, as well as lighting, sound, set design, and stage management. You'll work on live productions in the college's Electric Theatre, including large-scale public performances. The course runs over two years.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

Production arts gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills working as a technician in the creative industries. If your passion is to light a film, organise actors backstage, produce ear-shredding sound at a festival, cue musical theatre performers on the West End or build a set and create props, this course is for you! You will work on specialist projects, as well as large scale public performances each year, in our wonderful Electric Theatre. Our performing arts and production arts students will work closely with each other. You will develop transferable skills such as: communication skills, self-confidence, become an excellent team-player & problem solver, as well as developing your specialist skills Course content: You will learn how the creative industries work and develop links with employers. This is no ordinary course, you will gain skills in lighting, sound and stage management and be assessed on the productions you run in the Electric Theatre. This course mirrors industry and you will work with the latest equipment. Applicants must be responsible, physically fit, be able to work at height and prepared to study in a vocational environment on a course that is equivalent to three A Levels. Upon successful completion of this course you will gain the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress to degree level study or employment in the performing arts industry. The qualification attracts 72, 120 and 168 UCAS tariff points for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades respectively, which is equivalent to three A Levels.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade A* to C including GCSE maths at grade 4 or above plus GCSE English at grade 4 or above. Relevant experience and a successful audition. Successful interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop acting and performance skills for stage and screen.
  • You'll train in dance techniques and movement.
  • You'll learn stage lighting design and operation.
  • You'll operate sound equipment for live events and productions.
  • You'll build sets and create props for performances.
  • You'll manage backstage operations and stage management tasks.
  • You'll work on large-scale public productions in a professional theatre space.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical studio sessions, workshops, and live productions. Assessment is project-based, with performances, technical demonstrations, and portfolio work. You'll take part in productions at the Electric Theatre each year. An audition and interview are part of the entry process.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor, performs in theatre, film, television, or commercial productions.
  • Dancer, works in stage shows, music videos, or touring productions.
  • Stage manager, coordinates performers and crew during live events.
  • Lighting technician, designs and operates lighting rigs for performances.
  • Sound technician, manages audio for live events and productions.
  • Set designer, builds and dresses performance spaces for theatre and film.
  • Production assistant, supports creative teams on stage and screen projects.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Performing Arts or Theatre, a degree for those wanting to specialise further in performance or directing.
  • BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre or Production Arts, suited to those focusing on the technical side.
  • Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts, a shorter higher-level route into the industry.

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