Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Gateshead – Gateshead College Baltic Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
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 Gateshead. Classes run at Gateshead College Baltic Campus. This full-time, daytime performing and production arts course focuses on urban, jazz, and street dance styles, alongside choreography and musical theatre performance. You'll also explore the dance industry and the career options it opens up. Entry requires GCSE English at Grade 4 or above, plus three other GCSEs at Grade 4 or above; relevant Level 2 vocational qualifications are also considered. You'll also need to pass an audition. The course runs for one year.

Who this course is for

If you're looking for a career in commercial dance and love urban and street dance styles then this is the course for you. This practical, physical programme focuses on urban, jazz, and street dance styles, alongside choreography and musical theatre performance. Taught at the Baltic Campus and Academy for Sport you'll spend most of your time dancing. You'll also explore the dance business, to see what career options are open to you and how you can be ready to go straight into a job or onto further study.

Provided you've got a basic grounding in one or more dance styles, excellent basic coordination, good musicality and sense of rhythm, the ability to pick up movement and to push yourself physically, and a desire to go into dance/choreograph as a career, you're welcome to audition.

On top of this excellent experience you'll get to develop your wider employability skills, including English and Maths. This will mean studying for GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English or Maths if you don't already have them.

Entry requirements

You will need GCSE English at Grade 4 (C) or above, plus 3 other GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above (preferably including Maths). Relevant vocational qualifications at Level 2 will be considered. You will also need to pass an audition.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop technique across urban, jazz, and street dance styles.
  • You'll study choreography and create your own dance work.
  • You'll perform in musical theatre productions.
  • You'll rehearse and perform in a professional on-campus theatre.
  • You'll explore the business side of the dance and performing arts industry.
  • You'll build skills in communication, teamwork, and presenting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, physical studio sessions in the classroom and on stage. Assessment is based on performance work, choreography projects, and coursework. You'll rehearse and perform in the campus theatre, take part in community performances, and receive specialist one-to-one tuition.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Gateshead College Baltic Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Commercial dancer: performing in live shows, music videos, and tours
  • Choreographer: creating and directing dance work for stage or screen
  • Dance teacher or coach: teaching in studios, schools, or community settings
  • Musical theatre performer: combining dance, singing, and acting on stage
  • Stage manager: coordinating productions behind the scenes
  • Community arts worker: running dance and arts projects locally

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in Performing Arts or Dance: a natural next step if you want to study at degree level; many universities accept this Diploma as entry.
  • UAL Level 3 Diploma in Technical Theatre: if you discover an interest in the production side during your studies.
  • Teaching qualification (such as a PGCE or Level 4 Education and Training): if you want to teach dance or performing arts.

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