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Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Daventry

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Daventry. Classes run at Northampton College at Daventry, full-time over two years. The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds. If you're 19 or over, funding may still be available depending on your age and qualifications.

The course covers technical theatre skills from the ground up. You'll explore stage management, set design and construction, theatrical lighting, and sound. You'll also work backstage on live performances and support music events. The course combines tutor-led sessions with practical, hands-on work. You'll collaborate with acting, dance, and musical theatre students on real productions.

Entry requires four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a Level 2 Diploma in Technical Theatre Production, plus GCSE English and maths. You'll also need to attend a workshop session in the summer before you start. You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study and employment in the performing arts sector. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study. The qualification will enable students to: Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within production arts or related subjects of study or work Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production Solve complex problems through the application of practical, theoretical and technical understanding Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for own learning, development and decision- making Take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities On this course, you learn by completing projects and some written assignments that are completed only while working on realistic workplace situations, to enable you to gain the experience needed to pursue a career in the production industries. Core Units: Production Arts Principles of performance Engaging with an audience Introduction to professional practice Critical and contextual awareness Production skills and context Performance skills and context Preparation for specialist study Collaborative performance project Developing performance and production skills Preparing for progression Exploration of specialist study and context Extended project

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 4-5/C or above or Level 2 Diploma in Technical Theatre Production plus GCSE English and maths at Grade 3/D or Functional Skills English and maths at Level 1 . You must attend the Workshop Session in the summer.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop stage management skills and learn health and safety conventions for theatre.
  • You'll explore set design and construction techniques.
  • You'll work with theatrical and music lighting and sound equipment.
  • You'll take part in backstage production of live performances.
  • You'll support music gigs and cross-college events.
  • You'll study contextual and theoretical aspects of theatre design and production.
  • You'll collaborate with acting, dance, and musical theatre students on stage productions.

How you will learn

Learning combines tutor-led sessions with practical, hands-on work. You'll complete both practical and theory-based assignments. Some sessions are independent study; others are in small groups. There may be opportunities to attend external performances and workshops with local and national theatres and venues.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College at Daventry will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor, performs in theatre, film, or television productions.
  • Dancer, works in stage, commercial, or contemporary dance.
  • Stage manager, coordinates all technical and logistical aspects of a production.
  • Lighting technician, designs and operates lighting for live events and theatre.
  • Sound technician, manages audio for live performances and productions.
  • Theatre production assistant, supports the creative and technical team on productions.
  • Set designer, creates and builds stage environments for theatre and events.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Technical Theatre or Stage Management, the natural next step after this Extended Diploma.
  • A degree in Performing Arts or Drama, for those focusing on performance rather than production.
  • A specialist production or technical theatre apprenticeship, combining work and further training.
  • A Higher National Diploma in Creative Arts, for a shorter higher-education route.
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