Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Northampton. Classes run full-time at Northampton College, five days a week during the day. The course runs over two years and covers dance techniques, contextual study, and performance work. You'll study ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, street and urban dance, alongside choreography and independent research. Learning combines tutor-led sessions with practical work, and you'll take part in public performances, community shows, and trips to theatres. To join, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts or Dance, plus GCSE English and maths at grade 3 or Functional Skills English and maths at Level 1. You must also attend a summer workshop session.
Who this course is for
Develop your potential for working in the performing arts (work or further study). Experience a range of performing skills, including dance, acting and singing. Two full scale productions in each year one at an external venue, one in-house cabaret and performances in the community. Learning is by a mixture of both tutor led and practical sessions.
The qualification comprises a combination of practical and theory-based assignments. Opportunity to perform for friends, family and members of the public on a number of occasions, go on a variety of trips and visits to theatres and shows and learn about the musical theatre industry. Strong links with The Royal and Derngate Theatre, local and national dance schools/companies - you will get the opportunity to attend dance workshops with professional Musical Theatre practitioners and other companies. Offers a wide choice of units to reflect the range of opportunities available within the performing arts sector. Students have the option of a specialist pathway where they can take a learning route that fits with their individual career aspirations. It provides students with an understanding of performing arts through engagement with techniques, the work of practitioners, industry conventions and community projects.
If you have not yet achieved a Grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics, you will also be working towards this qualification. Students need to be enthusiastic, happy to work with others and confident to perform in front of an audience and alongside other arts disciplines. Opportunity to perform in a variety of theatres and locations on a number of occasions and to go on trips to theatres and shows, both locally and in the West End of London, representing the college at Awards Ceremonies and events.
Singing Techniques
Movement in Performance
Tap Dance
Auditions for Actors
Rehearsing for Performance
Applying Classical Ballet Technique
Jazz Dance
Historical Context of Performance
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade 4-5 /C or above or Level 2 Diploma in Musical Theatre/Performing Arts 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 technique across ballet, jazz, and tap as core disciplines.
You'll practise contemporary, street, and urban dance styles.
You'll build choreographic skills and create your own performance work.
You'll study the performing arts industry, including the work of practitioners and industry conventions.
You'll carry out independent research to deepen your knowledge and individual practice.
You'll perform in public productions, including an external venue show and an in-house performance each year.
You'll complete a combination of practical and theory-based assignments.
How you will learn
Learning is a mix of tutor-led sessions and practical work in the studio. Assessment combines practical performance work with theory-based assignments. Each year builds toward a full-scale production that you research, devise, and perform yourself. You'll work both independently and in small groups. There may also be opportunities to attend external performances and workshops with industry professionals.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Dancer. Performing in professional productions and touring shows.
Dance teacher or instructor. Teaching technique in studios or schools.
Choreographer. Creating and directing movement for stage or screen.
Community arts worker. Delivering arts projects in community settings.
Theatre performer. Acting, dancing, or performing in live productions.
Performing arts technician. Supporting productions backstage or front of house.
Dance or arts administrator. Coordinating programmes for arts organisations.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Dance or Performing Arts. A degree at a conservatoire or university, the natural next step from this Extended Diploma and a route into professional performance or teaching.
BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Studies. Broadens into acting and theatre-making alongside performance skills.
PGCE in Dance or Drama. For those who want to teach performing arts in secondary schools after completing a degree.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts. A two-year higher education qualification if you want a shorter route than a full degree.
