CONTENT
Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts
This component will help you to understand the requirements of being an actor, dancer or musical theatre performer or designer across a range of performances and performance styles. You will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of performance styles. You will look at elements such as roles, responsibilities and the application of relevant skills and techniques. You will broaden your knowledge through observing existing repertoire and by learning about the approaches of practitioners, and how they create and influence performance material.
Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts
In this component, you will develop performance or production arts skills and techniques. You will have the opportunity to specialise in one or more of the following disciplines: acting, dance, musical theatre or production. You will take part in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical and interpretative skills through the rehearsal and performance process. You will work from existing performing arts repertoire, applying relevant skills and techniques to reproduce the work. Throughout your development, you will review your own progress and consider how to make improvements. Developing performance skills and techniques will enable you to consider your aptitude and enjoyment for performing arts, helping you to make informed decisions about what you study in the future. This component will help you to progress to Level 3 qualifications in performing arts, where skills and techniques are looked at in more detail.
Component 3: Performing to a Brief
In this component, you will have the opportunity to respond to a brief. You will be given a brief that outlines the performance or production requirements and that asks you to consider your target audience and to start the creative process by using the given stimulus included in the brief. Working as part of a group, you will develop your ideas for a workshop performance (as a performer or designer) and apply your skills and techniques to communicate your creative intentions to your audience. The performance/production skills you will use will vary depending on features such as your performance/production discipline and the content of the work, your venue and target audience. The work may involve improvisation, vocal work, movement techniques or assisting with audience involvement (performer). A production student’s skills may include creation of set, props, costume, make up or the operation of lighting and sound equipment. The group performance may involve some solo or small-group work or it may be an ensemble piece. You will have the opportunity to inform the performance using existing or newly developed skills, adapting them to suit the performance. This component will help you with progression to Level 3 vocational or academic qualifications. This component will also enable you to develop transferable skills, such as communication and teamwork, which will help you to progress onto further study or into employment.
ASSESSMENT
Work is assessed by case studies, assignments, performance observations, rehearsal logs and projects. Internally assessed work is moderated by BTEC Examiners.
The Award is studies at Level 2 and equivalent to a GCSE at 9-5 grades. In some exceptional circumstances students may be entered for the Level 1 qualification (GCSE 4-1).
Performing Arts is a practical subject, which requires commitment and dedication and doing the Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre specialism will of course include performing to the public as part of the course. The Production Arts students will be responsible for crewing live performances as stage managers, lighting or sound operators etc.
This is an ideal course for those interested in Performing Arts, introducing the skills needed in this industry and career progression into the Performing Arts Industry. Performing Arts allows students the opportunity to experiment and take risks; develop teamwork and communication skills and build self-confidence and professional abilities.
PROGRESSION AT POST-16 & BEYOND
There are several progression routes that students who achieve a Merit or above on this course could take at post-16 – all of which are available at our Sixth Form RR6:
A Level in Drama and Theatre Studies, BTEC National Level 3 Performing Arts with routes in Acting or Dance or the BTEC Level 3 in Production Arts.
Performing Arts can benefit students who wish to pursue a career in the arts, media, the communications industry, law, marketing and any career which deals with the public or presentations in business.
