Performance Arts Acting BTEC
A two year course designed as the first steps in developing as an actor supporting progression to university drama school or paid acting work. It is an exciting vocational course that explores practitioners, improvisation and different styles of theatre culminating in a devised piece from a stimulus. A great combination of practical and written work to expand acting knowledge.
Please note that you cannot take BTEC Extended Certificate in Performance (Dance Route) as well as this course.
![Photograph of students on stage](https://aquinasstaging.voodooagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coursebanner_btecparts-1920x700.jpg)
The course is intended as an introduction to the Performing Arts sector and includes 2 units in the first year for the Certificate and 2 further units for the Extended Certificate in the second year. There may also be the opportunity to study 4 units in the first year leading to an extended certificate in one year.
Investigating Practitioners work
Learners investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. The unit is assessed externally through a 3 hour research based written task under controlled conditions.
Developing Skills and Techniques for live performance
Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles. The unit is assessed internally through a portfolio including a written report, a practical performance and a logbook.
In the second year students can progress to study modules that begin to prepare students for higher education courses in this area and others.
Group Performance workshop
Learners explore and integrate creative skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to given stimulus. The unit is assessed externally through 5 hour research and performance task created under controlled conditions and includes a group performance and a digital log.
Another optional unit that will be studied in the second year is from a choice including Acting Styles or Improvisation.
Students completing the BTEC will be aiming to go into either employment or to progress to Higher Education. Students completing the BTEC will be prepared for further education or drama school. Past students have gone on to act on television, advertisement, radio, amateur films, drama companies and in West End musicals. Auditioning for Drama school and/or University is extremely popular and many Aquinas students have chosen this path.
Learners will perform in a variety of showcases throughout the academic year as part of the course requirement. Attending theatre trips, external workshops, and engaging with live performance work are vital parts of the course. Performing in showcase evenings of production work is a course requirement. Attending theatre trips, external workshops and engaging with work experience opportunities are vital parts of the course and are in some cases compulsory.
There is also a couple of trips to London available for all students studying Performing Arts. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page
Performing Arts quali link here