Why study Drama BTEC?

Drama expands your self-confidence, creativity, and through these your potential in so many other areas of life. The Extended Certificate (called ‘Performing Arts’ but focused on acting) is for students who are interested in learning about the performing arts sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in performing arts.

What does the course involve?

Unit 1: Investigating practitioners’ work You will investigate the work of Performing Arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. In this Unit, you will watch a range of live theatre in different styles and learn about a range of practitioners and why their work is relevant to contemporary society. This Unit culminates with a written assessment on what you have learnt. Unit 2: Developing skills and techniques for live performance You will explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles. You will participate in regular workshops, classes and exercises where you will acquire, practice and develop the necessary technical, practical and interpretative performance skills to help you succeed when performing live to an audience. This unit culminates with a performance of a monologue in one style and a group performance from a play in a contrasting style. Unit 3: Group performance workshop You will explore and integrate creative, physical, and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus. Many professional practitioners work as devising companies to develop new, and often innovative, performance material. This may be in response to a specific commission, to meet the needs of a target audience, or to explore an artistic theme or idea. This Unit culminates with a devised performance to a live audience. 1 Flexible Unit: A range to choose from acting styles and interpreting classic texts to improvisation.

How will I be assessed?

The course is split into 4 units - 3 compulsory modules and 1 flexible choice from a range of exciting options. Assessment is threefold – students are assessed through a combination of portfolio production, graded practical activities and through performance to a live audience.

Leading to a career in?

Acting or performance; stage management; technical design, sound, lighting, costume, set and props; social care or social setting; television and media; teaching; uniformed services. Ultimately, any job that involves working in a team, with people or presenting to a group!