HNC in Performing Arts (Part-time)

COURSE SPECIFICATION

This course is aimed at undergraduate students who wish to develop skills in the Performing Arts, especially those desiring to continue their studies at university or vocational drama school level. Graduates of this course have completed degree programmes at University, attended recognised Drama schools, become teachers and workshop leaders or found employment in the industry.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the performance industry and will hold a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts or equivalent related qualifications, providing a minimum of 64 UCAS Points. Where you do not hold appropriate related qualifications, you may apply for the course by demonstrating academic ability through a portfolio of work.

You will develop skills within all the performance disciplines with a key focus on personal achievement and growth. Our specialist tutors will help you become competent, confident, and innovative within your performance practice, whilst developing your knowledge of the underpinning theory.

You will have the opportunity to perform in musicals, concerts, cabaret shows, plays, music gigs, and audition scenarios and to collaborate with outside agencies, thus expanding your network of contacts.

This course has been designed to provide higher-level performing arts training in a vocational environment. This course aims to enable aspiring performers and creatives to enter the profession.

The course structure will allow learners to develop skills within the three key performance disciplines (singing, dancing and acting) with a key focus on personal achievement and employability. Emphasis is placed on developing student autonomy, and students are encouraged to take ownership of their work. Our subject specialist tutors guide and support students to become competent, confident and innovative within the performing arts practice.

To complement the studies, learners will also have the opportunity to work alongside current industry professionals. In the past, we have had guest lectures and workshops from cast members of Urinetown, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and the RSC. This gives students first-hand knowledge of current industry practices and demonstrates the standards that are required to be a successful practitioner.

Whilst studying, students have taken part in musicals, concerts, cabaret performances, plays, radio dramas, music gigs and major auditions. Past students have also gained work experience placements through our industry contacts, which has enabled access to employment and mentorship.

Alongside the performance skills, students will develop knowledge and experience of the ‘backstage’ environment, taking on production roles for performances not only in the college theatre but other venues, including the local professional theatre, Theatre Severn.

Such roles could include stage management (stage manager, assistant stage manager, deputy stage manager), lighting operation and sound operation. For those students with further interest and desire within this area, work experience in a professional venue can be organised. Visiting companies also use the college theatre, and opportunities to work collaboratively with outside companies have been set up, allowing you to develop professional contacts and work experience.

This course includes the following units:

Professional Development (15 Credits) Level 4

The performing arts have undergone significant shifts, driven by technology's impact on creation and consumption. This evolution, while challenging, opens new avenues. Staying current with industry trends and continuously honing skills is crucial for employability. Successful professionals in this field are often versatile and enterprising, building portfolio careers that leverage their full skill set. Understanding one's strengths and professional identity is key to developing a career strategy. This unit will guide you in exploring employment paths related to your specialisation, mastering self-presentation, and embarking on professional development. Upon completion, you will have defined your career path and demonstrated the autonomy necessary for success in the creative industry.

Jazz Dance 1 (15 Credits) Level 4

Jazz, as a dance genre, has developed greatly over the years and, as such, forms the basis for many musical theatre dance styles and pop videos as well as providing a technical base for classes. There have been many innovators and creators of their own styles during the development of the genre, and this unit aims to enable students to develop their ability in the studio as a jazz dancer and broaden their contextual knowledge, which will, in turn, inform style and performance. An emphasis is placed on the quality of the work produced and the ability to self-correct through knowledge and understanding of jazz technique. Students will also learn to combine steps, which will result in the ability to pick up choreographic combinations. By the end of this unit, students will be able to execute the required vocabulary in set and unset combinations, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry. Students will also have a broader knowledge of the development of jazz as a dance genre. Devising Theatre & Performance (15 Credits) Level 4

Singing 1 (15 Credits) Level 4

This unit aims to develop independent, versatile vocal practitioners for musical theatre. Students will gain a deep understanding of vocal mechanics and technique, improving confidence, tonal security, and musical ear through exercises and songs. They'll master effective warm-ups, breathing, and vocal production, also learning to balance the differing abdominal requirements for singing and dance. By the unit's end, students will safely prepare their voices, demonstrate basic breathing, understand voice production, and perform using appropriate techniques.

The Performing Arts Industry (15 Credits) Level 4

Navigating the complex and evolving performing arts industry, which encompasses various specialist disciplines, requires a thorough understanding of its operations, from individual and collaborative work to prioritising health and well-being. This unit aims to equip students with essential knowledge for thriving in this environment, covering employability, self-maintenance, financial management, and effective online and offline marketing strategies. Furthermore, it addresses the pressures and risks inherent in the performing arts by exploring health, safety, and personal well-being. Upon completion, students will have a clear grasp of industry mechanisms, pathways to employment, and the importance of well-being within the performing arts context.

Production Communication (15 Credits) Level 4

Effective teamwork and communication are vital for any successful event or production, especially with advancing technologies demanding diverse communication methods. This unit teaches students to problem-solve, be innovative, and clearly articulate their skills within the creative industry. They'll also develop Health and Safety awareness, explore alternative coordination approaches (backstage and front-of-house), and enhance their teamwork skills to become crucial contributors. Students will master various communication methods, both oral and technological, enabling them to effectively interpret and manage tasks in a vocational context—skills invaluable in any team-oriented, innovative role.

Acting 1 (15 Credits) Level 4

This unit introduces fundamental acting principles, enabling students to explore and develop technical and interpretive skills for diverse performance contexts, laying a foundation for future growth tailored to their individual needs. Students will engage with various accepted acting techniques and systems, covering performance preparation, text analysis, rehearsal, and performance technique. Upon completion, they will grasp key acting processes, character development methods, and appreciate the complexity of creating truthful performances.

Ensemble Singing (15 Credits) Level 4

This unit focuses on developing effective ensemble singers for musical theatre, emphasising both unison and harmony. Students will master key music rehearsal principles like learning harmony, active listening, understanding the cast-MD relationship, etiquette, and ensemble singing disciplines (phrasing, dynamics, accent, diction, blending, sight-singing). They will also develop an understanding of pitch relationships, internal timekeeping, and basic aural skills, including recognising and singing musical intervals, alongside rudiments of music notation and score reading. Beyond technical singing, students will integrate characterisation, storytelling, and stylistic understanding of various musical theatre genres.

*units are subject to change, dependent on the needs of the student group.

The majority of work is assessed through performance. Methods of assessment will include written assignments, controlled assessments, observations and presentations.

For the course, you will need a memory stick or hard drive with a high capacity, a journal or notepad, movement clothing and basic ballet shoes.

If you wish to continue your studies there is the option of a top-up year to achieve an HND (subject to individual entry requirements).

A graduate of this course could go on to a career in the performing arts industry as a performer, undertaking work in entertainment, television, stage, touring productions or community work. Successful performer could also develop their skills as a ‘Creative’ in the field, obtaining directorial roles within the field on a self-employed basis.

Throughout the year of study, students will develop skills in performance; singing; dancing and acting as well as skills used in directing and choreographing. These developments are enabled through the delivery of subject-specific modules and through the experiences gained on the course. The experiences gained on the course include performing in the town’s professional theatre, Theatre Severn, working with seasoned professionals, attending professional workshops as well as visiting regional theatres for live performances.

This course has historically offered students the opportunity to access an overseas trip, where students will visit a country to experience different cultures and gain a wider understanding of their subject area. Previous trips have been to Berlin, Barcelona and Verona.

You can apply online by clicking the apply button above, where you will need to create an account as a new user. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Admissions Team on 01743 653333 or email parttimecourses@scg.ac.uk