Foundation Degree in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) SUBJECT TO VALIDATION

What will I do on the course?

Musical Theatre as a genre, whilst being the most challenging, is also one of the biggest employers of performers within the Entertainment Industry. Indeed most auditions / jobs that surface often require performers who are able to deliver in more than one performance discipline. This course is designed to meet this demand with a full first year of intensified "triple threat" training and a ground breaking second year that focuses on professional industry work based performance.

Year One:

The first year of the course focusses on pulling apart and redeveloping the acquired skills of the performer from previous training, whether this be from A Level / BTEC Extended Diploma or Professional / Amateur Theatrical experience. The mind set is practical in the main, developing and nurturing all three disciplines of performance; Acting, Song and Dance. The course is led by in house lecturers, however to provide a broader and more rewarding learning experience, workshops are often held by external practitioners within the field. As the course is based on Fringe Musical Theatre and their associated companies, you will be working on student assisted / student led business projects to give a true understanding of the rigours and challenges undertaken by the often self-employed "jobbing" actor. These can include, but aren't restricted to; Live Event Promotion, Networking, Marketing and self employed administration tasks relating to self tax assessment and insurance.

Year Two:

The second year takes the form of an 'in house' based fringe theatre company, performing a minimum of 3 small scale musicals initially within various city Fringe Theatre scenes. You will be employed by 'Greasepaint Productions' as professional performers, working with industry practitioners (Directors, Musical Directors and Choreographers) towards a profit share production. A minimum of 3 profit share productions will enable you to not only build your performers CV, but also secure membership into industry unions and bodies, such as Equity and Spotlight. By the end of the course, you will be able to invite agents and casting directors to your productions with a view to joining their books, knowing you have a healthy Theatrical CV backed up with your intensive training and the administrative ability to thrive as a self-employed actor.

What qualifications do I need?

• 200 - 240 UCAS Points
• Successful Triple Threat Audition & Interview
• Related Work Experience
• Mature students welcome by Triple Threat Audition & Interview

Where is it held?

This course is offered at our Lichfield campus, with sessions also being taught at our partner venue, The Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Students are also eligible to utilise all of the resources offered at Staffordshire University campuses to support their studies.

What could I do after completing the course?

On completion of the course students will be able to:

• Progress to a BA(Hons) Musical Theatre (top up) course
• Progress to the BA (hons) Acting and Theatre Arts at Staffordshire University
• Apply for other HE courses at Drama Schools and other institutions
• Move directly into Musical Theatre / Performing Arts related employment

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is ongoing throughout the duration of the course with, in most cases, practical work supported by production paperwork. Work placement through 'Greasepaint Productions' is conducted through regular auditions with internal and external based practitioners, reflective of industry practice, as well as with your course tutor, with summative assessment at the end of the course via professional Fringe Theatre performance and production.

How should I Apply?:

Applications for this course must be placed directly with South Staffordshire College either privately or through your existing education provider, using the above course code. Once your application is processed you will be asked to attend an audition and interview. You will also be signed as an applicant under the Staffordshire University Regional Federation which overseas some university courses within the Staffordshire/Shropshire areas and may also receive additional communications through the University.