What is it?
This is an exciting and varied course developing technique and performance skills in; singing, dancing and acting (you need to have experience in at least two of these before joining the course). It aims to provide budding West End stars with the skills to apply for higher education courses, or vocational training in the industry. You will have technique classes and workshops as well as numerous performance opportunities. You will undertake work experience in the community and will focus on the high standards needed in the musical theatre industry.
Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?
The course is ideal for performers who want to develop their skills in acting, singing and dance. The course will prepare you for applications to prestigious musical theatre schools and university courses. You will have excellent teaching and learning and excellent facilities, including a 300 seat theatre.
What skills will I develop?
Confidence – you will develop confidence in yourself as a performer across the disciplines to allow you to perform to the very highest standard.
Group work – you will work as part of a production team throughout the course, assisting each other to produce collaborative and creative performances.
Creativity – you will learn choreography skills, imagine and invent believable and mature character based performances.
Professionalism – you will adhere to the high expectations and standards set out, mirroring that of the professional industry.
Resilience – you will learn how to recover quickly from mistakes and remain calm and professional and carry on, preparing for show experiences.
Discipline – you will develop a strong sense of discipline to fully prepare you for the world of performing arts.
How will I be taught?
The course is 100% coursework and you will be taught mainly through practical sessions (4 sessions per week). Whilst there are elements of independent study, collaborative learning is at the forefront of lessons and assessments. Preparedness for all practical lessons is essential and, whilst not compulsory, a commitment to the wider performing arts faculty has proven to have a very clear correlation to achieving the highest grades.
How will I be assessed?
Assessed 100% through coursework and practical performances.
Assessed through ongoing coursework, practical performances and exams.
Teacher expertise
All teachers are subject specialists with clear area specialisms allowing for really high quality teaching and learning.
Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
Strong working relationship with the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and The Academy for Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) who run several workshops, trips and auditions are held throughout the year to give the students current and professional expertise and experience. Visits to watch plays, musicals and local amateur performances are arranged to allow students to experience live theatre as well as work experience opportunities with the likes of Radio Wave, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, The Grand Theatre and the BBC amongst many others!
Where does it lead?
The course is designed to train students to become performers and work professionally in the performing arts industry. However, the vast experience that the students will gain can also lead to jobs in teaching, sound and lighting design, costume and set design, directing, marketing and PR to name but a few. Our students travel the length and breadth of the country and abroad after they leave sixth form. This year has been our most successful year to date with more students than ever going on to study at prestigious institutions. Students have gained places at The Hammond, Goldsmiths, The Arden Theatre School, Performers College and the University of Creative Arts in London to name but a few!
Equipment
Black rehearsal clothing – all students must wear suitable black gym/dance wear clothes for all lessons. Black jazz shoes and trainers are essential.
Examination board
Pearson BTEC.
Specific Requirements
- At least two years of recent significant performance experience.
What will I study?
You will develop all 3 disciplines on this course; movement, acting and vocal technique. However the predominant discipline developed will be singing technique.
Musical Theatre Skills Development:
- Exploring Performance Styles
- Creating Performance Material
- Performing Musical Theatre for an Audience
- The Performing Arts Industry
- Planning a Career in the Industry