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BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Acting

Exam board: BTEC

What is the course about?

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Acting offers you the opportunity to gain substantial vocational training in the field of Performing Arts. The team of practitioners at Leyton Sixth Form College are highly experienced in their craft, all coming from a professional performance background and work extensively outside of the college. Consequently students experience a rich learning environment gaining practical skills from industry professionals, it’s not surprising that the students who have left us and are now studying at the world's most acclaimed drama schools. Our network enables students to gain experience working in a wider range of professional stage and film productions giving constant opportunity to further develop confidence and talent within any sphere. Our ethos is to train you to build a range of transferable skills for other employment opportunities. To develop high levels of confidence, self-discipline and communication aiding you to advance in a range of careers both in the private and public sectors, e.g. marketing, public relations & events management to name a few.

Duration of course:

Two years.

What units/topics will be studied?

Year 1 = 90 Credits. Core Units: Performance Workshop, Principles of Acting, Performing to an Audience Specialist Units [Performance]: Devising, Voice and the Actor, Theatre in Education, Acting Auditions, Storytelling As Performance, Film and TV Acting.

What do I need to study this subject?

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above.

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What can I do to prepare myself to study this subject?

Mental preparation is vital for any student wishing to study on the programme as the two year course will be challenging, both academically and personally. We expect you to meet that challenge with commitment and determination, paying particular attention to your personal development. In order for you to get the most out of the course, you should be prepared to work under instruction and use your own initiative. You will frequently be asked to work outside of the normal timetable for intensive rehearsals, and you will be expected to prioritise your college work over everything else!
Further Reading: Declan Donnellan, The Actor and the Target. Alison Oddey, Devising Theatre. William Shakespeare, The Complete Works. V. Freakley & R. Sutton, Essential Guide to Business in the Performing Arts. Magazines and Publications: The Stage; Contacts; Total Theatre; The Drama Review; The Guardian; The Times; The Independent; Time Out.

Where can this lead me?

Students find that these courses expand and consolidate their musical experience, either for personal development or as a preparation for higher education. It is an excellent course for students who wish to study classical music at university or music college.

What are the enrichment opportunities as part of this subject?

The Leyton Season forms part of the exciting enrichment programme encompassing a large number of events, from professional music shows, Free Cinema Nights and Full-scale Student theatre productions and Musicals. The Season features something for everyone and students who get involved in the enrichment projects and productions experience a professional rehearsal period, culminating in a live production performed to a paying audience. This is not only a stimulating enrichment activity but a chance for performing arts students to get a real feel for the profession with a truly practical approach.

If you would like to see more of the work we do and keep up to date with our events, visit our independant website and social media at;