The Extended Diploma in Acting is a vocational programme equivalent to 3 A-levels that will develop your current levels of skill and introduce you to new areas of drama. The emphasis of the course is on learning by doing, developing a practical understanding of the performing arts in a broad sense. The Diploma enables students to follow a workshop and production-based course that aims to give them a basic grounding in the process of performance and production. Year 1 Principals of Acting Contemporary Theatre Performance Applying Acting Styles Performing Arts Business Voice for the Actor Performing to an Audience Drama Improvisation Performing with Masks Performance Workshop Rehearsing & Devising Plays Year 2There will be an opportunity to specialise in the second year but all students will study the Historical Context of Performance, Classical Theatre, Auditions for Actors, Directing Theatre and Approaches to Directing Theatre. Additional Functional Skills Certificate As part of your main course you will also gain the Edexcel Functional Skills Certificate in either Information Technology or English. This will require you to put together a short portfolio of evidence and sit a test. Course Delivery The delivery of the course will be practically based, but your contributions/submissions will include the following: Logbooks, Scrapbooks, Note Taking, Research, Discussion, Essays, Group Projects, Individual Work and Theatre Trips. Course Assessment Students will undertake a variety of assessment projects throughout the two years including solo and group projects. Students will rehearse and perform in major projects and productions at the Riverside Theatre. Additional Costs Students should budget for about £100 for each year towards Theatre Trips. Opportunities exist for progression to further professional training, Higher Education, Community Arts Work, Small Scale Touring Companies and Arts Management & Administration. Successful graduates have gained places at several top drama schools and university.