PA Booklet

WELCOEM TO WEST THAMES COLLEGE

WELCOME TO WEST THAMES COLLEGE

Level 2: Award and Diploma 

Level 3 Year 1: Diploma

Level 3 Year 2: Extended 

Performing and Production Arts Department

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Overview 

Our Performing Arts courses equip you with the essential skills for a successful career, whether on stage or behind the scenes. You will participate in workshops led by highly experienced instructors, and our courses feature visits from guest directors and industry professionals, providing valuable insights.

We offer some of the best facilities in London, including state-of-the-art dance and rehearsal studios, as well as the 140-seat Endeavour Theatre, complete with a professional sound and lighting rig.

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Level 2 - 1 Year program

 Must have 2 GCSE results

Level 3 - 2 Year program

Must have 4 GCSE results

Entry requirements

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Level 2

The UAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience that fosters an understanding of the Performing Arts as a collaborative endeavor. This practical course introduces students to the key elements of performance, production, and design. It equips students with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to progress to further study and training in various performing and production arts disciplines, including acting, movement, stage production, and management.

Achieving a merit or distinction in the Level 2 Diploma can serve as a stepping stone to the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts. The course is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C and provides a strong foundation for pursuing further qualifications, with the potential to build a career in the performing arts.

As an introductory course, the Level 2 Diploma typically does not lead directly to professional performance work but lays the groundwork for future progression in the field.

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Level 3 Years 1 and 2

The UAL Level 3 Diploma (year1) and Extended Diploma (year 2) in Performing Arts is a two-year course designed to provide students with practical skills, creative knowledge, and technical expertise for a career in performing arts or further study. Equivalent to 3 A Levels, the course covers acting, movement, vocal performance, stage production, and theatre technicalities, allowing students to explore various disciplines within the field.

Students build a professional portfolio and participate in live performance projects, gaining hands-on experience. The course prepares students for careers in theatre, film, television, or higher education in performing arts-related fields.

The course offers two routes:

• Progression to Drama School or Universities
• Employment

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Schedule and Classes

• Workshop with industry professionals
• Theatre visits
• Educational visit
• Work experience
• Collaboration with media and makeup departments

• You will be in college 3 to 4 days a week 9am to 4:40pm
• Extra evenings/days for performance or filming  

• You will improve your English and Maths and gain employability skills as part of the course.

• You will use the college's new theatre, performance spaces, changing rooms and costume store. 

• Your student learning adviser will guide and support you throughout your course.

• You will receive guidance for applications to university.

Going the extra mile

• Movement
• Voice
• Script analysis
• Devising
• Screen acting
• Acting for stage
• Self-tape
• Audition Technique
• Production and Backstage skills
• Communication skills
  
• Performance skills
• Audition technique

Vocational skills

General

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Course Materials 

- Clothing: comfortable clothes that you can stretch and move in, grip socks or dance shoes for movement classes if you are not comfortable being bare foot. 

- A folder where you can keep all your scripts and paperwork such as assignment sheet and feedback sheet.

- Course Handbook (it will be given to you on the Induction day)

- Notebook

- Pens

- Highlighters

- Pencils

- Erasers

- Pencils

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

College Life

College life is a step up from school, offering a more professional environment where students are expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning. Independence is key, and students are encouraged to manage their time effectively, complete assignments on their own, and engage in self-directed study. The level of expectation is higher, with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and initiative. The college experience is designed to prepare students for university or employment, fostering a sense of professionalism, commitment, and accountability.

Additionally, college students often find themselves staying longer hours compared to school. Typically, their day runs from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., with many students involved in extracurricular activities like performing arts. For those pursuing interests like drama, music, or dance, extra days may be dedicated to rehearsals or performances. Similarly, photography students may have extra studio or shooting days that extend their schedule. It’s important for students to meet deadlines, maintain high academic standards, and actively participate in their learning journey to ensure future success in their chosen fields.

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Assessment and Grading Criteria 

Both courses have a standard blend of practical and theoretical assessments, which include the creation of an artistic portfolio (such as a blog or website) and a performance.

Level 3

Level 2 

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

Employability and Progression

Our college has strong connections with employers and universities, providing students with valuable access to these institutions through workshops and visits. Our courses ensure students are well-prepared and supported in progressing their careers. In addition to acting, students also have the opportunity to explore backstage roles, broadening their employment prospects and gaining practical experience in various aspects of the performing arts industry

 Our Students have gone on to star in film, theatre and TV roles – including The Pillars of the Earth, Shameless, The Virgin Queen, Shaun of the Dead and Love Actually. Others have found work behind the scenes as technicians or in costume and makeup departments or have progressed to Higher education course at Durham University, University of Greenwich, St Mary's University, University of Leeds, The University of Manchester, University of Leicester, amongst others. 

Level 2 - 1 year program 

Level 3 - 2 year program

An Actor's Work by Konstantin Stanislavski (1863-1938) - Ethics and Discipline

“(…) It only needs one small bit-part not to show up after the stage manager has rung the bell for there to be an inevitable hitch. Quite some time elapses while they look for the latecomer in the labyrinthine world backstage. Naturally, he will produce a hundred excuses – he didn’t hear the bell, he couldn’t get dressed and made up, his costume is torn, etc., etc. But can these excuses make up the time lost, repair the damage, fill the gap?

‘Don’t forget, there are many people involved in a show and if they don’t all pay sufficient attention to their jobs, who can guarantee there won’t be any hold-ups between the acts, or that actors won’t be late and put the other members of the cast in an impossible position? ‘Stagehands, props men and lighting men can cause delay and confusion, too, when they don’t set things properly, or take their cue, or give a lighting or sound effect. ‘Every member of the team must feel he is a “cog” in a large, complex machine, and be clearly aware of the danger to the whole show if he doesn’t do what he should, or if he departs from established procedure. ‘All you students are small cogs in a complex machine, the theatre, too, and on you depends the success, fate, well-being of the show, not only while the curtain is up, but when it is down and heavy, physical work is done, changing huge flats, putting up enormous rostrums, and actors are doing quick costume and make-up changes in their dressing rooms. When this is done in a disorderly, disorganized fashion, the audience feels it. The backstage exertions are transmitted out front, and are reflected in the ponderousness of the performance. ‘Add to that possible intervals between the acts and the show seems to be in great danger. ‘There is one way to avoid that – iron discipline. It’s essential in all artistic teamwork, be it an orchestra, a choir, or any other kind of ensemble. ‘And it applies even more to a complex stage performance. ‘There must be organization and model order in our artistic teamwork, so that the mechanics of the show proceed without a hitch.