BA (Hons) Performing Arts (top up)

Program Overview

This performing arts top-up program offers hands-on learning, industry-standard facilities, and performance opportunities alongside classes in business management, creative producing, and character development. Students develop industry-ready skills through a project-based approach that culminates in an original production. Upon graduation, graduates are equipped for a range of careers in the performing arts, including teaching, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Performing Arts top-up course is designed to provide students with the tools to thrive in the performing arts industry. It is a perfect kick-starter for a career in the performing arts, providing a clear line of sight for employment. The course encourages learning by doing, with numerous opportunities to perform embedded in the program. Students will have access to co-curricular activities that will support them in gaining a more in-depth understanding of core concepts on the course. The campus’ location in Hertfordshire is beneficial, giving students easy access to opportunities in London's West End and the soon-to-be-opened Sunset Film Studio in north London. All learning facilities are of industry standards. Students will have access to dance and drama studios fitted with equipment that will support in drawing out their creativity and refining their skill set.

Outline:

The Performance Arts top-up course focuses on developing students' existing skills so that they are able to produce, manage, and sustain original theatrical work at a professional standard. The course structure allows for a single development plan to create a new entertainment production that carries through all modules. Students will have the opportunity to develop a full original production of entertainment work, enabling them to create original work and strengthen their understanding of the operational and creative process behind the work. Across their year of study, students will get fully immersed in the art of performance through consistent practice. The course will challenge students to think critically to develop ideas and encourages them to be independent, proactive, and professional – all of which are qualities that underpin the industry. Students will develop these attributes as they cover a diverse range of areas that prepare them for different aspects of working in industry. Topics covered include business management and financing, creative producing, character development, theatrical constructs, and performance.

Assessment:

Assessments are coursework based and students will work independently and with their peers on presentations, written reports, observations, and performances. Assignments will cover multiple areas of theatre production including performances, business plan creation, marketing pitches, critical analysis with research, and more.

Teaching:

The course is delivered by Hertford Regional College. The teaching staff includes:

• Francessca-Danyelle Rusling (Programme Manager and Module Lead)
• Kathryn Murphy (Lecturer)

Careers:

After completing this program, students will have developed a bank of technical and transferable skills that will help them progress in their chosen career path. There is an array of roles that recent graduates have gone on to occupy, including but not limited to roles as teachers, entertainers, and agents. Other graduates have gone down the entrepreneurial route to become small business owners of theatre schools or freelance performers.

Other:

• The course is a one-year program.
• The course is full-time.
• The course is located at Hertford Regional College.
• The course is open to UK students only.
• The course fees for the 2024/2025 academic year are £8250.