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Musical Theatre (Foundation Degree)
This is a very practical, performer-based course in which you will develop Musical Theatre performance skills in acting, singing and dance.
For more information about this course please visit the School of Music and Performing Arts website.
As well as gaining a practical and theoretical understanding of Musical Theatre as an art form, you will develop the necessary skills and industrial awareness to prepare you for work in a broad range of employment fields including musical theatre, music, theatre and media industries, community arts and teaching.
Students on this two-year full-time course are based at The Wessex Academy of Performing Arts at Weston College, Weston-super-Mare.
Course Structure and Content
The course aims to develop you as an 'intelligent performer' who will combine technical skills, contextual understanding and business skills.
As part of your training you will explore the socio-historical and cultural underpinnings of the American and European Musical Theatre and the performing arts industry.
Modules
Year 1:
- Skills Workshop 1
- Skills Workshop 2
- Performance Workshop 1
- Performance Project
- Musical Theatre in Context 1
- Professional Studies 1
Year 2:
- Skills Workshop 3
- Skills Workshop 4
- Performance Workshop 2
- Professional Studies 2
- Musical Theatre in Context 2
- Final Production
Teaching Methods and Resources
You will undertake weekly skills classes in acting, singing and dance and will learn how to apply both practical skills and contextual awareness through a series of process-driven, skills-based practical projects that will explore the relationship between the three disciplines of acting, singing and dance. Throughout the course, you will be asked to reflect critically on your practical work and identify areas for personal development.
Industry awareness is the other key feature of this course and will be delivered in a number of ways, including classes with visiting industry lecturers, employment-related workshops in the first year and a professional work placement in the second year. Placements will, to a great extent, be driven by the specific professional aims of individual students, and will draw on Weston College's extensive network of contacts within theatre and arts organisations nationally. There may be opportunities for you to undertake work placements in other countries, such as Germany and Switzerland, which have flourishing Musical Theatre industries. Whether undertaken locally or abroad, the aim of work placements will be to serve both as an educational resource and as a way of increasing your employability in your chosen field.
On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can apply to progress to the third year of an associated full BA honours degree. Entry to Year 3 will be by interview and audition and is normally restricted to applicants who have completed the Foundation Degree in full.
Assessment Methods
Throughout the course you will be assessed through a wide range of methods, including formal written assignments, critical reflective journals, research presentations, performances, professional industry placement and ongoing evaluation of in-class contributions.
Typical Offers
160-200 UCAS Tariff points (eg BC; CD+AS c), including 80 points in related subject/s such as: BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, Dance, Drama or Theatre; A level Drama and Theatre Studies; A level Performing Arts; A level Dance; A Level Music; Grade 8 in voice.
Alternative qualifications and non-traditional entry applications will be considered.
Group and/or individual auditions will be held.
