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.

Students on this two-year full-time course are based at The Wessex Academy of Performing Arts at Weston College, Weston-super-Mare.

Why study Musical Theatre (Foundation Degree) ?

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.

Course structure

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

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to apply to progress to the third year of an associated honours degree course. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references. 

Course assessment

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.

The Foundation Degree (FdA) in Musical Theatre is a very practical, performer-based course in which you will develop Musical Theatre performance skills, as well as an understanding of the American and European Musical Theatre repertoire in its historical and cultural contexts.

Teaching methods

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.

Course enquiries

Please contact Weston College - enquiries@weston.ac.uk

Entry requirements

180-220 UCAS Tariff points 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.

Career opportunities

Musical theatre, music, theatre and media industries, community arts and teaching.

What students say...

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