Level 2
Performing Arts, BTEC First Diploma
Level 2
Performing Arts, BTEC First Diploma
If you thrive on stage, love expressing yourself through movement, voice, and character, and want to turn your passion into a future career, this hands-on course is the perfect starting point. You’ll train in an exciting, supportive environment at Weston College’s dedicated Performing Arts base at Loxton Campus, building the confidence, discipline, and technical skills needed for a life in the performing arts industry.
Course Overview
Delivered at Loxton Campus, this highly practical Level 2 course immerses you in every aspect of performance. You will train in exceptional campus facilities, including professional theatre spaces, fully equipped dance studios, acting and rehearsal rooms, and technical performance areas featuring specialist lighting and sound equipment. These industry-standard environments allow you to experience what it’s really like to work in live theatre, musical theatre, and multimedia performance.
You will be supported throughout your training by tutors who are active industry professionals, bringing experience from theatre, TV, film, dance and musical theatre into your sessions. As part of Weston’s Career Excellence Hub for Creative Arts, you’ll also benefit from employer engagement, professional development opportunities, and real insight into the performing arts sector.
During the course you will take part in workshops, rehearsals, script work, movement classes, devised projects and public performances, all designed to mirror real industry expectations. You will complete six core modules to build your foundation in performance, along with additional specialist units that allow you to explore areas you are most passionate about. Your final assessment may involve auditioning and performing in a full-scale production or taking on a production role. Past Weston College productions include Chicago, Blood Brothers, Made in Dagenham, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Shop of Horrors, Lord of the Flies, The Wonderful World of Dissocia and more.
What will I study?
- Acting techniques and character development
- Dance and movement for performance
- Vocal technique, singing, and voice projection
- Musical Theatre and physical theatre
- Devising and creating original work
- Professional profile development and industry context
- Ensemble work and responding to direction
- Creative collaboration and production skills
How will I be assessed?
- Practical performance assessments
- Workshops, rehearsals, and in-studio tasks
- Written reflections, research tasks, and logbooks
- End-of-unit performance projects
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
- Musical theatre cinema trips
- Industry talks and professional workshops
- New York Performing Arts trip
- Multiple theatre visits, backstage tours, and collaborative projects
- Access to employer links and professional development through the Career Excellence Hub for Creative Arts
Clothing required: dancewear, appropriate footwear (including specialist dance shoes if relevant), a branded college T-shirt, and black professional clothing suitable for movement.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–2 with at least two at grade 4
- English and maths study will continue if Grade 4 has not yet been achieved
- Some prior performing arts experience is helpful but not essential
- Enthusiasm, commitment and teamwork skills required
- Good written/theory skills to support practical work
What can I do after this course?
- Progress to the Performing Arts BTEC National Extended Diploma
- Explore Level 2/3 apprenticeships in creative or production roles
- Take on roles such as junior performer, workshop assistant, or events support
- Continue your journey into acting, theatre, dance, or TV production pathways
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
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