Performing Arts:
Extended Diploma

The course is designed for students who are serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts.

The course aims to give students a broad skills and knowledge base in the subject. On successful completion of the course students will then be able to pursue their particular interests at university or drama school. Past students have taken up places at institutions such as RADA, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Arts Educational, Central School of Speech and Drama and Middlesex University.

The course provides the opportunity to develop performance skills in drama, dance and singing. The course also provides students with a working knowledge of essential performance design, stage technology, administrative skills and a background understanding of the way in which the performing arts have developed.

The course combines a practical approach to the subject with rigorous academic study.

The course is dynamic, exciting and innovative and an excellent start for anyone who wants to work in this field.

The course also incorporates membership of Completely Cuckoo Theatre Company, which regularly performs and tours work to local venues and abroad. The course will include an opportunity to work in both the College's in house Studio Theatre and in professional Arts venues.

The Department also holds theatre visits, overseas trips and hosts visiting workshops. 

For more detailed information visit www.henleydrama.co.uk

Course Duration:

Completion of the course takes two years and it is a full time course of study.

The course is structured along similar lines to the traditional drama school model with the intention of teaching and developing your skills over two years in order to help you become an all round performer.

Course Units:

The course is broken down into 18 units.

Year 1:

1. PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
2. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF PERFORMANCE
3. PRINCIPLES OF ACTING
4. THE HEALTHY PERFORMER
5. SINGING TECHNIQUES AND PERFORMANCE
6. JAZZ DANCE
7. DEVELOPING CONTEMPORARY DANCE TECHNIQUE
8. DEVELOPING VOICE FOR THE ACTOR

Year 2:

9. PERFORMING ARTS BUSINESS
10. CLASSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE
11. MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE
12. AUDITIONS FOR ACTORS
13. DRAMA IMPROVISATION
14. CHOREOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES
15. DANCE PERFORMANCE
16. REHEARSING FOR PERFORMANCE
17. PERFORMING TO AN AUDIENCE (Double)

Course Costs:

Like all courses, there are occasions when you will be required to pay for something. You must purchase the course clothing and the course reading list.

You will also have to pay for theatre visits and workshop sessions. You will also need to buy a copy of the play you perform in each year.

College cheques should always be made payable to The Henley College.

For further information contact Nic Saunders, Director of Drama.