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Post-16 Level 3 Extended Diploma

specialist pathways include musical theatre, dance and acting

Our leading level 3 courses give you the opportunity to train in a vocational, drama school environment whilst studying for a government-funded*, recognised qualification.

We're proud to be the premier provider of full-time musical theatre and dance training in the area, every year attracting applicants from all over the UK.

Our Level 3 Extended Diploma course is fully-funded. It is equivalent to 3 A levels and carries UCAS points on completion. You will study a range of units relevant to your chosen pathway including ballet, jazz dance, acting, singing and musical theatre.

The course is delivered through a mixture of practical group workshops, theory based sessions and both group and individual tutorials. Our students are closely monitored throughout their course and are supported by outstanding pastoral care.

Throughout the course you will work hard developing core skills in order to progress to vocational training at a professional level. The course focuses on practical, technical and theoretical training.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 course, students may choose to audition for vocational drama school courses or progress to higher education / degree courses.

Why study at The Big Act?

There are several differences between our courses and Level 3 courses offered at more traditional educational establishments - teaching faculty, vocational focus, industry exposure, opportunities etc.

Application Procedure

Entry is strictly by audition only. There is no audition fee. Applications should be made online. We are happy to arrange online auditions for overseas applicants only.

*Funding

Our level 3 courses attract 'normal' government funding in exactly the same way as attending your local college to study any subject at A-level / BTEC or an equivalent full-time level 3 qualification. Funding is dependant upon the student achieving a minimum grade 4 in English and Maths.

2025 APPLICATIONS
OPEN NOW!

Complete your online application today to be included in our next audition!

AT A GLANCE

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma (180 credits)

  • Classes streamed by ability throughout

  • Varied, vocationally focussed timetable

TIMETABLE

Acting technique

Acting impro

Acting text

Acting through song

Anatomy & physiology

Audition class

Ballet

Barre

BodyCon

Classical text

Commercial

Contemporary

Ensemble singing

Heels

Hip Hop

Integration

Jazz

Musical Theatre

Music Theory

Pas de deux

Pointe

Pilates

Stretch

Tap repertoire

Tap technique

Voice technique

Classes may vary depending on course pathway

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