Vocational Academy - Performing Arts and Music
Opportunities in the North West
With the creative industries at the forefront of Blackpool’s ambitious programme of regeneration, learners can look forward to a growing number of career openings throughout the region. Already, learners enjoy a wide choice of venues at which to showcase their talents, including the famous Opera House which recently hosted The Royal Variety Performance and The Grand Theatre. Many graduates secure employment in a range of musical theatre, acting and production roles in both local and national venues. The region’s vibrant alternative/rock scene provides countless performance opportunities offering our student bands and music technicians the chance to secure contracts with agents and record producers.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above, including English Language, or a merit grade at First Certificate or Introductory Diploma.
For Music, you will need to be able to sing and/or play an instrument to an acceptable standard
- Performing Arts – BTEC Level 2 Diploma
- Music – BTEC Level 2 Diploma
Level 3
If you have 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language or a merit grade at First Diploma (eg BTEC)
For Music, you will need to be able to sing and/or play an instrument to an acceptable standard
- Performing Arts – BTEC Level 3 Diploma
- Music – BTEC Level 3 Diploma
Career Low-Down
| Career area | What they do | How much they earn |
|---|---|---|
| Musician | Sing and/or play one or more musical instruments. Performances may also include dance and movement. May compose their own work, use material written by someone else or perform cover versions. | Around £60 for up to two hours; £778 a week in London’s West End. |
| Stage/TV/Film Actor | Bring to life the characters created by playwrights and scriptwriters. Interpret their role with guidance from a director and perform either in front of a live audience, usually in a theatre, or for TV, radio or film. | Actors in West End theatres earn from £500 a week. |
| Stage Manager | Responsible for the smooth running of live theatrical performances. Link the artistic and technical aspects of a show, making sure everyone and everything involved in the production is in the right place at the right time. | From around £16,000 to £36,000 a year. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Lauren Carr
Age: 19
High School: Fleetwood
Course: National Diploma Performing Arts then BA (Hons) Acting
Why College?
It meant I could focus entirely on subjects that interested me in a mature environment.
What’s good?
The course is very hands on and the staff and other students are welcoming and friendly.
What’s next?
I’m now studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Acting here at the College – the teaching on the diploma prepared me well for the work I am doing now and the guidance I was given made me confident about auditioning at the next level.
Final thought:
I would recommend the course to anyone who is thinking seriously about becoming a professional actor.
