Performing Arts
Why study Performing Arts?
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At New City College, Performing Arts students gain hands-on experience through industry-style projects and briefs that reflect current professional practice.
You’ll explore collaborative work, undertake creative roles, and engage with live performance scenarios—mirroring how real productions are developed in the performing arts world.
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Our tutors bring professional industry experience and specialist knowledge across acting, dance, musical theatre and more.
You’ll be guided through projects that refine your performance and technical skills, with access to expert feedback that supports your development into a confident performer and creative thinker.
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This qualification builds your personal performance profile and practical understanding of the industry.
You’ll develop transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, self-reflection, and project management—key for careers in the arts, higher education, or even freelancing within the creative industries.
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Throughout the course, you'll take part in large-scale performances, devised theatre, and cross-discipline collaborations. You’ll also learn how to promote yourself, create showreels or portfolios, and explore networking—all essential for progressing in the creative sector.
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At New City College, you’ll learn in a vibrant, supportive setting where your individuality and creative expression are encouraged.
With a focus on inclusive and flexible learning, you’ll be empowered to develop your unique voice while working as part of a passionate, like-minded community.
Performing arts news and highlights
Latest stories from our performing arts courses.
Performing Arts students wow guests at the Almeida Theatre
Talented students from New City College have been celebrating fantastic reviews in national newspapers after performing in an ambitious play at the Almeida Theatre, to enthusiastic audiences.
Students win scholarship to prestigious American Performing Arts Academy
Performing Arts students from New City College have won scholarships for a once in a lifetime opportunity to study at AMDA (the American Musical and Dramatic Academy).
Students deliver powerful performance in response to Adolescence drama
Two talented Performing Arts students from New City College Ardleigh Green took to the stage in an emotionally-charged production inspired by the Netflix TV show Adolescence.
Discover where your course can take you
Not sure what jobs your course could lead to?
Explore career options linked to the subject you’ve applied for. From real-world job roles to industry insights, you’ll see how your studies at New City College can help you build a successful future.
Meet Nathan
"Every role I’ve played, from school stage to drama school, has brought me closer to my dream. With passion, perseverance, and purpose, you can turn your faith into fuel and your dreams into reality."
Top tips
Explore different performance styles
Watch plays, dance shows, or musicals in different genres. The more styles you’re exposed to, the easier it’ll be to adapt in class and find your own unique performance voice.
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Work on your confidence
Performing Arts is all about expressing yourself. Try reading aloud, joining a local drama group, or even recording yourself performing. It’s a great way to get comfortable before stepping into the spotlight.
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Stay open-minded!
Be ready to work in a team, try new ideas, and take feedback. Performing Arts at New City College is collaborative and creative—you’ll learn loads just by giving things a go.
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New Roles. New Stages. New City College.








FAQs
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Performing Arts involves expressing stories, emotions, and ideas through performance—whether that’s acting, dancing, or musical theatre. It’s about developing creative and technical skills to perform confidently for live audiences or media.
The course explores both performance and the wider industry, helping you understand the roles, styles, and contexts that bring a production to life.
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You’ll study a wide range of performance skills including acting, dance, movement, character development, and creative collaboration.
You’ll also explore the performing arts industry, build your own personal performance profile, and complete real-world projects—both solo and group-based. The course is highly practical, with lots of opportunities to rehearse, reflect, and perform.
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Yes, you can! The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and is recognised by universities across the UK.
It carries UCAS points and can lead to degrees in areas like Drama, Theatre Studies, Dance, Acting, and even Media or Education. It also supports progression to BTEC Higher Nationals or entry-level roles in the creative industries.
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