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Performing Arts

Performing Arts is a creative and practical discipline that focuses on live performance and artistic expression. It encompasses areas such as theatre, acting, dance, musical theatre, performance-making, directing, choreography, and contemporary performance practice.

 

Performing Arts programmes in UK universities combine practical performance training with the study of performance theory, culture, history, and professional practice. Students develop their artistic talents while learning how performance can entertain, educate, challenge ideas, and bring communities together.

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What will you learn?

Performance Skills

  • Acting techniques for stage and screen

  • Voice and speech training

  • Movement and physical theatre

  • Dance and choreography

  • Musical theatre performance (on relevant courses)

Creative Development

  • Creating original performances

  • Devising and collaborative work

  • Improvisation techniques

  • Storytelling and character development

  • Artistic experimentation and innovation

Production and Technical Skills

  • Stage management

  • Lighting and sound design

  • Costume and set design

  • Event and production planning

  • Digital and multimedia performance

Theatre and Performance Studies

  • History of theatre and performance

  • Contemporary performance practices

  • Performance analysis and criticism

  • Global theatre traditions

  • Cultural and social influences on performance

Professional Practice

  • Audition preparation

  • Portfolio and showreel development

  • Networking and industry engagement

  • Arts marketing and promotion

  • Freelance and self-employment skills

Transferable Skills

Students also develop:

  • Confidence and self-expression

  • Creativity and innovation

  • Communication and presentation skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Leadership and project management

  • Problem-solving and adaptability

  • Time management and organisation

Career Prospects

A Performing Arts degree can lead to careers both on stage and behind the scenes, as well as in many industries that value creativity, communication, and collaboration. 

 

Career opportunities include:

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Performance Careers

  • Actor

  • Dancer

  • Musical Theatre Performer

  • Voice Artist

  • Presenter

  • Performance Artist

​

Theatre and Production

  • Theatre Director

  • Choreographer

  • Stage Manager

  • Producer

  • Production Manager

  • Lighting or Sound Technician

  • Set or Costume Designer

​

Film, Television and Media

  • Television Presenter

  • Casting Assistant

  • Production Coordinator

  • Media Producer

  • Screen Actor

  • Content Creator

 

Arts Management and Administration

  • Arts Administrator

  • Theatre Manager

  • Festival Coordinator

  • Events Manager

  • Cultural Programme Officer

  • Audience Development Officer

​

Education and Community Arts

  • Drama Teacher (with further teaching qualifications)

  • Performing Arts Lecturer

  • Youth Theatre Practitioner

  • Community Arts Worker

  • Workshop Facilitator

 

Creative Industries

  • Creative Producer

  • Talent Agent

  • Arts Marketing Executive

  • Public Relations Officer

  • Creative Consultant

 

Many graduates continue to Master's degrees in Acting, Directing, Dance, Musical Theatre, or Arts Management, teacher training qualifications, research degrees (MPhil/PhD), and specialist conservatoire training.

Universities to look for:

  • Royal College of Music

  • Guildhall School of Music and Drama

  • Royal Academy of Music

  • Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

  • Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)

  • Trinity Laban

  • University of Oxford

  • University of Cambridge

  • Royal Holloway, University of London

  • The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

  • Goldsmiths, University of London

  • Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

  • King's College London

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