Liv Burton joined our HNC Programme in Performing Arts course because she wanted to improve her skillset before going to university next year.
The Level 4 course has three specialist pathways in Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre. The courses also include units where all pathways work together.
Delivered by industry professionals, the aim is to boost students’ skills and understanding of the industry and prepare them for the next step of their potential career be it further education or straight into work.
Liv says the course has been such a positive experience so far – being both challenging and fun at the same time. She picks up the story.
Throughout my adolescence I studied on and off at The Garage, doing acting and musical theatre classes after school. So I knew before starting the course that I was going to be getting a good quality of education.
It has been an amazing environment to study in. We have so many studios to utilise, as well as a theatre in the building, Not only this, but the staff are super kind and happy to help.
We have just gone into our fourth week of the course and it’s been an amazing experience so far. It is very full on and also offers extra opportunities of improving with evening classes.
I’ve got to explore different forms of dance I’ve never done before such as jazz, ballet, and tap. The teachers are so understanding and happy to walk you through routines as much as you need.
Doing dance classes as someone who has only ever studied acting or singing has been so challenging. But I’ve already found an improvement in my dancing skills from the support of my teachers.
My singing has also drastically improved since week one due to learning new vocal warm-ups and beginning to learn how to sight-read.
Exploring a new play to act out every week has been so helpful. Not only have I expanded my knowledge of plays, but I’ve also been given the opportunity to explore plenty of different characters.
I love how many contact hours we have per week, as well as being able to use studio spaces to rehearse before classes if we need.
So far we have been massively supported in thinking about our next steps after this course, which is so stress relieving. We have also already been given some amazing opportunities such as going to France to make a piece of theatre, and seeing shows in Norwich and London.
My advice for future students would be to throw yourself into everything you do here. Put yourself forward for any extra opportunities or work you are given because it will benefit you so much as well as give you extra experience.
Visit the qualifications section of our education page of our website to find out more about our accredited courses.
These include GCSE Dance and GCSE Drama for all ages and our MA Performing Arts Enterprise which is aimed at graduates and mid-career artists whose aspirations extend beyond performing.
Next year also sees the return of our Introduction to the Creative Industries Programme. It’s for people aged 18-30 who are interested in a creative career but need support and guidance getting started.
It is free and will include group training sessions, industry expert talks, visits to local creative organisations and individual mentoring sessions. It has been made possible by funding from Norfolk Community Foundation through the New Anglia LEP Community Challenge.
Check out our website soon for more details.
General booking for our classes is now open. Spring term begins 10 January.
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