Our popular performance course is now available as a single option, worth 1.5 A-Levels whilst allowing you to take two other A-Levels alongside it.
This exciting, performance-centred course will give you the chance to explore a range of techniques, genres, and processes relevant to the creative industries while supporting your artistic ambitions in Acting. Designed to prepare you for the acting industry in all the routes it can take you.
Site
Lewes
Level
Level 3
Course Type
16 +
Qualification
A Level
| Options | Course Code | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| apply | 03114y1 | 08/09/25 | 18/06/27 |
During this two-year UAL course, you will explore performance skills in Acting. You will develop your acting skills by training under several acting practitioners, through the partaking of workshops and the competition of performance projects. These projects will include two full Contemporary Play productions, Devising, showcase shows comprising extract material, Development to industry standard of a contemporary and classical monologue and your own unique performance project.
You will be exposed to all areas of the performance industry to further your understanding of progression routes with the creation of a showreel of footage at the end of the second year for use in your personal auditions and applications.
Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply: A GCSE grade 4 in English Language and grade 4 in Drama (if taken).
Assessment is primarily through observation and presentation of practical performance projects supported by written coursework, group critique and individual tutorial. This reflects the current trend of industry workplaces, preferring practical experience from students and an ability to continually self-reflect and improve. As such, this course contains no written final exam, with the marks percentage of 70% Practical, 30% Written.
At the conclusion of your two years, you will have achieved a Level 3 UAL Performing & Production Arts Diploma, equivalent to 1.5 A-Level. This makes it a great choice for preparation for higher education due to UCAS point conversion.
This course’s objective is to prepare students for the acting industry, through various practitioner training and education on the workings of industry life. As such it acts as the first major step towards a career or further training in the Performing Arts industry. Many of our students go on to study at drama schools or universities such as Mountview, Rose Bruford, RADA, LAMDA, Italia Conti, East 15, Central, Chichester, Middlesex or Kent.
There will be a £50 additional cost at the start of each year for scripts, course materials, workshops, and production costs. There will also be a £45 per year cost for theatre visits.
The course has been written and created by the University of the Arts, London (UAL), which means it will be academically and vocationally challenging and will prepare you, as well as making for a seamless transition, for continued study at HE or conservatories.
For more information or queries please contact Benjamin.kinsman@escg.ac.uk
Alumni Comments “I loved my time at Sussex Downs College [now ESC], it provided me with all the tools and advice I needed to get into drama school. The Performing Arts course at East Sussex College is excellent, and I would recommend it to any student!" – Amita Suman (Shadow and Bone, Doctor Who)