What will I learn?
The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma covers a wide range of Performing Arts disciplines. The course is organised into a series of practical projects, each of which will allow you to learn and develop a range of skills. Some of these are compulsory, and others are optional. This means that the course can be arranged around the students. Optional units include Physical Theatre Techniques, Musical Theatre Techniques, Singing Techniques and Children’s Theatre Performance. Compulsory units include Group Performance Workshop, Performing Arts in the Community and Investigating Practitioners’ Work.
Angry Birds. Everyman Theatre Main Stage. July 2025
What’s a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma?
A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a qualification which is equivalent to three A Levels. It includes both academic and practical work, and is intended to prepare students for further study at university or drama school, or employment. It carries the same number of UCAS points (for entry to higher education) as A Levels and is accepted at universities in the same way that A Levels are. We teach the most recently updated version of the Extended Diploma, meaning that our course is considered to be the most robust version of the qualification. It is also securely approved by the government and OFQUAL.
Chaos. Irving Studio, Everyman Theatre. January 2025.
Why should I choose SDL rather than a different college?
There are a lot of advantages to studying BTEC Performing Arts at Stagedoor Learning.
These include:
- A termly performance at the Everyman. These will be public performances, and will be a fantastic opportunity for you to show off what you have learned. Many of the BTEC units require students to perform – at SDL we make sure you get to do this in a professional space!
- Spending time in a professional working theatre will help you to really understand the performing arts industry and everything that goes into it – your work experience, which will be done as part of the course, will allow you to see what goes on day-to-day in the theatre.
- Small cohort numbers mean that you will get plenty of one-to-one attention, and the course is built around your interests and ambitions.
- Outstanding teaching from highly experienced, award wining teaching staff and professional practitioners.
- Numerous opportunities to watch professional theatre at no cost to you. Theatre trips are all part of the Stagedoor Learning programme. Often, theatre trips are accompanied by a Q&A session, set tour or workshop.
- Outstanding results. Our results have consistently been in the top 1% nationally for Level 3 Performing Arts since starting in 2017.
Legend Trippers. Everyman Theatre Main Stage. June 2023.
Where will I study?
Your time will be split between the main Stagedoor Campus and the Everyman Theatre. The main campus is at 65 Lansdown Crescent Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 2LD, close to the theatre in Cheltenham town centre. Workshops and performances will take place at the theatre, as will Q&A sessions with professional actors and technicians, and the work experience programme.
I already do drama out of school – how is this different?
This is different because it leads to a formal qualification. We expect that many Stagedoor students will already be involved in drama, dance or musical activities in their own time. We are lucky in Gloucestershire to have so many brilliant youth theatres. Studying at SDL will fill your days, and will enhance your current experience, developing and refining your skills.
Brass. Everyman Main Stage. May 2021.
What will the course cost?
As long as you are between 16 & 19 years old, the course will cost nothing. VLUK Is accredited by the ESFA in the same way that any other college or school 6th form is. Students will be eligible to apply for the 16-19 bursary in the same way that any other students are. Email jenny.cameron@vluk.org for further information.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Painswick Rococo Garden. August 2020.
What are the hours?
You will be expected to attend all day (10-4) four days per week. Everyone is in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with each year group having a study day on either a Monday or a Friday each week. However, we expect students to be flexible and remember that we are working alongside a professional theatre, and have to be able to fit in with the staff! As well as these times, there will be theatre trips, Q&A sessions with performers and technicians and performance opportunities which are sometimes likely to fall outside of the usual hours.
Watt’s Up: A Variety Show. Irving Studio, Everyman Theatre. January 2025.
How do I apply?
Use the link to the simple online application form – you can find that by clicking the admissions tab.
How do I find out more?
Use the contact form, or email jenny.cameron@vluk.org
