Performing and Production Arts - Level 3 Extended Diploma

More about the course

This highly practical one year programme is a top-up course for those to have completed the Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, and those that are 18+ with relevant experience.

You will have the opportunity to work as a group to develop skills in your areas of choice. Areas could include acting, dancing, and performing.

You can enhance your performance material and performance quality skills. You will build your creative portfolio through practical and academic assessments and put on larger scale performances to a live external audience in the college theatre throughout the year.

Entry requirements

Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Merit Grade)

or

You are 18+ with relevant experience and/or qualifications in this field

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

What will I learn?

Dance Pathway

Jazz dance
Commercial dance
Dance performance
Dance elective
Live theatre performance
Singing for dancers (optional)
Contextual studies

Acting Pathway

Exploration of script work
Influencing practitioners
Contextual studies
Live theatre performance
Singing for actors
Acting elective

Performing Arts Pathway

Dance performance
Exploration of script work
Singing
Contextual studies
Acting / dance elective
Live theatre performance

Live Musical Theatre Production; taking part as an actor, dancer, or musical theatre performer.

How is the course taught?

Studio based creative workshops
Group work
Lectures
Performances

How am I assessed?

Project work
Portfolio of work
Performances

Work experience opportunities

Our tutors and work experience team will support you to find work experience opportunities.

English and Maths

We will support you to develop your English and maths skills during this course. Basic English and maths is essential for working performers as you will need to conduct research into your character, communicating choreography, writing and reading scripts, and work on vocal skills and learn music notation.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course you can progress onto a higher education qualification, either in Performance or some non-performance related degrees.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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Amber Symington

Course Tutor L3 Extended Diploma in Performing arts

Amber was Curriculum Lead for the Arts for two years, following over seven years of teaching at the college. She has now returned to full-time teaching as Course Leader for Level 3 Performing Arts, where she also teaches Level 2 Performing Arts. During her leadership role, Amber completed her Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management and currently holds the position of Head of Quality in the Arts for UAL Qualifications. Amber holds a degree in Dance and Drama and went on to complete a PGCE in Performing Arts. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap and has performed in festivals and competitions across the country throughout her life. In addition to her teaching career, Amber is an active member of Workington & District Amateur Society regularly performing in musical theatre productions. She also taught dance at Razzamataz Theatre School for seven years, further enriching her extensive experience in performing arts education.

Holly Neaves

Course Tutor L3 Extended Diploma in Performing arts

Holly graduated from the 'The Arden School of Theatre' in Manchester, with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre in 2018. Her professional credits include Belle in 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Fairy Godmother' in Carlisle's Sands Centre pantomimes and Doralee Rhodes in '9 to 5' the musical whilst in her final year of training. Holly is a member of the National Youth Theatre, most recently performing in their summer production of 'Phaedra'. Holly teaches performing arts at Razzamataz Theatre Schools Carlisle and Dumfries, and runs a solo singing business outside of college, gigging for weddings, bars, parties, and events. Holly gained her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Carlisle College and has taught over Level 2 and Level 3 performing arts for 6 years. Holly is currently studying for her NPQ in Leading Teaching qualification, due for completion in March this year.

26 January 2024

10th Annual Skills Fair Attended by 450+ Students

The 10th Annual Skills Fair was attended by a record number of exhibitors, and Carlisle College played host to the day with 75+ stands.

19 February 2026

Foundation Art Students Take Part in Civic Robe Restoration Project

Carlisle College was delighted to support the recreation and handover of the city’s mayoral robe, with Foundation Diploma students contributing to the detailed restoration work alongside specialist practitioner Lee Paton.

16 February 2026

Carlisle College Showcased on ITV Border for Innovative Partnership with Cumbria Police

Carlisle College was delighted to welcome ITV Border to campus this week as part of a special feature highlighting our successful partnership with Cumbria Police through the Cars for Colleges initiative.