Performing Arts
Do you dream of a career in Performing Arts? Whether you’re drawn to the stage or screen, the vibrant performing arts scene at Carlisle College offers exciting opportunities for aspiring actors, dancers and performers.
You will explore performance and production elements of the Performing Arts industry, all whilst being taught and trained to industry standards by our expert tutors.
The Performing Arts department boasts excellent purpose-built facilities in the £5.3m Carlisle College of the Arts. You will prepare for performance showcases and productions, demonstrating your skills in the College theatre. You will work with like-minded students and collaborate with Music and Media students.
Find the Course for You
What can I do with a qualification in Performing Arts?
Find out more about careers in the Performing Arts sector.
Meet your Tutors
Amber Symington
Course Tutor L3 Extended Diploma in Performing artsAmber 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 artsHolly 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.
Michelle Howie
Performing Arts (Acting Specialist)I began my formal training in stage acting in Stonehaven before relocating to Edinburgh to further develop my practice and professional skills. I subsequently specialised in Acting at CCAD, where I was awarded a BA (Hons) degree. My professional performance experience includes work across a variety of established theatre festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Swaledale Festival. I have also had the privilege of performing internationally in a mask, puppetry and physical theatre production at the renowned World Festival of Puppet Theatres in Charleville-Mézières, France. Having developed a successful career within the performing arts industry, I chose to channel my passion for performance into education. I completed my PGCE at Carlisle College and have since taught across a range of educational and community settings, including Razzamataz Theatre Schools, the University of Cumbria, Caldew School and Carlisle College. I am committed to providing students with a supportive and inspiring learning environment, drawing upon both my professional industry experience and educational expertise to help them develop their creative, technical and performance skills. My aim is to equip learners with the confidence, knowledge and practical experience required to succeed within the performing arts sector and beyond.
Adam Megson
Music/Media/Performing Arts Technician InstructorI am a Technician for Music, Media and Performing Arts, alongside continuing to work professionally within the creative industries across the North of England. I have over six years of experience as a Live Sound Engineer, having gained my BA (Hons) in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cumbria. Alongside my role within education, I have worked as a freelance technician for approximately five years. This combination of professional industry experience and education allows me to bring current, practical knowledge into the classroom and provide students with an insight into the realities of working within the creative industries. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge, skills and experience with our students, helping to develop the next generation of technicians and creative professionals. I particularly enjoy demonstrating how the skills developed across Music, Media and Performing Arts can be applied across different disciplines and professional environments. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching students take ownership of their projects, develop their confidence and grow as creative practitioners. I also enjoy seeing the different courses collaborate and work together, allowing students to learn from one another and develop their skills through real-world creative projects. Working alongside students is also an opportunity for me to continue learning and developing my own practice. Their creativity, ideas and approaches provide a fresh perspective, helping me to keep my own skills current, relevant and connected to the ever-changing creative industries.