Performing Arts

Our two-year Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) is an intensive, industry-focused programme designed to prepare you for a successful and sustainable career in the performing arts. At the heart of our training is storytelling. We develop performers who do more
than execute choreography or sing beautifully — we create artists who connect deeply with audiences, communicate truthfully, and bring fully realised characters to life in any medium of performance. With over 25 hours of weekly contact time, you will receive rigorous professional training in dance, singing and acting, while building the emotional intelligence, versatility and resilience required to thrive in today’s industry.

Professional Training Across All Disciplines
Throughout the course, you will train extensively in a wide range of dance styles,
including:
• Ballet
• Jazz
• Commercial
• Hip Hop
• Acro
• Tap

Our dance training goes beyond technique. We focus on performance quality, intention and narrative — ensuring every movement tells a story. Alongside your dance training, you will receive weekly one-to-one singing lessons to develop vocal technique, range and stamina. Acting is fully integrated throughout the programme, with in-depth classes exploring:
• Acting through song
• Character development
• Text analysis
• Emotional connection and authenticity

We aim to create performers who can embody character truthfully — whether on stage, on screen, or in commercial performance settings — adapting seamlessly to different styles and mediums. All sessions are delivered by experienced industry professionals who are actively working within the performing arts sector, ensuring your training remains current, relevant and aligned with professional standards.

Performance Opportunities
Performance is central to our ethos. Students regularly apply their training in professional-standard productions and live settings, building confidence, resilience and stage presence.
Opportunities include:
• Our annual Christmas Extravaganza
• A scripted performance piece staged in a local theatre
• A full-scale musical performed in a London venue

Students may also audition for specialist performance groups, representing the college at major showcases and events such as UDC, Dance Mania, Super
Weekender and Main Stage. Every performance opportunity is designed not just to showcase technique, but to strengthen your ability to tell compelling stories and connect meaningfully with audiences.

Year 1: Preparing for the Industry
Your first year focuses on building strong technical foundations while developing a deep understanding of the professional industry. Alongside your practical training, you will receive:
• Industry talks and workshops
• Guidance on securing representation
• Insight into agencies and professional pathways
• Audition technique training
• Feedback from external professionals

This year is about discovering your artistic identity, refining your craft, and understanding how to present yourself as a storyteller and performer in the industry.

Year 2: Stepping Into the Industry
In your second year, the focus shifts towards professional entry. Training becomes increasingly performance-led and industry-driven, with opportunities to
audition for agencies and present your work to industry professionals.You will graduate not only as a technically strong performer, but as a confident, connected and compelling storyteller — ready to bring character and authenticity to any stage, screen or performance platform.

Students are required to agree to The PAD terms and Conditions alongside The Bedford College Group's.