Course overview
Find your voice, move with confidence and step into the spotlight.
This full-time, performance-based course gives you a solid foundation in acting, singing, dance, voice and movement — the core skills you’ll need for further study in the performing arts. You’ll train under the guidance of industry-experienced tutors, developing your creative and technical ability through a mix of practical workshops, ensemble rehearsals and live performances.
The course is highly physical and immersive, involving conditioning, choreography, contact work, lifting, supporting and movement-based exercises that demand focus and stamina. A good level of physical capability is important for successful participation, and you’ll be supported to build confidence and strength throughout your training.
Working closely with Platform Theatre and visiting industry professionals, you’ll gain first-hand experience of rehearsal and performance in a professional setting, along with insight into how the industry operates.
This NQ provides the ideal platform for progression to the HND Acting and Performance or HND Musical Theatre at Glasgow Kelvin College — helping you develop the creativity, discipline and teamwork needed to succeed in both study and performance careers.
This course is ideal for:
- Learners with a passion for acting, singing and movement who want to explore all three disciplines.
- School leavers or adult returners looking to build skills and confidence before HND-level study.
- Creative individuals who enjoy collaborative, physically active learning.
- Aspiring performers aiming to begin their professional training journey
What you will learn
You’ll gain a strong foundation in performance disciplines and professional practice, including:
- Acting Technique – performance skills, text work and character development.
- Singing Techniques – pitch, projection, harmony and storytelling through song.
- Dance Techniques – movement vocabulary, choreography and coordination.
- Voice Techniques – breath control, clarity and expression.
- Production & Performance Techniques – teamwork, stagecraft and rehearsal skills.
- Professional Etiquette – communication, self-management and industry expectations.
- Theatre Making Technique – devising and creative collaboration.
- Live Performance – participation in fully staged productions and showcases.
All learning is practical, supported by reflection, feedback and ensemble work.
Entry requirements
✅ National 5 or equivalent, preferably in English or Drama
✅ Entry by audition only – including a group workshop covering Acting, Singing and Dance disciplines
✅ Demonstration of enthusiasm, potential and commitment to performance
ℹ️ This course is physically demanding and requires stamina, focus, and full participation.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss potential adjustments, we encourage you to contact us before applying. Our team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and will work with you to explore reasonable adjustments where feasible.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course can go on to work or study in roles such as:
🎭 Theatre or Screen Actor
🎤 Musical Theatre Performer
💃 Dancer or Choreographer
🎬 Film/TV Creative
🧑🏫 Arts Educator or Facilitator
🚢 Cruise Ship or Touring Performer
Future prospects
Successful completion can lead to further study at HN Acting and Performance or Musical Theatre
You can then progress to BA level with UHI Perth at Glasgow Kelvin College, or entry to related degree programmes at universities throughout the UK.