Performing Arts (Acting)
The BTEC Acting Diploma is an exciting, two-year, immersive programme designed to refine your acting skills and prepare you for a dynamic career in the performing arts industry. 100% coursework-based and assessed across four units, this course offers a hands-on, practical approach to training, making it ideal for those passionate about pursuing further drama studies or entering the world of performance.
Structured around a drama school training model, the BTEC Acting Diploma equips you with the discipline, focus, and imaginative thinking necessary for both scripted and devised performances. You’ll be encouraged to take risks, experiment with new methods, and adapt to different performance styles.
Throughout the course, you’ll engage in a variety of practical workshops that will hone your acting techniques, develop your creativity, and challenge you to push your boundaries as an artist. As part of a collaborative performance company, you’ll work alongside like-minded peers, learning the value of teamwork and artistic synergy.
As part of your training, you’ll regularly attend theatre visits to experience live productions, providing insight into the industry and broadening your understanding of the craft. The programme also offers opportunities to become involved in Brighton’s thriving theatre scene, where you’ll have the chance to perform in local venues and gain real-world experience on stage.
Through the ‘Planning a Career in the Industry’ Module you will leave this course with an Actor’s CV and Headshot as well as a self tape / showreel to take with you. If you’re serious about a career in acting or drama, the BTEC Acting Diploma is the perfect platform to start your journey!
I would recommend this course because it gives you a great perspective on the Performing Arts Industry whilst building up your skills with many styles of acting.
Thya, Year 2 BTEC Acting
Course Essentials
Courses Available
BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A Levels)
PLUS
OR
Assessment
100% internally assessed on coursework and performance projects.
Career Pathways
HE courses in Acting, Performing Arts, Drama & Theatre Studies, Physical Theatre and related fields. Previous students have gone on to Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Guildhall, East 15, Chichester University, Guildford School of Acting, and Rose Bruford amongst others. Some go directly into the industry and others to a range of other degrees such as law, history and fine art. Our BTEC courses can lead directly into careers in the industry or give access to a host of other jobs which value problem solving skills, ability to work in a team and an active, engaged, approach.
Transferable Skills
Creativity; teamwork; leadership skills; problem solving; independence; communication; project planning; how to work effectively with external clients; funding & performance arts marketing.
Other Information
Due to the qualification pathway of this BTEC course, you cannot take BTEC Performing Arts alongside BTEC Dance. You must choose one or the other.
Enquiries To
Steve Bates: ssb@varndean.ac.uk
Enrichments
School of Drama
Every student involved in performing arts or drama or related courses and enrichments also get to participate in our School of Drama. This is a vibrant hub for all things related to the performing arts. Designed to inspire and challenge aspiring artists. Twice a year, in December and May, we host lively Assemblies that bring together students, faculty, and industry professionals to celebrate achievements, showcase exciting opportunities, and foster creative connections. These gatherings are more than just events—they’re a chance to network with like-minded individuals, spark new collaborations, and build lasting relationships that could shape your artistic future. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, partnerships, or just a moment to reflect on your progress, the School of Drama Assemblies are the perfect platform to elevate your artistic journey.
The Drama Society Yr 1
The Drama Society (Y1) is an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of performance and storytelling! Open to all first-year students as part of the timetabled enrichment programme, this dynamic group provides a welcoming space to unleash your creativity. Through hands-on activities and innovative approaches to text, you’ll build skills, confidence, and connections with like-minded peers. The journey culminates in a thrilling performance for a specially invited audience in June—a chance to shine on stage and showcase your talent! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to explore drama, the Drama Society promises an unforgettable experience. In previous years we have performed Two, Jim Cartwright and a devised piece entitled ‘The Detention’. This year we are working on a multimedia production reimagining the play CHAOS, Laura Lomas.
The Drama Society Yr 2
The Drama Society (Year 2) is your backstage pass to the world of performing arts! Tailored for aspiring actors and industry hopefuls, our lunchtime drop-in sessions are the perfect platform to elevate your craft. From uncovering powerful monologues to refining your audition skills, we’re here to help you shine.
This year, we’re thrilled to announce our Christmas Showcase, a chance to dazzle on stage and share your talent with an audience. Whether you’re dreaming of Drama School, the West End, or simply honing your skills, the Drama Society is where your journey begins. Don’t miss out—your spotlight awaits!
Stage Production
Stage Production Workshops is an enrichment available for all students, offering you hands-on workshops that throw you straight into the heart of live performances! As part of the dynamic backstage team, you’ll master essential skills like stage lighting, sound cue operation, and the art of managing and maintaining stage sets and props. You won’t just be learning – you’ll be doing, gaining real-world experience in a supportive, creative environment.
In the first term, you’ll build a solid foundation through immersive workshops, learning the ins and outs of the technical world behind the curtain. By term two, you’ll take on the role of an independent stage crew member, contributing to live productions and events, and feeling the buzz of responsibility as you bring a show to life.
This is more than just training – it’s about developing teamwork, honing transferable skills, and taking ownership of your craft and resources. Plus, you’ll be creating a portfolio to showcase your growth, whether you’re eyeing employment or planning to continue your studies in higher education. The skills you’ll gain here are not just for the stage – they’re the kind of expertise that will set you up for success in a range of industries! Each year we have had students progressing to a course or employment in technical theatre from the experience gained on this course.
Staff Profiles
Steve Bates
Steve is the Assistant Head of School for the Creative Arts at Varndean College, with a background in fine art and set design. He has contributed to large-scale productions, including West End musicals and Glyndebourne Opera, and has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. For the past decade, Steve has also been a dedicated teacher of Acting, seamlessly blending his real-world experience from the stage and behind the scenes with his teaching.
His deep understanding of production, design, and performance gives students a unique, hands-on perspective of the creative process, equipping them for success in the competitive world of theatre and beyond.
Sian Hutchinson
Sian teaches on the A Level and BTEC courses. She trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2003. She is a member of the Old Vic New Voices. Her one woman show ‘Clutching at Straws’ was nominated for ‘The Funny Women Award’. As part of the comedy duo ‘Barry&Sian’, they won 2 Awards and were finalists in the Leicester Square Sketch Off Competition. She has recently come back from a successful run of her award winning solo show ‘Tick My Box’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024. Current projects include recording a podcast with Dark Unicorn Productions, writing a part verbatim/ part devised immersive theatre piece with local company Lamb Comedy Productions and reworking ‘Tick My Box’ into a sitcom setting. Sian has previously been a visiting examiner for Edexcel practical exams and has now been accepted as an examiner for Eduqas.
Nicky Jones
Nicky has been teaching at Varndean since 2000, balancing this with a busy and successful career as an actor, writer, director, and producer. A graduate of Rose Bruford College, her early career focused on creating solo theatre shows, including Janis (2000–2009), which earned her the Best Female Performer Award at the Brighton Fringe and a nomination for Best Solo Performance from The Stage at the Edinburgh Fringe. As a director, Nicky has led numerous professional site-specific productions, such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Dario Fo’s Open Couple. She also co-adapted and directed The Marlowe Papers by Ros Barber. Nicky specialises in Directing solo shows and a career highlight was working alongside Sir Arnold Wesker. For over ten years Nicky was the Artistic Director for one of the largest Brighton Fringe venues. She also works as an examiner for Eduqas.
Alumni Success
James Phoon
The performing arts course at Varndean not only introduced me to skills that I have continued to use and develop throughout my career, the team of passionate teachers also actively taught me about drama schools, and helped me prepare my auditions for that next phase. Post-Varndean and drama school (GSA), I have gone on to work throughout the industry in TV shows such as ‘Bridgerton’ (Netflix) and ‘Wreck’ (BBC), theatre including ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ (West End) and ‘Underdog: The Other Other Brontë’ (National Theatre), and voice work on a bunch of animations and video games.
I’m currently working on Jamie Lloyd’s 2024/25 production of ‘The Tempest’ alongside Sigourney Weaver. My time on the performing arts course at Varndean was a key part of my journey and allowed me to take those next steps towards the profession I’d always dreamed of doing.
Ronan Doyle
I am currently working as an independent Action performer and British stunt register trainee. I’ve had the pleasure of working for companies such as Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV, and more. The Performing arts team at Varndean College provided me with not only an enjoyable and broad education on the industry, but also the flexibility and freedom to cater my coursework a little more towards the slightly uncommon career path I have chosen.
Georgie Johnson
Progression: BA Acting (Hons) at Leeds Conservatoire
She said, “The performing arts course was such a safe place to be creative, to learn, but also to have fun. Looking back it was the perfect bridge between youth theatre and Drama school/ professional acting. I loved how practical it was and the range of classical to modern material we covered”.
