The PA course is designed to introduce students to various aspects of performing and give them some basic skills and experience in the field. The aim is to provide an opportunity for artistic outlet, a basic educational grounding in subjects some students may wish to explore further, and transferable skills that will aid them later in life.

In the Drama components students will learn about the ways in which body and voice can define characters, not just improving their observational and listening skills but also encouraging them to look at how they portray themselves to the rest of the world. Basic teachings on the importance of diction and projection in the theatre will also further equip them for life outside education, fostering the ability to make oneself understood clearly and instilling a sense of self-confidence.

Students will work on acting skills through improvisation, creating their own pieces and scripted work. In improvisational modules they will be encouraged to break free of their inhibitions and develop confidence, think past caricature and into character, and to think ‘outside the box’. Creative work will follow on naturally from this, where basic improvisations can be honed and turned into miniature plays. This work fosters teamwork and reliance on each other, as well as bringing up issues of time-management and planning. Finally, scripted work will build on previous experiences, continuing the learning process and adding focus on to the ideals of rehearsal and preparation.

Throughout all these stages theatre discipline will be strongly encouraged, from respecting fellow students’ performances to maintaining composure and focus whilst on stage.