How you’d get it
How you’d get this certificate
- Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
- You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer Cambridge OCR has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
- The centre assesses, and Cambridge OCR awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from Cambridge OCR.
01What it is
The Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts is designed for learners seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in the performing arts. Learners explore topics such as working in the performing arts sector, commissioning briefs, and influential performance practice.
These are the units Cambridge OCR registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work, and work done here is recognised as prior learning under the agreements we hold.
Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with Cambridge OCR. It does the teaching and the mapping. Cambridge OCR sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.
Free first step
Try a free Future Fluency lesson first
The free part is a Future Fluency lesson on using AI at work. It is not part of this qualification. Next, a free account. We build your plan for this qualification as you set up. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
No card · Nothing to commit to
02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Acting technique Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces learners to different acting techniques and methodologies. You'll apply these techniques in various performance contexts, analyse influential practitioners' work, develop personal skills through practice, and evaluate their own performances.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different acting techniques and methodologies
- Apply acting techniques to a range of performance contexts
- Analyse the work of influential actors and acting practitioners
- Develop personal acting skills through practical exercises and rehearsals
- Evaluate personal performance and identify areas for improvement
Arts administration Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces learners to the key considerations, roles, functions, responsibilities, and processes involved in arts administration. You'll understand how funding models, legal, and ethical frameworks impact arts administration within various organisational contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Know the key considerations involved in arts administration within different contexts.
- Know the diverse roles and functions performed by individuals working in arts administration.
- Understand the specific responsibilities associated with arts administration roles and the processes involved.
- Understand how arts administration functions in real-world settings and its impact on arts organisations.
Character design and realisation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study character design principles, researching and analysing characters for performance. The unit involves developing character concepts, realising characters through performance techniques, and evaluating the effectiveness of character design and portrayal.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of character design
- Research and analyse a character for a performance
- Develop a character design concept
- Realise a character through performance techniques
- Evaluate the effectiveness of character design and realisation
Classical theatre performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll gain an understanding of classical theatre's historical and cultural context, key characteristics, and performance styles. The unit includes analysing texts, interpreting and performing extracts, and evaluating character development and audience impact.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the historical and cultural context of classical theatre
- Analyse the key characteristics of classical theatre texts and performance styles
- Interpret and perform extracts from classical theatre plays
- Demonstrate an understanding of character development in classical theatre
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a classical theatre performance
Combined arts Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore various art forms and their combinations to develop skills in multiple disciplines. The unit focuses on creating combined arts performance pieces and evaluating their effectiveness in integrating different artistic elements.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore different art forms and their combinations
- Develop skills in multiple art forms
- Create combined arts performance pieces
- Evaluate the effectiveness of combined arts performance
Create music to perform Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore the principles of creating music for performance, including various styles and genres. The unit covers developing, arranging, and adapting musical compositions, rehearsing and refining pieces, and evaluating their suitability for performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of creating music for performance
- Explore different musical styles and genres suitable for performance
- Develop musical ideas and compositions for a specific performance context
- Arrange and adapt musical compositions for performance by different instruments or voices
- Rehearse and refine musical compositions in preparation for performance
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the created music in a performance setting
Current issues in performing arts Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to identify and research current issues affecting the performing arts industry, analysing their impact on organisations. You'll evaluate potential solutions and consider the performer's role in addressing social, economic, and political challenges.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify current issues affecting the performing arts industry
- Research the impact of current issues on performing arts organisations
- Analyse potential solutions to current issues in performing arts
- Evaluate the role of the performer in addressing current issues
Dance appreciation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit develops learners' critical appreciation of dance by examining its historical and cultural contexts. You'll analyse various dance styles and genres, evaluate artistic merit, and recognise elements of dance composition and choreography.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the historical and cultural context of dance
- Analyse and interpret different dance styles and genres
- Evaluate the artistic merit of dance performances
- Recognise the elements of dance composition and choreography
- Develop a critical appreciation of dance as an art form
Dance choreography Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore the principles of dance choreography, developing original sequences and applying choreographic techniques to create expressive movement. The unit covers structuring dance compositions effectively and communicating choreographic ideas to dancers and performers.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of dance choreography
- Develop original dance sequences and routines
- Apply choreographic techniques to create expressive movement
- Structure and organise dance compositions effectively
- Communicate choreographic ideas to dancers and performers
Dance performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to perform dance routines with confidence and artistry, interpreting choreographic intentions through movement. You'll demonstrate stage presence, engage audiences, collabourate with performers, and maintain focus throughout dance performances.
What you'll be able to do
- Perform dance routines with confidence and artistry
- Interpret and communicate the choreographer's intention through movement
- Demonstrate stage presence and engage with the audience
- Collaborate effectively with other dancers and performers
- Maintain physical and mental focus during dance performance
Dance technique Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll develop proficiency in fundamental dance techniques, focusing on correct posture, alignment, and body awareness. The unit covers executing complex sequences with precision, adapting techniques across styles, and enhancing physical strength, flexibility, and stamina for dance performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental dance techniques
- Apply correct posture, alignment, and body awareness in dance
- Execute complex dance sequences with precision and control
- Adapt dance technique to different styles and genres
- Develop physical strength, flexibility, and stamina for dance performance
Deliver dance and movement workshops Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll learn to plan, prepare, and deliver dance and movement workshops tailored to specific groups. The unit emphasises inclusivity, accessibility, safety, and effective evaluation of workshop delivery and participant engagement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of delivering dance and movement workshops
- Plan a dance and movement workshop suitable for a specific group
- Prepare resources required for a dance and movement workshop
- Deliver a dance and movement workshop safely and effectively
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a delivered dance and movement workshop
Health and fitness for performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of the importance of health and fitness for performers. You'll analyse physical demands across disciplines, develop personal health and fitness plans, and apply principles to maintain performance readiness and wellbeing.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of health and fitness for performers
- Analyse the physical demands of different performance disciplines
- Develop a personal health and fitness plan for performance
- Apply health and fitness principles to maintain performance readiness
Improvisation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand the principles of improvisation and develop practical skills in a chosen art form. The unit covers applying improvisation techniques to create spontaneous performances and evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing artistic expression.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of improvisation in performance
- Develop improvisation skills in a chosen art form
- Apply improvisation techniques to create spontaneous performances
- Evaluate the effectiveness of improvisation in performance
Influential performance practice Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to analyse influential performance practices within a chosen art form and evaluate their impact. You'll apply these techniques to their own work and reflect on their effectiveness in enhancing performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse influential performance practices within a chosen art form
- Evaluate the impact of influential practitioners on performance
- Apply influential performance techniques to own performance work
- Reflect on the effectiveness of applying influential performance techniques
Instrumental music technique Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit develops learners' instrumental music techniques, focusing on posture, breathing, fingering, and control of tone, intonation, and rhythm. You'll apply these techniques to perform a range of musical pieces and refine their skills through practice.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental techniques required for instrumental music performance
- Develop proficiency in instrumental music techniques, including posture, breathing, and fingering
- Apply instrumental music techniques to perform a range of musical pieces
- Demonstrate control over tone, intonation, and rhythm in instrumental performance
- Interpret musical scores and instructions accurately
- Evaluate and refine instrumental music technique through practice and feedback
Music performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study principles of effective music performance, developing skills in stage presence, communication, and audience engagement. The unit includes preparation, rehearsal, and performance of musical pieces with accuracy and musicality, alongside self-evaluation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of effective music performance
- Develop performance skills, including stage presence, communication, and audience engagement
- Prepare musical pieces for performance, considering interpretation and expression
- Perform musical pieces with accuracy, confidence, and musicality
- Respond to feedback and adapt performance accordingly
- Evaluate personal music performance and identify areas for improvement
Musicianship Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll develop musicianship skills through understanding music theory, aural recognition of musical elements, rhythmic accuracy, sight-reading, and score analysis. The unit emphasises application of theory and aural skills to support performance and composition analysis.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate an understanding of music theory concepts
- Apply aural skills to recognise musical elements
- Demonstrate rhythmic accuracy and control
- Sight-read musical notation accurately
- Analyse musical scores to understand compositional techniques
Original performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore a performance stimulus to develop and apply relevant skills and techniques in creating an original performance. The unit also covers the evaluation of the performance process and outcome to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore a given performance stimulus to generate ideas and concepts for an original performance.
- Develop relevant skills and techniques necessary for creating and delivering an original performance.
- Apply developed skills and techniques effectively in the creation and execution of an original performance.
- Evaluate the entire performance process, from initial stimulus to final outcome, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Performing repertoire Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll develop and demonstrate techniques for performing repertoire, including interpretation and preparation. The unit includes evaluating personal performance, applying appropriate vocal or instrumental skills, and demonstrating stage presence and communication.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate techniques for performing repertoire
- Interpret repertoire for performance
- Prepare repertoire for performance
- Evaluate own performance of repertoire
Prepare to work in the performing arts sector Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces learners to the structure of the performing arts sector, including organisational types, funding bodies, and career pathways. You'll understand roles, responsibilities, required skills, and health and safety considerations within the sector.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the structure of the performing arts sector
- Understand the roles and responsibilities within the performing arts sector
- Understand the skills and qualities required to work in the performing arts sector
- Understand health and safety requirements in the performing arts sector
- Understand how to prepare for work in the performing arts sector
Produce music using technology Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of music production principles using technology. You'll use digital audio workstations to record and edit audio, apply mixing and effects processing, master tracks, and evaluate the production process for distribution.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of music production using technology
- Use digital audio workstations (DAWs) to record and edit audio
- Apply mixing techniques to create a balanced sound
- Use effects processing to enhance audio
- Master music tracks for distribution
Production and stage management process Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of production and stage management roles throughout production phases. You'll create and utilise production documentation, evaluate safe working practices, and manage productions effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Know the responsibilities of a production manager during production processes
- Know the responsibilities of a stage manager during production processes
- Create appropriate production documentation
- Use appropriate production documentation
- Create appropriate performance documentation
- Use appropriate performance documentation
- Evaluate safe working practices for a production
- Produce a production
- Stage manage a production
Proposal for a commissioning brief Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand the purpose and components of commissioning briefs in the creative industries. The unit develops skills to create, present, and evaluate proposals that respond effectively to commissioning briefs, addressing objectives, target audiences, and budgets.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose of a commissioning brief
- Understand the components of a commissioning brief
- Develop a proposal in response to a commissioning brief
- Present a proposal for a commissioning brief
- Understand how to evaluate a proposal for a commissioning brief
Script writing Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit equips learners with the skills to write scripts for different media by understanding key elements such as plot, characters, and dialogue. You'll structure scripts to create dramatic tension, revise work based on feedback, and adapt writing for various genres and formats.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of script writing for different media
- Develop a script outline, including plot, characters, and setting
- Write dialogue that is appropriate for the characters and the story
- Structure a script to create dramatic tension and engage the audience
- Revise and edit a script based on feedback and self-evaluation
Set design and realisation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces learners to set design principles within performance contexts. You'll investigate design approaches, develop and plan set designs considering resources and constraints, implement designs, and evaluate their effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of set design within a performance context
- Investigate different approaches to set design and realisation
- Develop set design ideas that meet the needs of a specific performance
- Plan the realisation of a set design, considering resources and constraints
- Implement set design plans, using appropriate techniques and materials
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the set design in relation to the overall performance
Singing performance Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll learn to prepare and perform singing across multiple musical styles. The unit covers vocal techniques, performance preparation considering venue and audience, delivering professional-standard performances, self-evaluation, and safe vocal practices.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate vocal techniques appropriate for a range of musical styles
- Prepare for a singing performance, considering factors such as venue and audience
- Perform a selection of songs to a professional standard
- Evaluate own singing performance, identifying areas for improvement
- Apply safe vocal practices to maintain vocal health
Singing technique Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to understand and develop fundamental singing techniques, including breathing, posture, and vocal projection. You'll apply these techniques to perform various musical pieces, demonstrating control over pitch, tone, and rhythm.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental techniques required for singing
- Develop vocal techniques, including breathing, posture, and vocal projection
- Apply singing techniques to perform a range of musical pieces
- Demonstrate control over pitch, tone, and rhythm in singing
- Interpret musical scores and lyrics accurately
- Evaluate and refine singing technique through practice and feedback
Songwriting Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the fundamental principles of songwriting, including melody, lyrics, structure, harmony, and rhythm. You'll develop melodic ideas, create lyrical content, structure songs using common forms, and evaluate their songwriting for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of songwriting
- Develop melodic ideas for songs
- Create lyrical content that effectively communicates ideas and emotions
- Structure songs using common song forms
- Evaluate own songwriting, identifying areas for improvement
Stage lighting design and operation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand stage lighting design principles and develop lighting plans for performances. The unit covers preparation, operation of lighting equipment, and evaluation of lighting effectiveness in enhancing visibility, mood, and focus.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of stage lighting design
- Design a stage lighting plan for a performance
- Prepare stage lighting equipment for a performance
- Operate stage lighting equipment during a performance
- Evaluate the effectiveness of stage lighting design and operation
Stage sound design and operation Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the principles of stage sound design, including acoustics and sound reinforcement. You'll design sound plans, prepare and operate sound equipment, and evaluate the effectiveness of sound design during performances.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of stage sound design
- Design a stage sound plan for a performance
- Prepare stage sound equipment for a performance
- Operate stage sound equipment during a performance
- Evaluate the effectiveness of stage sound design and operation
Technical management Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand technical management principles in performance contexts, including planning technical requirements and managing equipment and resources. The unit covers supervising technical staff, ensuring safety, and evaluating technical aspects to identify areas for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of technical management in a performance context
- Plan technical requirements for a performance
- Manage technical equipment and resources effectively
- Supervise technical staff during a performance
- Evaluate the technical aspects of a performance, identifying areas for improvement
Theatre directing Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit introduces learners to the role and responsibilities of a theatre director, including legal and ethical considerations. You'll analyse various directing styles, apply directing techniques in production, and evaluate directing choices, emphasising the collabourative nature of theatre directing.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a theatre director
- Analyse different directing styles and approaches
- Apply directing techniques to a theatrical production
- Evaluate the effectiveness of directing choices in a performance
- Understand the collaborative nature of theatre directing
03The standards
The national standards these units are built against
What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
- Standard
Communicate how you carry out creative and compositional skills appropriate to your target market
- Standard
Create scripts
- Standard
Deliver Scripts for Non-Scripted Productions
- Standard
Develop early set designs for live productions
- Standard
Develop lighting designs for live productions
- Standard
Identify and select supporting artistes and contributors for productions
- Standard
Keep knowledge and skills for production design, art direction or set dressing up to date
- Standard
Manage commissions for craft
- Standard
Manage ongoing live productions
- Standard
Manage the expectation of individuals, groups and stakeholders involved in an arts programme
- Standard
Manage the production process
- Standard
Manage the selection and negotiation of contracts for the production team, crew, suppliers and others
- Standard
Structure Dance for Engagement of Participants and Groups
04Where it leads
The jobs these credits are mapped to
A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 1 record
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 19 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.
Where this can lead
Production Assistant
This work can lead to roles such as associate producer, or further on, producer or production manager.
See the whole journey05The credits
The credits, and who awards them
Level 3 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Cambridge OCR rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.
What you would be collecting
Acting techniqueArts administrationCharacter design and realisationClassical theatre performanceCombined artsCreate music to performCurrent issues in performing artsDance appreciation
Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.
How you’d practise it
You don’t watch this. You do it.
You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.
The Coach · your practice partner Illustration The Coach Make the case from “Proposal for a commissioning brief” to me in thirty seconds. I am the person who signs it off and I am already late.
You It would improve engagement and bring us in line with best practice.
The Coach Neither of those costs me anything to say no to. Open with the number that changes if I do nothing.
- Pitch it Evaluate
“Proposal for a commissioning brief” gets practised as a pitch. You make the case out loud, Zavmo asks the question the room would ask, and you make it again.
- Lead it Apply
“Production and stage management process” is practised on the team you actually have. You talk through the call you are about to make, and Zavmo makes you say it the way you would say it to them.
What you leave holding
The standards this credential builds, in the shape the product keeps them
Nothing here is marked learned. There is no learner on a public page, so the map shows what the qualification covers rather than what anybody has done.
Cambridge OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- Communicate how you carry out creative and compositional skills appropriate to your target market
- Create scripts
- Deliver Scripts for Non-Scripted Productions
- Develop early set designs for live productions
- Develop lighting designs for live productions
- Identify and select supporting artistes and contributors for productions
- Keep knowledge and skills for production design, art direction or set dressing up to date
- Manage commissions for craft
How you would learn this
One to one, on the work you already do
A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.
A lesson from Acting technique, one of this qualification's own units.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit introduces learners to different acting techniques and methodologies. Learners will apply these techniques in various performance contexts, analyse influential practitioners' work, develop personal skills through practice, and evaluate their own performances.
How the thinking builds
- 1 Remember
- 2 Understand
- 3 Apply
- 4 Analyse
- 5 Evaluate
- 6 Create
It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
Built for Cambridge OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
33 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Cambridge OCR.
- Acting technique
- Arts administration
- Character design and realisation
- Classical theatre performance
- Combined arts
- Create music to perform
and 27 more in the full unit list below.
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.
Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.
The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.