Pearson Education Ltd · RQF Level 5
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 5
- Total credits240
- Guided learning960 hours
- Units in this qualification68
Awarded by Pearson Education Ltd · on the Ofqual register
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What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
BTEC Higher Nationals provide specialist learning at Levels 4 and 5 in over 40 subjects, offering a cost-effective, vocational pathway to higher education.
These are the units Pearson Education Ltd 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, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Acting 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to key acting principles, including objectives, actions, and obstacles, and their application in performance. You'll analyse and interpret texts to develop material through rehearsal techniques and perform rehearsed pieces demonstrating relevant acting skills.
What you'll be able to do
- Apply key acting principles to the creation of performance.
- Apply analysis and interpretation to realising a text.
- Develop material for performance by employing rehearsal techniques.
- Perform rehearsed material demonstrating application of relevant technique.
Acting 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore and research acting techniques relevant to a chosen style. They will apply these techniques in rehearsal and performance, developing consistent characterisation and demonstrating control within the selected acting style.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore and research acting techniques relevant to the chosen acting style, considering historical and contemporary approaches.
- Apply appropriate acting techniques in rehearsal to effectively realise the chosen acting style, demonstrating understanding and control.
- Develop characterisation that is appropriate to the chosen acting style in both rehearsal and performance, ensuring consistency and believability.
- Demonstrate the application of the chosen acting style in performance to effectively present rehearsed material to an audience.
Acting for CameraReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to assess the moving image environment and develop acting techniques suitable for various screen mediums. You'll rehearse and perform material applying these techniques effectively in camera scenarios.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess the characteristics of a moving image environment, considering factors such as lighting, sound, and camera angles.
- Develop a range of acting techniques suitable for performances across various screen mediums, including film, television, and online platforms.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply acting techniques effectively when rehearsing material specifically designed for screen performance.
- Effectively apply identified acting skills to a performance within a camera scenario, demonstrating control and understanding of the medium.
American TapReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' practical and theoretical knowledge of American Tap dance. You'll demonstrate vocabulary, perform set and unseen combinations with musicality, interpret feedback, and discuss the dance's history and innovators.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the required vocabulary specific to American Tap dance.
- Perform the required vocabulary in both set and unseen combinations, demonstrating rhythm, control, tone, musicality, style, and engaging performance skills.
- Interpret feedback provided during lessons to enhance technical skills and improve overall performance quality.
- Discuss the history of American Tap dance, including its origins, evolution, and the contributions of key innovators.
AuditioningReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit guides learners through the audition process within performing arts. They will explore progression routes, select and justify audition materials, develop a professional portfolio, and present material using appropriate techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the process of accessing a chosen progression route within the performing arts industry, identifying necessary materials and resources.
- Justify the suitability of selected material for inclusion in an audition portfolio, demonstrating an understanding of industry standards and expectations.
- Develop a professional audition portfolio, employing relevant techniques throughout the development process to showcase skills and experience.
- Present audition material using appropriate techniques that effectively promote the acquisition of work and/or further progression opportunities within the performing arts sector.
Ballet 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the fundamental techniques and vocabulary of ballet. You'll develop skills in performing ballet steps with correct technique, musicality, and artistry, and will learn to interpret feedback to improve their technical abilities. They will also explain the technical requirements of ballet within different approaches.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the fundamental techniques and vocabulary required for Ballet as a specific dance genre
- Perform the required content and vocabulary with appropriate technique, musicality and artistry
- Interpret feedback effectively as directed in lessons to enhance technical skills and performance quality
- Explain the technical requirements of ballet within different approaches and how they apply to own practice and development
Ballet 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' ballet skills, focusing on the accurate use of vocabulary in complex enchaînements during class and performance. You'll interpret feedback for self-correction, incorporate artistry and musicality, and assess their own technical development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required vocabulary for the unit in complex enchaînements within class and performance.
- Interpret feedback as directed and evidence self-correction.
- Produce work in class and performance that incorporates artistry, musicality and secure technique.
- Assess the development of own processes in training to work within the discipline of ballet.
Body Art ApplicationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to explore and demonstrate industry-standard body art and face painting techniques. You'll produce plans for body art designs aligned to an industry brief and evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the brief's requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore a range of industry techniques in body art and face painting.
- Demonstrate current industry standards in the application of make-up techniques for a range of body art and face painting characterisations to an industry set brief.
- Produce plans to realise the body art application designs for an industry event.
- Analyse the strengths of the project in meeting the requirements of the brief and areas for future development.
Choreography 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop choreographic skills to construct original dance pieces using appropriate vocabulary and techniques for a chosen genre. The unit also covers career pathways in choreography and the relationship between artistry and creativity.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate required choreographic skills as directed in lessons.
- Demonstrate the required vocabulary for the genre.
- Construct own dance piece using required choreographic skills and required vocabulary for the genre.
- Explain the career trajectory in choreography genre and how this relates to artistry and creativity.
Choreography 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop choreographic skills and apply dance vocabulary to create choreography with technique, artistry, musicality, and creativity. They will construct original dance pieces demonstrating their understanding of choreographic principles and devices.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop required choreographic skills as directed in lessons
- Develop application of the required vocabulary for the genre
- Create the required choreographic skills with technique, artistry, musicality and creativity
- Construct own dance piece using required choreographic skills and dance language for the genre
Classical ActingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers classical theatre performance skills and styles relevant to the realisation of texts. You'll apply voice, movement, and physicality techniques in rehearsal and performance to develop their classical acting skillset.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss relevant classical theatre performance skills in the realisation of texts.
- Explore performance styles of classical texts to develop skillset.
- Apply a range of performance techniques relevant to the rehearsal of classical texts.
- Apply relevant techniques to the performance of classical texts.
Commercial Dance 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to demonstrate commercial dance vocabulary and content with correct technique and style. You'll interpret feedback to improve skills and understand the evolution and development of commercial dance.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required content and vocabulary for the unit.
- Perform the vocabulary with technique and style.
- Interpret feedback as directed in lessons to enhance technical skills.
- Explain the evolution and development of commercial dance.
Commercial Dance 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll demonstrate technical proficiency in complex commercial dance combinations, incorporating artistry and musicality. They will interpret feedback, self-correct, and evaluate commercial dance development and employment opportunities.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required content and vocabulary as directed in complex combinations within class and performance, showing technical proficiency.
- Interpret feedback as directed and evidence self-correction, showing a commitment to improving performance.
- Produce work in class and performance that incorporates artistry, musicality and secure technique, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of commercial dance.
- Evaluate the development of commercial dance and potential employment opportunities within the commercial dance industry, demonstrating knowledge of the sector.
Contact ImprovisationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' understanding of Contact Improvisation dance language and technical skills. You'll demonstrate weight sharing, support techniques, and perform with originality and musicality, while evaluating the current evolution of the genre.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the required dance language for the Contact Improvisation genre.
- Demonstrate required technical skills and respond to feedback effectively as directed in lessons.
- Perform the required dance language with originality, musicality and creativity.
- Evaluate understanding of the current evolution of Contact Improvisation/New Dance, considering its historical context and contemporary developments.
Contemporary Dance 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' technical skills and understanding of contemporary dance language. You'll perform with technique and musicality, respond to feedback, and explain the evolution of contemporary dance in relation to technique and artistry.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate required technical skills and respond to feedback as directed in lessons.
- Demonstrate the required dance language specific to the contemporary dance genre.
- Perform the required dance language with appropriate technique and musicality.
- Explain the current evolution of contemporary dance and how this relates to technique and artistry.
Contemporary Dance 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' technical skills and dance language in contemporary dance, enabling performance with technique, musicality, and creativity. You'll also gain skills to deliver contemporary dance classes and understand the genre's evolution.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop required technical skills as directed in lessons, using the required dance language for the genre
- Perform the required dance language with technique, musicality and creativity
- Deliver a class using required technique from lessons and understanding of dance language for the genre as retained from lessons
- Describe their understanding of the current evolution of contemporary dance
Costume ConstructionReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills in various costume construction methods such as pattern cutting, draping, and sewing. You'll produce patterns and construct costumes to a set brief, analysing construction techniques appropriate for character costumes.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore a range of methods for costume construction
- Produce patterns for costumes to a set brief
- Construct costume/s to a set brief using a wide range of construction methods
- Analyse methods of construction for character costume
Costume DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll analyse character information for costume design, explore design ideas through script analysis, and create detailed costume designs. They will present their design intentions to a panel and production team effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the key information required to understand a given character for the purpose of costume design, including personality, background, and motivations.
- Explore a range of design ideas and methods for character script analysis, considering the context of the performance and the director's vision.
- Create detailed design ideas for selected character/s, ensuring the costumes are suitable for the intended performance and contribute to the overall aesthetic.
- Present design intentions to a panel and the production team, effectively communicating the rationale behind the costume choices and addressing any feedback.
Creative Research ProjectReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll plan and conduct a creative research project using qualitative and/or quantitative methods. This unit involves engaging creatively with a chosen topic, analysing collected data, presenting findings in a written dissertation, and evaluating the research process.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a creative research study through qualitative research methods
- Plan a creative research study through quantitative research methods
- Creatively engage with a topic of your choice within your chosen field of interest
- Analyse research data collected and present it as part of a written dissertation
- Evaluate how the creative research project has influenced career planning
CrewingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of crewing roles and responsibilities in live productions. They will identify crewing requirements, conduct risk assessments, undertake stage crew roles, and analyse backstage skills and etiquette.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the diverse roles and responsibilities associated with crewing for a live production, covering areas such as stage management, lighting, sound, and set construction.
- Detail the specific crewing requirements for a given live production, including a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Undertake a designated stage crew role for a live production, demonstrating practical skills and teamwork.
- Analyse the essential skills and appropriate etiquette required for backstage work during a live production, including communication, problem-solving, and respect for the performance.
Dance for ActorsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to analyse their movement skills, create a development programme, and apply movement effectively in rehearsal and performance contexts, integrating control and artistry into their work.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of own movement skills, identifying areas for improvement and development.
- Create a programme of exercises designed to develop movement ability based on a thorough assessment of existing skills and identified areas for improvement.
- Apply movement skills effectively to developing material for performance in rehearsal, integrating movement seamlessly into the performance.
- Apply movement skills effectively in a performance context, demonstrating control, precision, and artistry.
Dance for CameraReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll assess filmed dance sequences and choreographic considerations for camera work. They will rehearse and perform a dance sequence for camera, demonstrating technical skill and artistic expression across dance genres.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess a range of filmed dance sequences, considering their technical and artistic qualities.
- Review the choreographic considerations involved when performing dance specifically for the camera.
- Rehearse a dance sequence for camera in a chosen dance genre, refining performance based on feedback.
- Perform a dance sequence for camera in a chosen dance genre, demonstrating technical skill and artistic expression.
Dance for Musical TheatreReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop the ability to quickly learn and accurately perform choreography in various musical theatre dance styles. The unit emphasises secure technique, stylistic performance, and understanding of different dance styles within musical theatre.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to pick up choreography quickly and accurately.
- Perform given choreography within the required style, demonstrating understanding of the genre.
- Dance the choreography with secure technique, demonstrating control and precision.
- Discuss different dance styles seen in musicals, demonstrating knowledge of their history and characteristics.
Devising Theatre and PerformanceReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of the history and key characteristics of devised theatre, including influential practitioners. You'll explore various techniques to create and perform devised work and critically evaluate the processes involved.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the history of devised theatre
- Explore influential practitioners in devised theatre
- Explore a wide range of techniques used to create a piece of devised work
- Explore a wide range of processes used to create a piece of devised work
- Create a piece of devised work
- Perform a piece of devised work
- Evaluate the techniques used in the creation and performance of a piece of devised work
- Evaluate the processes used in the creation and performance of a piece of devised work
DirectingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to analyse directing practices in theatre and recorded media and develop a range of directing skills. You'll undertake a directing role in a production and evaluate their directing processes to identify areas for future development.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the practices of a range of directors in theatre and/or recorded media, identifying different approaches and styles.
- Explore a wide range of directing skills needed for theatre and/or recorded media, including communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
- Carry out a role as a director in a production, demonstrating effective management and creative vision.
- Evaluate own directing processes and areas for future development, reflecting on successes and challenges.
Ensemble SingingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to perform musical lines with rhythmic and melodic accuracy in unison and harmony as part of an ensemble. You'll rehearse musical scores collabouratively and demonstrate performance skills incorporating characterisation and expression.
What you'll be able to do
- Perform a given musical line with rhythmic accuracy in unison sections.
- Perform a given musical line with rhythmic accuracy in harmony sections.
- Perform a given musical line with melodic accuracy in unison sections.
- Perform a given musical line with melodic accuracy in harmony sections.
- Rehearse a musical score effectively as part of an ensemble.
- Demonstrate performance skills that incorporate characterisation and acting choices as part of an ensemble.
Fashion and Fashion Editorial Hair and MakeupReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the historical development of hair and makeup styling in the fashion and editorial industry. They will demonstrate relevant techniques and contribute to a fashion project, meeting creative briefs and analysing strengths of their work.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the historical development of hair and/or makeup styling in the Fashion and Fashion editorial industry, identifying key trends, influences, and practitioners
- Demonstrate Fashion and Fashion editorial hair and/or makeup techniques, applying relevant skills and knowledge to create specific looks
- Undertake a role in a Fashion or Fashion Editorial Project working to a set brief, contributing to the overall creative vision and meeting the project's objectives
- Analyse the strengths of the project in meeting the requirements of the brief and areas for future development, reflecting on the creative process and identifying opportunities for improvement
Hair and Make-up ApplicationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners to plan and execute hair and makeup designs for live productions, including producing risk assessments to ensure performer safety. You'll undertake the role of makeup/hair artist and analyse the success of their work in the production context.
What you'll be able to do
- Produce detailed plans to realise the make-up and hair designs for a live production.
- Produce comprehensive risk assessments for make-up and hair techniques used on the performers in the production.
- Undertake a role effectively as a makeup/hair artist on the live production.
- Analyse the success of the hair and make up for the live production, considering its impact on the overall performance.
Hair and Make-up DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the process of producing hair and make-up designs in response to a director’s brief for live productions. You'll develop working designs collabouratively, conduct risk assessments in line with Health and Safety legislation, and provide clear working instructions for implementation.
What you'll be able to do
- Produce a set of initial responses to a director’s brief for a live production, demonstrating understanding of the requirements.
- Produce a set of working designs, working collaboratively with the wider production team for a production.
- Provide a risk assessment for the designs, abiding by appropriate Health and Safety legislation and industry best practice.
- Provide clear and concise working instructions for the application and realisation of the hair and/or make-up design.
Immersive TheatreReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the historical development and key components of Immersive Theatre. They will develop and perform a piece within this genre, gaining insight into audience interaction, environment, and narrative.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss the historical development of Immersive Theatre, referencing key practitioners and movements
- Explore the key components essential to creating Immersive Theatre, including audience interaction, environment, and narrative
- Develop a piece of work for Immersive Theatre, demonstrating an understanding of the form and its potential
- Carry out a role in a piece of Immersive Theatre, contributing to the overall performance and audience experience
Investigation of SpecialismReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to investigate the history and development of a chosen specialism, exploring its connections with other specialist areas. You'll demonstrate the evolution of their specialism and assess its impact on their career development.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the history of chosen specialism.
- Explore the crossover element between the chosen specialism and other specialist areas.
- Demonstrate the development of chosen specialism.
- Assess how the historical development of chosen specialist area could impact on own career development.
Jazz Dance 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore jazz dance techniques, vocabulary, and historical context. The unit develops their ability to perform with musicality and artistry, and to interpret feedback to enhance technical skills within the jazz dance genre.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the techniques and vocabulary required for Jazz as a dance genre.
- Perform the techniques and vocabulary with musicality and artistry.
- Interpret feedback as directed in lessons to enhance technical skills.
- Discuss the development of jazz as a dance genre.
Jazz Dance 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' proficiency in complex jazz dance combinations, incorporating artistry and musicality. You'll interpret feedback, demonstrate secure technique, and assess different jazz dance styles and innovations.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required content and vocabulary as directed in complex combinations within class and performance, showing technical proficiency.
- Produce work in class and performance that incorporates artistry and musicality, demonstrating secure jazz dance technique.
- Interpret feedback as directed and evidence self-correction, showing a commitment to improving performance.
- Assess different jazz techniques created by innovators during the development of jazz as a dance genre, demonstrating historical and technical understanding.
Lighting DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the skills, equipment, and techniques involved in the role of a lighting operator. You'll develop practical skills to operate lighting equipment safely and effectively, demonstrating competence in preparation and execution within industry-standard practice.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate the skills, equipment, and techniques involved in the role of the lighting operator, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
- Develop the skills and techniques required to carry out the role of a lighting operator using industry standard practice, ensuring competence and safety.
- Demonstrate the ability to carry out the role of the lighting operator in preparation for performance, including setting up equipment and programming cues.
- Perform the role of the lighting operator in a live performance to a professional standard, executing cues accurately and contributing to the overall success of the production.
Lighting OperationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll investigate the skills, equipment, and techniques required of a lighting operator. They will develop practical competence in operating lighting control consoles and setting up lighting rigs in line with industry standards for live performances.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate the skills, equipment and techniques involved in the role of the lighting operator
- Develop the skills and techniques required to carry out the role of a lighting operator using industry standard practice
- Demonstrate the ability to carry out the role of the lighting operator in preparation for a performance
- Perform the role of the lighting operator in a live performance to a professional standard
Make Up Aging SkillsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore and apply a range of industry techniques in ageing make-up and postiche. They will develop technical ability to meet industry briefs and produce detailed plans to realise ageing make-up designs, analysing strengths and areas for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore a range of industry techniques used in the application of ageing make up and postiche.
- Apply ageing make up techniques, demonstrating technical ability and providing maximum visual impact, while working to an industry-set brief.
- Produce detailed plans to realise ageing make up techniques for a specified industry event.
- Analyse the strengths of the project in meeting the requirements of the brief, and identify areas for future development and improvement.
Management RoleReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll undertake a management role in a live production, identifying departmental needs and conducting risk assessments. They will develop organisational and leadership skills and evaluate their management effectiveness within the production context.
What you'll be able to do
- Undertake a management role in a live production, taking responsibility for a specific area such as stage management, lighting, sound, or costume
- Explain what will be needed by their department for the live production, including resources, equipment, and personnel
- Risk assess a live production in terms of departmental requirements and staffing, identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate control measures
- Evaluate the success of the management role for the live production, reflecting on achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement
Mask ActingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll investigate the historical and cultural origins of mask performance and develop key techniques for embodying masks. They will create and perform material using these techniques, demonstrating physical control and expressive skills in masked performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate the origins of mask performance and its place within theatre history
- Develop key techniques and skills required for embodying the mask effectively
- Create material suitable for performance by applying relevant techniques during rehearsals
- Apply developed skills and techniques effectively when performing in a mask
Mask and Puppet makingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit explores historical and contemporary puppet and mask types, construction techniques, and cultural significance. You'll create a character puppet or mask using various materials and methods and evaluate the physical mechanisms of their creation.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore historical and contemporary puppet and/or mask types and construction, researching diverse styles and techniques.
- Explore techniques and processes for puppet and/or mask making, experimenting with different materials and methods.
- Create a character puppet and/or mask using a range of materials and methods, demonstrating creativity and technical skill.
- Evaluate the physical mechanisms of the constructed puppet and/or mask, assessing their functionality and effectiveness.
Movement for ActorsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to explore a variety of dance styles, rehearse choreography accurately, and demonstrate style, musicality, and rhythm in performance. You'll also assess how movement skills can influence employment opportunities within the performing arts sector.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore a wide and diverse range of dance styles.
- Rehearse a range of dances as directed by a choreographer or instructor.
- Demonstrate style, musicality and rhythm through dance performance.
- Assess how movement skills and dance experience can influence employment accessibility within the performing arts industry.
Musical Theatre History in PracticeReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to describe the development of musical theatre from the 1930s to present, analyse a musical work in historical context, and prepare and present material demonstrating its principal elements.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the development of musical theatre from the 1930s to the present day, identifying key trends and influences.
- Analyse a musical theatre work, identifying its principal elements such as music, lyrics, book, and choreography, and setting it in its historical context.
- Prepare material from a chosen musical theatre work, demonstrating the principal elements identified in the analysis.
- Present musical theatre material to an audience, showcasing understanding of the work's context and elements.
Partner WorkReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' partnering techniques specific to a chosen genre. You'll apply these techniques in partner work, create original pieces, and evaluate current trends and practices within partner dance.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop the required partnering technique specific to the chosen genre, as directed by the tutor or supervisor.
- Demonstrate the required partnering technique and apply it effectively to partner work, as directed in lessons and practical exercises.
- Create an original piece of partner work based on the required partnering technique for the chosen genre, demonstrating creativity and technical proficiency.
- Evaluate the current position and trends of partner work within their chosen genre’s professional field, considering its relevance and impact.
Performance ProjectReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to undertake tasks associated with developing a performance project, collabourate in rehearsals using relevant skills, and perform as part of an ensemble, demonstrating effective teamwork and performance delivery.
What you'll be able to do
- Undertake relevant tasks associated with developing a performance project, as directed by the project leader or supervisor
- Develop material in rehearsal through application of relevant skills, as directed, showing responsiveness to feedback and collaborative input
- Demonstrate ability to work with others as part of an ensemble, contributing positively to the group dynamic and achieving shared goals
- Perform a role(s) in a performance for an audience, as directed, demonstrating appropriate performance skills and stagecraft
Period Hair and MakeupReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the historical development of period hair and makeup styles and techniques. The unit involves demonstrating accurate styling for a specified period and participating in a period hair and makeup project, with analysis of the work's effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the historical development of hair and/or makeup styling and techniques, researching key periods and influences.
- Demonstrate hair and/or makeup techniques for a specified period of time, as defined through an industry standard set brief, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
- Undertake a role in a period makeup and/or hair project, as defined by an industry standard set brief, working collaboratively and professionally.
- Analyse the strengths of the period hair and/or makeup project in meeting the requirements of the brief and areas for future development, providing constructive feedback and recommendations.
Physical TheatreReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop improvisational, storytelling, and movement-making skills specific to physical theatre. They will practise spontaneity and originality in performance and construct an original physical theatre piece demonstrating their understanding of movement language and genre conventions.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required improvisational element, storytelling element and movement language for the physical theatre genre in class exercises.
- Develop the required physical theatre and movement-making skills with spontaneity and originality.
- Construct an original physical theatre piece using required physical theatre and movement-making skills, storytelling element and movement language for the genre.
- Evaluate the current evolution in physical theatre and how this is reflected in own work and the work of others.
Producing TheatreReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the processes and business models involved in producing small theatre pieces. This unit covers the evaluation of business proposals and the creation of a viable business plan for a small-scale musical theatre production, considering financial and operational factors.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the processes and alternative business models suitable for producing small theatre pieces, demonstrating understanding of the industry.
- Evaluate a selection of business proposals, ranking them in terms of quality and viability, justifying the ranking with reasoned arguments.
- Create a viable business proposal for a small scale production of a musical theatre work considering fundraising opportunities, (realistic) revenue projections, and all associated costs in order to balance the books.
- Investigate relevant information needed to present reasoned and persuasive arguments to a panel, demonstrating research and communication skills.
Production CommunicationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore communication methods used in production environments and identify key features related to set briefs. They will demonstrate effective communication skills in a production role and assess the impact of communication on production outcomes.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore various communication methods used in a production environment.
- Identify the main features of effective communication related to a set brief for a production.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills through a defined role within a production team.
- Assess the effectiveness of communication skills used within a production, identifying areas for improvement.
Production DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll produce initial and developed production designs responding to a text and director's brief. They will create budgeted plans for realisation, manage resources, and analyse the effectiveness of their designs within live productions.
What you'll be able to do
- Produce a set of initial response designs to a specified text and director’s brief for a live production, demonstrating creative interpretation and understanding of the requirements.
- Develop the initial designs further, refining them to take forward to the construction phase, ensuring practicality and feasibility.
- Produce a budgeted plan for the realised production designs, adhering to set deadlines and demonstrating cost-effectiveness and resource management.
- Analyse the realised designs for the production, evaluating their effectiveness in achieving the director's vision and enhancing the overall performance.
Professional DevelopmentReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll assess the skills required for employment within their chosen Performing Arts specialism and design a personal professional development strategy. They will implement and review their development plan to enhance employability and career progression.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess the skills required for employment in a chosen area of specialism within the Performing Arts industry.
- Design a personal professional development strategy that outlines targets for proactive skills development.
- Undertake the personal development plan over an agreed timeframe, implementing planned activities and monitoring progress.
- Evaluate own continuing professional development in line with wider commercial awareness of industry trends and the employment market.
Scenic ConstructionReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll interpret production designs and construct scenic elements accordingly, applying appropriate tools and techniques. The unit includes conducting health and safety risk assessments and evaluating the effectiveness of the set within a live production.
What you'll be able to do
- Interpret designs accurately for a production.
- Produce a set effectively from the interpretation of those designs.
- Demonstrate health and safety risk assessment procedures in scenic construction.
- Evaluate the success of the set within a live production, considering its impact and effectiveness.
Set DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to interpret texts and director's briefs to produce initial set design responses. You'll analyse design constraints, select appropriate materials, and produce plans aligned with production requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Interpret the text to produce a set of initial responses to a director’s brief, demonstrating creative thinking and understanding of the play's themes and context
- Explain the constraints of the design in relation to the specific issues of the production, such as budget, venue, and technical limitations
- Analyse the initial response to select a design to progress, including risk assessment and materials, justifying the choices made in relation to the director's brief and production requirements
- Produce a set of plans/models to allow a set constructor produce the set designed, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and feasibility
Singing 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop safe and effective vocal warm-up techniques and understand the anatomy and physiology of the voice. This unit covers basic breathing and breath control methods and performance skills including vocal resonance, flexibility, and clear diction.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to warm up the voice safely and effectively, preparing the vocal cords for singing.
- Explain the anatomy and physiology of the voice, understanding the mechanisms involved in sound production.
- Apply basic techniques of breathing and breath control in singing to produce a consistent and healthy sound, ensuring proper vocal support.
- Perform with vocal resonance, flexibility and clear diction, demonstrating control and artistry.
Singing 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to consolidate a secure and healthy singing technique, including breath control, tonal quality, and rhythmic accuracy. You'll communicate text and character through song and demonstrate vocal qualities required for diverse musical theatre genres.
What you'll be able to do
- Consolidate a secure, controlled, and healthy technique, encompassing breath control, support and anchoring, tonal quality, precise intonation and rhythmic accuracy.
- Communicate text, character, and human and dramatic predicament effectively through song.
- Demonstrate command of the vocal qualities required in order to perform pieces from a range of genres in musical theatre.
- Perform repertoire which suits student’s own vocal range and characteristics, showcasing vocal strengths.
Sound DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to analyse sound design in professional productions and produce a detailed sound design plan for live performance. You'll implement the plan, adapt to live conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the sound design produced.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the Sound Design of a current professional production, identifying key elements and their impact.
- Produce a Sound Design plan for a live performance, detailing equipment, cues, and creative intentions.
- Undertake the Sound Design for a live performance, implementing the plan and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
- Evaluate the Sound Design produced, identifying strengths and areas for development, and suggesting improvements for future projects.
Sound OperationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll assess technical and acoustic factors of performance venues, produce technical plans, undertake live sound operation, and review their practice to identify strengths and areas for development.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess the technical and acoustic factors of a performance venue, considering its suitability for live sound operation.
- Produce a technical plan for a live performance, detailing equipment requirements, sound levels, and speaker placement.
- Undertake the sound operation of a live performance, managing sound levels, mixing, and effects.
- Review the sound operation undertaken, identifying strengths and areas for development in technical skills and operational procedures.
Special FXReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the range of special effects used in live productions, including associated risks and health and safety regulations. You'll interpret directors' briefs, conduct risk assessments, implement special effects plans, and evaluate their success.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the range of special effects available for live productions, detailing the associated risks
- Interpret a director's brief and script for a live production which requires special effects, risk assessing as appropriate
- Realise the plan for special effects in the production
- Evaluate the success of the plan for special effects in the production
Special FX 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to analyse various Special FX techniques across different mediums and explore design ideas using industry-standard tools. You'll produce a portfolio of Special FX designs to a defined brief and evaluate their strengths and development needs.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse a range of Special FX, appropriate for a variety of mediums, and explain the importance of keeping up to date with current trends in the industry.
- Explore Special FX design ideas using industry-standard tools and techniques.
- Produce a portfolio of Special FX designs, working to a defined brief and meeting specified requirements.
- Analyse the strengths and identify areas for development within the Special FX portfolio.
Stage ManagementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of the stage manager's responsibilities before rehearsals, during rehearsals, and performances. The unit includes producing stage management paperwork, undertaking the role effectively, and analysing the success of stage management in a live production.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the responsibilities of a stage manager for a specific live production, considering all aspects of the role.
- Produce the appropriate stage management paperwork for the live production, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Undertake a role as stage manager for the live production, demonstrating effective organisational and communication skills.
- Analyse the success of the stage management role, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in future productions.
StagecraftReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop knowledge of backstage roles and responsibilities within theatre productions, including teamwork and collabouration. The unit covers script evaluation, risk assessment for specific roles, and the evaluation of backstage work in a production.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the responsibilities of backstage roles
- Explain the teamwork involved in backstage roles
- Evaluate a script, defining the responsibilities of a specific role backstage in a production
- Anticipate issues pertaining to that role, by risk assessment
- Evaluate the backstage work of the production
Tap 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop knowledge of tap dance vocabulary and perform it with rhythm, control, tone, and musicality. They will interpret feedback to improve technique and discuss influential tap practitioners and the genre's historical development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate knowledge of the required vocabulary for the unit.
- Perform the required vocabulary with rhythm, control, tone, musicality, style and performance.
- Interpret feedback as directed in lessons to enhance technical skills.
- Discuss tap practitioners who have influenced the genre as it stands today.
Tap 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop tap dance skills, demonstrating required vocabulary and performing set and unseen combinations with rhythm, control, tone, and musicality. The unit includes interpreting feedback to enhance technique and analysing different learning styles in tap dance.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required tap vocabulary accurately, as directed in class.
- Interpret feedback effectively as directed in lessons to enhance technical tap skills.
- Perform the required tap vocabulary in set and unseen combinations with appropriate rhythm, control, tone, musicality, style and performance quality.
- Analyse how different learners learn to tap dance and how this may impact classes and rehearsals, considering diverse learning styles and needs.
The Freelance Hair and Makeup ArtistReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to explore the roles and responsibilities of freelance hair and makeup artists across various contexts. You'll produce designs to industry briefs, apply advanced techniques, and analyse the effectiveness of their work against brief requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the diverse roles and responsibilities of a freelance hair and/or makeup artist
- Produce detailed designs based on a provided industry standard brief
- Apply advanced makeup and/or hair techniques effectively to meet the specific requirements of an industry standard brief
- Analyse the success of meeting the requirements of the brief and identify areas for future development and improvement
The Performing Arts IndustryReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of health, safety, and wellbeing regulations within the performing arts industry. They will explore roles and responsibilities, investigate employment opportunities, and develop strategies for self-marketing and career development.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the importance of adhering to health, safety and wellbeing regulations when working within the performing arts industry
- Explain the various roles and responsibilities of individuals working within the performing arts industry
- Investigate the range and accessibility of employment opportunities that relate to your chosen specialist area within the performing arts
- Investigate effective strategies to market yourself and develop a successful career as a performing arts professional
Vocal RepertoireReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll present a varied vocal repertoire showcasing their vocal and acting abilities across different musical theatre styles. This unit covers song analysis, style classification, and the application of informed vocal choices tailored to each genre.
What you'll be able to do
- Present a varied and well-balanced portfolio of songs that showcase the strengths of the student’s vocal abilities
- Present a varied and well-balanced portfolio of songs that showcase the strengths of the student’s acting abilities
- Analyse a musical theatre song and classify its style
- Apply informed vocal choices for each song, taking into account the use of different voice qualities appropriate to the genre
- Apply informed vocal choices for each song, taking into account the use of different styles appropriate to the genre
- Apply informed vocal choices for each song, taking into account the use of different resonances appropriate to the genre
- Apply informed acting choices to each song, taking into account the styles appropriate to the genre
- Apply informed acting choices to each song, taking into account the social context appropriate to the genre
- Apply informed acting choices to each song, taking into account the historical context appropriate to the genre
Voice Skills for Actors 2Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit develops vocal techniques for actors to realise complex texts in performance. You'll analyse texts to inform performance choices, apply vocal processes during rehearsal and performance, and evaluate their own vocal effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop relevant vocal technique to realise text effectively in performance
- Analyse text in detail to identify appropriate performance choices
- Apply relevant vocal processes effectively when rehearsing and performing complex dramatic text
- Analyse own vocal effectiveness in performance, identifying areas for improvement
Voice and Speech for Actors 1Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles of voice production, including the physiological processes involved in sound formation. They will apply vocal techniques to develop voice and speech skills, perform a portfolio of material, and evaluate the effectiveness of their vocal delivery in performance contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the principles of voice production and explain how sound is formed physiologically.
- Apply vocal technique for voice production to develop voice and speech skills.
- Apply vocal technique to a portfolio of performed material.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of vocal delivery in performance.
Working in Creative EducationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll assess pedagogic strategies suitable for Creative Arts education and develop learning materials and plans for diverse teaching contexts. They will deliver activities and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning to inform future practice.
What you'll be able to do
- Assess pedagogic strategies for a variety of Creative Arts educational contexts.
- Develop materials and plans for the delivery of effective learning in a variety of teaching contexts.
- Deliver a range of activities in a variety of teaching contexts.
- Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across a series of taught sessions.
Working in the Performing Arts IndustryReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll analyse their career goals and employment accessibility within the performing arts industry. They will examine health, safety, and wellbeing considerations and develop strategies to support sustainable, long-term employability in their chosen role.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse own career goals and accessibility to employment in the chosen role
- Analyse the importance of health, safety and wellbeing within the workplace and own career development
- Review the sustainability of a career in the performing arts industry and strategies to support long term employability
- Develop a marketing strategy for own career goals
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 5 credits are regulated. 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’ve earned and what’s next.
Acting 1Acting 2Acting for CameraAmerican TapAuditioningBallet 1Ballet 2Body Art Application
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts
- Break down scripts and prepare budgets for physical special effects
- Contribute to the Design Process and Acquire Resources for Hair, Wigs, Make-Up and Prosthetics Work
- Create an Original Design for Hair, Wigs, Make-Up and Prosthetics
- Create practical fire effects
- Determine the production requirements for designs
- Develop early set designs for live productions
- Direct the actors (drama)
- Finalise the design for hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
Break down scripts and prepare budgets for physical special effectsContribute to the Design Process and Acquire Resources for Hair, Wigs, Make-Up and Prosthetics WorkCreate an Original Design for Hair, Wigs, Make-Up and ProstheticsCreate practical fire effectsDetermine the production requirements for designsDevelop early set designs for live productionsDirect the actors (drama)Finalise the design for hair, wigs, make-up and prostheticsManage ongoing live productionsPlan and design physical special effectsPlan and design physical special effectsResearch ideas to contribute to the development of hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics design for productionsUndertake Freelance Work
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your own work
This unit introduces learners to key acting principles, including objectives, actions, and obstacles, and their application in performance. Learners will analyse and interpret texts to develop material through rehearsal techniques and perform rehearsed pieces demonstrating relevant acting skills.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts
68 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Pearson Education Ltd.
- Acting 1
- Acting 2
- Acting for Camera
- American Tap
- Auditioning
- Ballet 1
and 62 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
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.