SWINDON students from Cirencester College’s Performing Arts Department are progressing to prestigious drama schools and universities.

Georgina Smith from Royal Wootton Bassett, who gained distinction stars in two performing arts qualifications said: “The Performing Arts course at Cirencester college has enabled me to study musical theatre to become a professional performer in the West End.” Currently Georgina is selecting her options between either the University of Chichester or Guildford School of Acting.

Stephen Moyse from Cricklade also achieved distinction stars said: “Thanks to the many opportunities I have been able to capitalise on over the last year, I have seen my skills develop beyond expectations. I cannot recommend this course and the Lecturers more.” Stephen is taking up a place at The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts with a DADA scholarship to study a BA Hons in Acting.

In September 2016 Cirencester Sixth Form College will be launching an enhanced Performing Arts programme for prospective students. The new Cambridge Technical Diploma in Performing Arts will include the study of Classical and Contemporary Acting technique, Dance technique, Voice technique, Practitioner Masterclasses, Improvisation, Devising, Directing, Script-writing and Performing Arts Business.

In addition there will also be the chance to choose a preferred specialised route in the second year, ensuring that the course is tailored to the area that students are most interested in.

Alongside the qualification, the Performing Arts Study Programme will offer opportunities to gain work experience in a professional theatre, perform in at least two large-scale productions a year, develop acting to camera skills and attend vocal training sessions. Students will also develop specialist performance skills through workshops with industry professionals and participate in workshops and auditions held at the college. There will also be the opportunity to learn technical theatre skills, and participate onstage and backstage in the Sundial Theatre Company.

Other students going on to universities and drama courses are; Nicole Cameron who is off to Birbeck University of London to study Drama and Theatre Studies; Kai Preston who is off to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles;

Emily Lewis is joining the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to study Applied Drama and Education; Claudia Anderson, is taking a slightly different route in world of performing arts and is going to be studying Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre at Circomedia Bristol.

Four other students who are taking a gap year before they go off to drama school, received offers for the Acting Foundation Course at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and one other student received an offer at East 15 Drama School