Advanced Performing Arts
and Theatre Studies – Level 6

Our Advanced Performing Arts and Theatre Studies programme is designed for students who want to work in the professional world of Theatre and Performing Arts. You will have the opportunity to develop advanced level technical skills in Acting, Dance and Voice, as well as focused preparation for auditions both for access to Higher Education courses, and for performance roles and casting. This advanced course includes in-depth study of creative performance development processes including improvisation, characterisation and devised and scripted work. You will develop the knowledge and skills of a theatre practitioner through the processes of directing and devising.

Our expert teaching team, themselves professional practitioners, will guide your work, and support you to develop your own individual skills, talents and areas of expertise. Your learning and assessment will be grounded in real professional practice, and you and your course group will form a theatre performance company, producing a programme of public performances throughout the course.

What Makes This Course Special?

  • Performance Based programme
  • Audition preparation
  • Purpose built Performing Arts Studio
  • Partnership with professional theatre venue
  • Excellent progression routes

Course Content

  • Engaging with Drama
  • Creating Drama
  • Leadership
  • Work Experience
  • Theatre Studies
  • Characterisation
  • Improvisation
  • Jazz Dance
  • Safety and Health at Work
  • Communications
  • Work Experience
  • Musical Theatre Performance Skills

Progression
Progress to further study and careers including:

  • Audition preparation for non-CAO Theatre Schools and Conservatoires
  • AU823 – Performing Arts (Acting) Level 7
  • AU931 – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Performing Arts
  • MT938 – BA in Musical Theatre
  • CK112 – Theatre and Performative Practices – Level 8
  • MT939 – Theatre and Drama Studies – Level 8
  • DN520 – BA Arts Degree (with Drama Studies) – Level 8
  • DN530 – Music, Film & Drama – Level 8
  • TR025 – Drama and Theatre Studies – Level 8
  • TR635 – Music/Drama Studies – Level 8
  • TU962 – Drama (Performance – audition) – Level 8

Testimonials

The Level 6 Advanced Performing Arts course at Carlow Institute of Further Education was a transformative experience that combined practical training with personal and professional development. Through performance, collaboration, and a full production, I gained the skills, confidence, and industry insight needed to grow as a performer. The support of experienced faculty and the focus on career development gave me the confidence to successfully audition for the Gaiety School of Acting, where I will begin training this September.

Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of one-year previous training in performance is required, and a QQI Level 5 Award or equivalent in addition to Standard entry requirements.

Certification

  • QQI Level 6 Certificate in Drama 6M3566

Costs

  • You are required to pay the application and registration charges, but your tuition, examination and awarding body costs are free
    (see costs, fees and finance)

Garda Vetting
See the Garda Vetting details on the Entry Requirements Page

PLSS Code: 498705
Coordinator: Anna Galligan