The Performance Academy
at BSPA
Working with Trinity College of Music
Committed to the Arts
Whilst we encourage our performers to work towards Trinity Grades and diplomas, it is not a compulsory requirement whilst training with us at The Performance Academy. This is a wonderful opportunity to also work on skills in all aspects of theatre without the stress of grades.
Who are Trinity?
Trinity College London, established in 1872, is a leading international awarding organisation, publisher and independent education charity. They specialise in the assessment of communicative and performance skills covering music, drama, combined arts and English language.
With over 850,000 candidates a year in more than 60 countries worldwide, Trinity qualifications are specifically designed to help students progress. Our aim is to inspire teachers and learners through the creation of assessments that are enjoyable to prepare for, rewarding to teach and that develop the skills needed in real life.
Trinity College London believes that effective communicative and performance skills are life enhancing, know no bounds and should be within reach of us all.
We exist to promote and foster the best possible communicative and performance skills through assessment, content and training which is innovative, personal and authentic.
Our partnership with Trinity
Trinity College London provide graded exams and Diplomas in many areas. This year we decided to give students the opportunity to gain a Level 4 qualification in Musical Theatre Performance while they train with us.
Our partnership with Trinity College is the perfect way to support our training in a focused and goal oriented environment. The Trinity ATCL Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance is a Level 4 qualification and the RQF equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree course. The partnership also means we are a registered Trinity exam centre and will be able to
provide face to face, in person exams at our Academy at specific times throughout the year.
What are the exams?
”The Trinity suite of diploma exams are designed to enable students, performers, teachers, directors and other drama practitioners to develop their skills at an advanced level. Performance diplomas are aimed at learners working at a level that show professional potential as multi skilled and reflective performers. These solo exams focus on the integration of a range of performance skills and rehearsal methodologies, including the delivery and interpretation of a range of literary forms, and the ability to understand fundamental concepts in drama performance.” ref.
Exams are fully practical and include performing Musical Theatre songs and monologues. For the Level 4 (ATCL) Diploma, students are required to perform 4 songs from the Musical Theatre repertoire, one of which is movement based, and 2 monologues which all fit into one theme of their choice. The Performance is 25 minutes long and linked together by small
pieces of script that create a story. Think ‘mini one person show’ As well as this, students will take part in a 20 minute discussion, or Viva Voce, with the examiner where they will get the opportunity to talk about their performance, how they
decided on their theme, why they chose their pieces, how they rehearsed, etc.
These exams not only gain credits on an advanced or further educational level, but they provide an in depth look at the three disciplines of Musical Theatre (acting, singing and dancing), taking on advanced level repertoire, the rehearsal room, creating a performance, taking ownership of material and building technique and skills at an advanced level.
Why? Is it for me?
As well as a qualification, this course will broaden students’ knowledge of the Musical Theatre genre, prepare you for any potential drama school auditions and be a great opportunity to create, take ownership of your work and have a dedicated focus in a supportive and encouraging environment.
NB. If you feel the Level 4 Diploma is not for you, you can opt for a regular graded exam. As an exam centre we can provide a venue and examiner for you to do this and our teachers can help to prepare you for whatever grade level you feel is right for you at this time.
Remember, it's not essential to take part in Trinity exams/diplomas. You have the opportunity to simply work with an experienced team of tutors on your theatre skills. Maybe you have a goal of achieving a spot at a drama college next year and want feedback and the chance to build on your singing talents or connecting text to a song, or maybe this is an opportunity to build on confidence where we encourage to leave all inhibitions at the door and see what the possibilities are. We, at The Performance Academy, can provide this for you.
Who can take a Trinity Exam?
Any of our Academy students can opt to take a Trinity exam. You will work closely with our teachers to prepare for your exam as part of our curriculum at The Performance Academy in addition to the other aspects of training covered in our course.
When?
Exams can be taken at any time in the year at BOC premises. We will provide specific dates and further information upon request once confirmed.