• Code: PB (Year One); PC (Year Two)
  • Certification: YR 1: BTEC Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts – (Acting) Level 6+                                                       equivalence on the NFQ achieved after year 1 (603/2377/2)

                                             YR 2 Option: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts – (Acting) Level 6+                                              equivalence on the NFQ achieved after year 2 (603/2375/9)
  • Duration: One or Two Years (option of second year to achieve a Higher National Diploma)

Description

This course is a practical exploration of acting styles required for Theatre, Film and Television. Training is provided in a comprehensive range of skills including Acting for Theatre and Film, Physical Movement, Voice & Speech, Devising and Improvisation. Opportunities to participate in local film projects also feature as part of the performance experience for students. 

This course provides a foundation for pathways into further training and education, as well as honing audition skills for Irish and international drama schools such as the Lir, Gaiety and Lamda.

  

  

Programme of Study
  • Stanislavsky and Meisner Systems 
  • Acting for Camera 
  • Movement for Actors 
  • Voice and Speech for Actors 
  • Devising Theatre and Performance 
  • Professional Development 
  • Performing Arts Industry 

Components subject to change

Entry Requirements
  • Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • QQI Level 5 award
  • Mature Applicants - experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications


Places are offered following successful interview and successful participation in a workshop/audition.

Career Opportunities
  • Actor
  • Director
  • Writer
  • Production Management
  • Stage Management
  • Set and Lighting Designers
  • Arts Administration
  • Teaching
  • TVand film production
  • Drama Therapy
  • Event Management and Tourism
Higher Education Progression*

Examples of potential courses include:

  • University of Wales, Swansea:

B.A. Hons Degree in Performing Arts - Performance Theatre (Final year)

  • NUI Galway:

Arts (Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies) (GY118)
 

  • Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE, Dublin:

Top–up (BA Hons) Degree in Drama – Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE, accredited by The University of Wolverhampton

  • ATU (Atlantic Technological University) (Sligo Campus) :

BA Hons Degree in Performing Arts (SG241)

Advanced entry to UK colleges through UCAS and Irish colleges.

*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information also on www.cao.ie

Course Co-Ordinator

Neil Pearson

Where are they now?

Meet BIFE students who have graduated from this course...

"From 2011 to 2012 I did the foundation level performing Arts at BIFE. From 2013 to 2015 I did the diploma in performing arts. This course gave me an all rounded knowledge of the theatre and its practices. Having an all rounded knowledge in any art form is both useful and important, especially if you want to create your own work. In this course we worked with film makers, dancers, costume designers and make-up artists which made my field of ‘all round knowledge’ more expansive. If one wants to develop a very strong foundation, I would fully recommend studying at BIFE. You can specialise afterwards but having that foundation is invaluable. It was invaluable to me as an independent artist who creates her own work." - Joanna Ryan-Purcell


drama"My time studying Drama at BIFE was time well-spent. I learnt something new every day and had a great relationship with my classmates. The highlight of it all was getting to perform on stage with all of them. One of the best days of my life! " - Eneni Anthony


"I started this course not knowing a single thing about drama or performance. I had studied music previously but wanted to focus more on musical theatre. I now have a degree in drama which I never would have gotten without all the tutors in the Performing Arts course in BIFE.     I particularly benefited from the stage management and acting for screen modules along with physical theatre and dance. What makes this course stand out from the rest is that the tutors tailored lesson plans around my abilities and directed me towards my potential, they are so approachable and understanding. They nurtured me and helped me grow, and most importantly they left me with a thirst for more knowledge." - Becky Sillery


"BIFE's Performing Arts course has helped me grow personally, inter-personally and professionally. After completing the HND course at BIFE I was accepted onto the final year of the Honours degree course at Swansea Met. During my time at Swansea Met., the students who studied at BIFE consistently stood out from the rest of the year. Along with the dedication and professionalism of the tutors at BIFE, this course will greatly benefit anyone who wishes to continue along this path." - Oisin Porter

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