Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This performing arts course is designed for a theatre enthusiast that enjoys both being on the stage and behind the scenes. We will help train you to be a ‘triple threat’ with our lessons in dance, acting and musical theatre. Preparing you to enter auditions highly skilled and full of confidence. Our professional theatre will become your home with various opportunities to perform, stage manage and learn the technical side of theatre. This course is suitable for students who have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. If you have not yet achieved this grade, you will need to complete the course over two years. This will give you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and Maths grade.

On this course, you’ll build a solid foundation in performing arts through a mixture of practical and creative projects. You will also explore what a future career in performing arts industry could look like. You’ll work in our industry-standard dance studios, rehearsals rooms and in-house theatre which is equip with professional lighting rigs and tech box. You’ll be taught by performers and technical professionals, who have worked in the industry. Key modules on the course include: • Understanding production techniques • Singing lessons • Acting training by industry professionals • Various dance disciplines including Ballet, Commercial, Contemporary and Jazz • Working on stage at the Lanfranc Theatre • Working as a stage manger • Working with other students to set up the technical elements of a show • Key performance skill development • Professional Practice Alongside your studies, you’ll complete a tailored work experience placement with a leading industry specialist. Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result.

Assessment is based on your performances, both on stage and behind the scenes, and written work throughout the year. Criteria includes body language, voice skills, technical skills, professionalism and production skills. You will also be able to reflect on your own practice and agree your own targets for development.

This programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job at the end of the course but progressing to Level 3 will give you more career choices and improve your future earning potential. It also opens doors to further studies, like Higher Education and Higher or Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead you from advanced technician or supervisor roles at Level 3 to management or professional status as you continue studying. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade 3, ideally including English and maths. You will also be required to show a portfolio of work when you apply. In instances where little or no portfolio and/or performance experience is shown, we will guide you towards the best course to help you build your portfolio and develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at higher levels.

The course focuses on building your foundation skills, confidence and creativity, preparing you to progress into the performing arts industry. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get an entry-level job however, this programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. Many of our learners have progressed to our Level 3 Performing Arts courses and from there have enrolled at drama school, university or entered the industry. One on our Level 3 learners, Rhys, is currently thriving on the course. He commented: " "I choose MAPA because it is my dream to act. That is what I want to do in life. I saw this as the perfect next step for me. The course will give me amazing advantages that I wouldn't get with other courses. Its 100% met my expectations."