Performing Arts
Acting, dance and musical theatre...
Performing Arts at Wakefield College
The performing arts industries are among the toughest but most rewarding arenas you can work in.
There are a vast array of various jobs for a satisfying and fulfilling career, from being a performer, director, or choreographer to inspiring others through teaching and workshop leadership.
What makes our courses special is that you’ll get to take part in a range of performances in our own live theatre using professional production techniques and equipment. Your training will help you to develop the diverse skills you’ll need for an exciting career.
Key Points
- Numerous trips to London’s West End and shows right here in the region
- Industry workshops with professionals. Previous workshops include Frantic Assembly, professional dancer and choreographer James Wilton and actor Norman Bowman
- Mechanics’ Theatre – unique theatre facilities in the heart of Wakefield
- Great links with Theatre Royal Wakefield
- Our University Centre HND students get an impressive 15 hours tutor contact time
I feel I’ve gained so much by coming to Wakefield College that I have decided to stay for another two years to do the HND Theatre course.
What it's like to study performing arts at Wakefield College
Check out the new performing arts facilities, student case studies and examples of recent performances.
What’s New
Catch up with the latest news and events in Performing Arts at Wakefield College...
How former Wakefield College student Francis Lee became an award-winning film director
Tuesday, 27 April, 2021
Mechanics’ Performing Arts stars of the show in Royal Mail’s Valentine’s Day Video
Wednesday, 12 February, 2020
Mechanics’ Performing Arts dance students have been donning the famous ‘postie’ uniform to feature in Royal Mail’s latest video.
Wakefield College student dances her way to success...
Tuesday, 11 June, 2019
A Mechanics’ Performing Arts student has beaten off competition from more than 2000 entrants to be crowned Miss Dance Great Britain 2019.
Studying at the University Centre gave me a real insight into how the industry works. I had the opportunity to see a variety of performances both locally and nationally, which helped me to learn about different theatre companies and how they perform.
Study Packs
Have you ever wondered what type of work students do on their course at college? Check out our sample study packs to find out.
They contain work you can complete at your own pace that will help develop your independent learning skills and prepare you for your next steps with Wakefield College.
Study Pack - Acting - 2022.pdf
2.02 mb · 04 May, 2022
Study Pack - Dance - 2022.pdf
1.77 mb · 04 May, 2022
Study Pack - Musical Theatre - 2022.pdf
1.88 mb · 04 May, 2022
Study Pack - Performing Arts Level 2 - 2022.pdf
1.81 mb · 04 May, 2022
(Re)Watch our Virtual Open Event
(Re)Watch our virtual online Open Event with staff interviews, Q&As, virtual campus tours, college updates and more.
Virtual Open Event
19 June, 2021
Join us for our Virtual Open Event with staff & student interviews, Q&As, virtual campus tours, college updates and more.
Galleries
Little Shop of Horrors
23 May, 2022
Performing Arts 2021 promo video
03 February, 2021
Strip - Little Mix Dance Performance by Dance Students
27 January, 2021
Thriller (Remix) - Michael Jackson Dance Cover by Dance Students
31 October, 2020
Royal Mail Valentine's Day
14 February, 2020
Valentine’s Day Dance Video - Behind the scenes
12 February, 2020
Star Wars Day with Mechanics’ Performing Arts
13 May, 2019
Dance Practice - Mechanics’ Performing Arts
29 April, 2019
West End Day - Mechanics’ Performing Arts
04 April, 2019
Dreamtime 2018
19 June, 2018
Spring Awakening 2018
06 June, 2018
The Accused 2017
23 June, 2017
Arabian Nights 2017
20 June, 2017
Dick Turpin's Last Ride 2017
14 June, 2017
Legally Blonde Jr 2017
07 June, 2017
A Touch of Class 2017
22 March, 2017
PREVENT 2017
01 March, 2017
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
15 June, 2015
Animal Farm
09 June, 2015
They Shoot Horses Don't They
12 June, 2014
An Audience with Norman Bowman
27 January, 2014
Case Studies
What our students say about us...
I feel I’ve gained so much by coming to Wakefield College that I have decided to stay for another two years to do the HND Theatre course.
Studying at the University Centre gave me a real insight into how the industry works. I had the opportunity to see a variety of performances both locally and nationally, which helped me to learn about different theatre companies and how they perform.
I first came here to study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance, and chose to continue my study with a HND. I’m now in the second year of my course and I hope to further my knowledge by studying the BA (Hons) Performance Industries course.
Since starting the course I have taken part in more auditions and shows and even had a three month summer placement at Disneyland Paris.
I first came here to study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance, and chose to continue my study with a HND. I’m now in the second year of my course and I hope to further my knowledge by studying the BA (Hons) Performance Industries course.
Browse case studies
Since starting the course I have taken part in more auditions and shows and even had a three month summer placement at Disneyland Paris.
The Feed
Mechanics Theatre lit blue as we pay our tribute to the NHS
Our Mechanics Theatre was lit blue over the weekend as we pay our tribute to the best health service in the world. Happy 73rd Birthday NHS and thank you on behalf of everyone at Wakefield College.
Performing Arts
5 July, 2021
Dance Students cover Michael Jackson's Thriller
Halloween is here and we’re celebrating with a dance cover/choreography of Michael Jackson’s Thriller (James Egbert Remix)!
Performing Arts
31 October, 2020
The latest dance practice from Mechanics’ Performing Arts
Our Mechanics’ Performing Arts dance students killing it again with their latest dance video!
Performing Arts
25 February, 2020
Dance students collaborate with Royal Mail
Our dance students colloborated with Royal Mail for their Valentine's video.
Performing Arts
12 February, 2020
Alumna Lottie as she begins her Coronation Street journey
So proud of Mechanics Performing Arts alumna Lottie as she begins her Coronation Street journey as new character Jade! She started on screen this evening. So proud!