Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Extended Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | 09:00 to 16:45 Monday to Friday, plus shows during evenings and weekends |
| Entry requirements | Five GCSEs Grade 4 or above, including English and ideally, Maths. You will be invited to an interview and audition day and if you show aptitude, enthusiasm and commitment, you may be considered with lower grades. |
| Campus | Conservatoire EAST, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes, within the Conservatoire EAST public season of events |
Is it for me?
This course will provide you with excellent training in all the acting techniques you will need for progression to Drama School/University, to study the subject at degree level.
If you have a passion for performing, and are dedicated, hardworking and enthusiastic and are prepared to put the time in, listen and implement the feedback from our incredible team, we will do our best to get you to the standard to succeed at the next level.
We run a public season of events with seven major projects a year, plus termly and one-off events. This is over and above the opportunities available to perform at any other local sixth form or college - plenty of opportunity to put your training into practice and hone your performance skills!
Conservatoire EAST is the only place for 16+ students to train in this region, you will be taught by a group of dedicated staff with a wide variety of experience in the sector. Sharing their skills, knowledge and network with you to kickstart your chosen pathway.
What you'll learn
Technique classes in Acting, Improvisation, Voice, Audition Prep, Body Conditioning, Basic Jazz, Historical Dance, Vocal Ensemble and Physical Theatre will focus on your knowledge, skills, and technique development.
Daily rehearsals for our public Season of events will keep you working on exciting productions all year round, whilst also focusing on rehearsal etiquette, Director's language, and collaborating with a team.
All students are given equal opportunity when auditioning for the Season shows, regardless of what level or pathway they are on, and all assessed work completed on your digital portfolio relates to that show.
We pride ourselves on producing work of a very high quality and instilling professional behaviours in every aspect of the course, to ensure you are as well prepared as you can be for the next stage in your training.
Work experience placements
Throughout the year you are essentially working in repertory theatre with the Conservatoire EAST public season of events. Performances will be in the Theatre on campus as well as additional alternative performances, responding to the local need.
Assessment
You'll be assessed continuously throughout the course. This qualification sits with the University of the Arts London, the most industry-focused awarding body available. We use a variety of assessment methods, some of which can be adapted to your individual learning needs.
Further study
- Backstage Theatre Arts Level 3
- Musical Theatre Level 3
Example careers
- Stage Actor
- TV and Film Actor
- Casting Director
- Producer
- Film Director
- Broadcast Presenter
- Community Arts Worker
- Drama Therapy
Discover more
Head over to the Conservatoire EAST website for more information.
Days & times
Starting September 2025