WORCESTER Theatres is celebrating the successful first nine months of its WT Performance Hub, a two-year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts based at the Swan Theatre.
The two-year course provides hands-on training in dance, drama, music and musical theatre within a collaborative, creative environment.
Students receive 24 hours of teaching per week from industry professionals, and the BTEC qualification is equivalent to three A-Levels, worth up to 168 UCAS points.
In March, WT Performance Hub performed their main stage performance of ‘The Animals’ as part of National Theatre Connections Festival 2026.
Students also contributed to The Animals production in areas such as costume, lighting, sound, and stage management. As part of their second year of study, they will be responsible for designing, planning, producing, and performing a full production for one of their modules, making this practical experience invaluable.
In May, the WT Performance Hub cohort took part in workshops led by the cast of The Hand of Sarah Nelmes and voice and accent coach Ellie Forrest, who led a workshop in General American accent performance.
The cohort’s final assessment of their first year of study will be Voice Development, a module focused on the practical application of voice in performance.
Throughout the year, students have taken part in a range of vocal technique classes, during which they learned monologues and songs that they can use for future university and drama school auditions.
Aaron Corbett, WT Performance Hub Tutor said: “This year so far has been a breath of fresh air for both the BTEC students and myself.
“They have broadened their theatrical palette watching a variety of different performances, from Dear England at the Birmingham Hippodrome to The Hand of Sarah Nelmes performed in our own Swan Studio.
“Watching eight young people dedicate themselves to achieving goals not many people pursue has been wonderful to see. They have grown both creatively and academically and although it hasn’t been easy, they’re proving to themselves they can achieve the goals they’ve put their minds to.”
