Blackpool Sixth Form College

The Blackpool Sixth Form College offers a strong performing arts curriculum for students aged 16–19, built around two main pathways: A‑Level Drama & Theatre Studies and the Triple‑Diploma BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting or Musical Theatre). These courses combine rigorous vocational training with academic study, developing skills in acting, movement, voice, devised performance, and theatre theory. Students learn through a mix of practical workshops, ensemble work, and creative project-based assessments.

Instruction is highly practical in focus. Performing Arts students participate in up to eight studio sessions per week, practicing technique in acting, musical theatre, and dance. Alongside hands-on work, students build portfolios, record performance reels, develop CVs and audition materials, and engage in industry preparation. A‑Level Drama complements this with essay and exam-based study of dramatic texts, playmaking styles, and live production analysis.

Students regularly perform in the college’s own 300-seat theatre, a state-of-the-art facility built within the Holland Building. The venue hosts musicals, theatre showcases, and multi-genre performances, often open to the public. Performance opportunities extend beyond classes to include summer showcases and community events, giving all students—regardless of level—the chance to lead and perform onstage.

The program also provides real-world exposure through external collaborations and work placements. Students may engage in workshops with local theatres such as the Blackpool Grand Theatre, attend live productions across the region, and participate in industry-related trips and masterclasses. These opportunities support transitions to further training or professional environments.

Graduates of the program leave with extensive practical experience, well-developed portfolios, and the confidence to progress into higher education or the performing arts industry. Many alumni secure places at prestigious drama or musical theatre schools, while others use the training as a springboard into wider creative or technical theatre careers—making the college a vibrant and effective foundation for emerging performers and theatre-makers.