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Perfformio (Performance) is an innovative, Welsh-medium course taught intensively over two years. The course develops multidisciplinary, confident performers who have strong knowledge of, and links with, the creative industries in Wales and beyond. We look for students who have the potential to develop into performers able to perform in the theatre, in concert halls or on the radio and in television studios.
The course’s structure is ambitious, and the experiences gained by the students will be rich, timely and varied, ensuring that they are prepared thoroughly for a number of different careers relating to performance.
You will be introduced to a range of varied skills during the course which will prepare you to be a versatile performer who will be able to contribute creatively and confidently in many different contexts.
Throughout the intense two years of the course, you will have an opportunity to develop skills and an understanding of the industry that you will need to foster to be able to work professionally and to take advantage of the increasing demand for skilled, versatile and reliable performers.
UWTSD ranked 1st in Wales for Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Complete University Guide 2023.
Perfformio (BA)
UCAS Code: C68M
Apply via UCAS
Book an Open Day Request Information
Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
- We only offer a limited number of places
- Practical Assessments – No Exams
- Full-scale production opportunity with a professional technical team
- Strong links with the creative industries in Wales and beyond
- Regular performance opportunities
What you will learn
Level 4 (September-April)
Level 4 is a period of developing core skills and techniques. The first 15 weeks are an opportunity to focus on acting, singing (1 to 1 and ensemble work) and voice work classes along with Tap, Bale, Jazz and Contemporary dance classes. There’s an opportunity to analyse and research a wide range of styles in our theatre laboratory. The period ends with a performance project that gives the opportunity to apply all the skills developed during the level.
Level 5 (May-December)
Level 5 is taught for around 10 weeks on each side of the summer holidays. During these weeks, you will develop your core acting, singing and dance skills and techniques further. You will also work on projects that prepare you for working within the creative industries, with emphasis on developing new work, auditions and acting for television.
Level 6 (January-June)
Level 6 is about bringing the skills and techniques together in two productions that give you the opportunity to work with a director and a professional production team. The Creative Industries module focuses on the necessary skills to make the transition to the world of work including the preparation of a final showcase. In addition, you will work on an independent project that can focus on any aspect of the degree and showcase your individual talents.
Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BA)
- Actio / Acting (20 credits; compulsory)
- Arfer Arbenigol (Retrieval) / Independent Study (Retrieval) (20 credits; optional)
- Canu 1 / Singing 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
- Dosbarth Perfformio / Performance Class (20 credits; compulsory)
- Dysgu yn yr Oes Ddigidol / Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; Graduate Attributes Framework module; compulsory)
- Hyfforddiant Dawns 1 / Dance Training 1 (20 credits; compulsory)
- Labordy Theatr / Theatre Laboratory (20 credits; compulsory).
Level 5 (Dip HE & BA)
- Actio 2 / Acting 2 (20 credits; compulsory)
- Adalw / Retrieval (20 credits; optional)
- Canu 2 / Singing 2 (30 credits; compulsory)
- Hyfforddiant Dawns 2 / Dance Training 2 (20 credits; compulsory)
- Prosiect Cydweithredol / Collaborative Project (20 credits; compulsory)
- Techneg Clyweld / Audition Technique (10 credits; compulsory)
- Ysgogwyr Newid: Adeiladu eich Brand Personol ar gyfer Cyflogaeth Gynaliadwy / Changemakers: Building your Personal Brand for Sustainable Employment (20 credits; Graduate Attributes Framework module; compulsory).
Level 6 (BA)
- Cynhyrchiad 1 / Production 1 (30 credits; compulsory)
- Cynhyrchiad Terfynol / Final Production (30 credits; compulsory)
- Diwydiannau Creadigol / Creative Industries (20 credits; compulsory)
- Prosiect Annibynnol / Independent Project (40 credits; Graduate Attributes Framework module; compulsory).
Performances/Events
Students regularly have the opportunity to take part in performances/events throughout their degree, in which we can see growth and application of skills and knowledge.
Regular tutorials
We hold formal and informal tutorials throughout the degree in which each student discusses their work with the module tutor or Programme Director. We look at practical development, conceptual growth and future intentions.
Presentations
Presentations normally take place at the end of a module, exhibition or performance, in order to measure a student’s performance against assessment criteria.
Process workbooks
Students will document their process and practical work in a workbook which demonstrates their learning and individual pathway.
This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.
The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.
- Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework
Wales Academy of Voice & Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) Links
Student and Cardiff Life
Key Information
Professional artists from the creative industries, who are experts in their field, teach on our degree. They can offer not only detailed and thorough information, but also personal experience and insight into the performance industry as it stands today.
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer: Eilir Owen Griffiths
- Theatre Lecturer: Elen Bowman
- Dance Lecturer: Tori Johns
- Aled Pedrick (Acting)
- Alexa Garcia (Dance)
- Amy Guppy (Dance)
- Angharad Lee (Acting)
- Christopher Fossey (Music Director)
- David George Harrington (Music Director)
- David Laugharne (Singing)
- Eiry Thomas (Acting)
- John Quirk (Music Director)
- Luke Hereford (Director)
- Mali Tudno (Acting)
- Michael Moorwood (Singing)
- Morgan Thomas (Physical Theatre)
- Rhian Morgan (Voice)
- Rhian Cronshaw (Voice)
- Robbie Bowman (Acting)
- Sara Lloyd (Director)
- Steve Cassey (Acting)
- Tonya Smith (Acting)
Online Audition Process
STEP 1: Self-tape
Musical BA Perfformio students should prepare a self-tape with the following content:
- Songs: One Musical Theatre Song
- Monologue: The monologue should last no longer than two minutes and from a published play and should not be extracts from poems, novels, films or television scripts. It is advisable to choose a character that is close to your age and you should perform it in your native accent. Applicants can perform their monologue in either English or Welsh.
Make sure you state clearly at the beginning of the tapes the following info:
- Name
- Degree applying for
- Title of Audition Pieces
STEP 2: Interview
You will be invited to a short interview with the programme team on zoom. You must prepare the following:
- Monologue: The monologue should last no longer than two minutes and from a published play and should not be extracts from poems, novels, films or television scripts. It is advisable to choose a character that is close to your age and you should perform it in your native accent. Applicants should perform the monologue in Welsh.
- The programme team will work with you on your chosen piece followed by questions.
Following a successful audition applicants will be offered a place. There are limited places available each year.
We would be looking for 90-120 UCAS points.
The university may consider applicants without formal qualifications if they are able to demonstrate an exceptional level of ability and practical experience.
Heledd Roberts, BA Perfformio 2015-2017
"Receiving specialist training from highly experienced individuals, such as Elen Bowman and Eiry Thomas, during my acting modules, not only taught me to be a better actor, they also inspired me. They introduced me to new performing techniques – elements that have really helped me to create my character, Anest in Rownd a Rownd.
"I learnt so much during my time on the course. In my opinion, this course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about performing as well as the industry itself – it’s very flexible and can adapt to students’ requirements. My university experience – on this intense and unique course – was invaluable and I would urge anyone considering a future in the performing arts to look at the BA Perfformio course at UWTSD."
Lloyd Macey, BA Perfformio 2015-2017
“I’m very proud to have studied the BA Perfformio course at UWTSD – it gave me the opportunity to grow and develop as a performer and to find my own voice.
“I don’t think I would ever have gone for the X-Factor if I hadn’t done this course. I’d always sung and I’d had experience of singing before but it gave me the confidence and it taught me so much about myself. It taught me how to channel my nerves... to think I can sing in front of millions of people every weekend... two years ago, I would never have been able to do it. So no way, I would never have done the X Factor if it hadn’t been for all the hard work and effort that the lecturers put into this course.
“We were encouraged to explore all aspects of performance before deciding what we want to focus on – we were given so many different experiences. We also worked with a huge range of professional performers and directors from the world of theatre and television throughout the duration of the course – people who have seen our progress and witnessed our development.
“I don’t think I would have had the courage and self-belief to audition for The X Factor if it hadn’t been for all the wonderful opportunities and experiences I received during my time on the course.”
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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