The Urdang International Awards Performance in Theatre Programme of Study is an innovative and comprehensive qualification designed to develop both performance and production skills, preparing candidates to become well-rounded, knowledgeable, and versatile theatre practitioners.
Performance in Theatre Programme of Study
This exciting and forward-thinking programme enables candidates to explore their chosen performance discipline in depth, while also developing a broader understanding of the creative and technical elements that support theatrical production.
This exciting and forward-thinking programme enables candidates to explore their chosen performance discipline in depth, while also developing a broader understanding of the creative and technical elements that support theatrical production.
Candidates are encouraged not only to perform, but to understand the full creative process behind performance, fostering artistic awareness, intellectual engagement, and professional readiness.
The examinations follow a carefully structured and progressive pathway, beginning with foundational knowledge and performance skills at early levels and advancing towards sophisticated performance, analytical understanding, and production awareness at higher grades.
Candidates are encouraged not only to perform, but to understand the full creative process behind performance, fostering artistic awareness, intellectual engagement, and professional readiness.
The examinations follow a carefully structured and progressive pathway, beginning with foundational knowledge and performance skills at early levels and advancing towards sophisticated performance, analytical understanding, and production awareness at higher grades.
Programme Structure
Programme Structure
The Performance in Theatre Programme is divided into three core components:
The Performance in Theatre Programme is divided into three core components:
Performance
Production Skill
Viva Voce
Each component contributes to the development of a confident, skilled, and informed performer with a strong understanding of theatre practice.
Each component contributes to the development of a confident, skilled, and informed performer with a strong understanding of theatre practice.
1. Performance Component
1. Performance Component
In the Performance section, candidates perform material within their chosen discipline. Candidates may select performance material from an approved and suggested list, allowing them to develop within their area of interest and expertise.
Performance disciplines include, but are not limited to:
Dance Performance
Classical and Theatre Dance Styles:
Classical Ballet
Contemporary
Narrative Character Dance
Global and Folk Dance
Classical Greek Dance
Traditional Dance
Dance Theatre and Commercial Styles:
Tap
Jazz
Lyrical
Broadway and Musical Theatre Dance
Commercial Dance
Street Dance
Freestyle
House
Breaking
Popping
Locking
Krump
Afro Dance
Dancehall
K-Pop
Fusion and emerging dance styles
In the Performance section, candidates perform material within their chosen discipline. Candidates may select performance material from an approved and suggested list, allowing them to develop within their area of interest and expertise.
Performance disciplines include, but are not limited to:
Dance Performance
Classical and Theatre Dance Styles:
Classical Ballet
Contemporary
Narrative Character Dance
Global and Folk Dance
Classical Greek Dance
Traditional Dance
Dance Theatre and Commercial Styles:
Tap
Jazz
Lyrical
Broadway and Musical Theatre Dance
Commercial Dance
Street Dance
Freestyle
House
Breaking
Popping
Locking
Krump
Afro Dance
Dancehall
K-Pop
Fusion and emerging dance styles
Musical Theatre and Drama Performance
Musical Theatre and Drama Performance
Candidates may perform in:
Musical Theatre performance
Acting (monologues or scripted extracts)
Speech performance
Devised Drama
Vocal and singing performance
Vocal styles may include:
Contemporary Pop
Musical Theatre repertoire
Classical vocal performance
Candidates may perform in:
Musical Theatre performance
Acting (monologues or scripted extracts)
Speech performance
Devised Drama
Vocal and singing performance
Vocal styles may include:
Contemporary Pop
Musical Theatre repertoire
Classical vocal performance
Circus Skills
Circus Skills
Candidates may present performance work in selected circus disciplines, including:
Juggling
Aerial Silks
Hoop
Acrobatic performance
Candidates may present performance work in selected circus disciplines, including:
Juggling
Aerial Silks
Hoop
Acrobatic performance
Music in Performance
Music in Performance
Candidates may perform theatrical work using a musical instrument, demonstrating performance ability within a theatrical or performance context.
Candidates may perform theatrical work using a musical instrument, demonstrating performance ability within a theatrical or performance context.
2. Production Skill Component
2. Production Skill Component
The Production Skill section enables candidates to develop an understanding of the creative and technical elements that support theatrical performance.
Candidates select a research-based production topic to study, prepare, and present. This component develops analytical thinking, creative design skills, and understanding of theatre production processes.
Production topics may include, but are not limited to:
Costume Design
Make-Up Design
Set Design
Prop Design
Lighting Design
Promotional Materials, including:
Posters
Leaflets
Digital and web-based promotional content
Music Editing and Sound Preparation
Candidates present their research and creative work in a structured and appropriate format suitable to their grade level.
The Production Skill section enables candidates to develop an understanding of the creative and technical elements that support theatrical performance.
Candidates select a research-based production topic to study, prepare, and present. This component develops analytical thinking, creative design skills, and understanding of theatre production processes.
Production topics may include, but are not limited to:
Costume Design
Make-Up Design
Set Design
Prop Design
Lighting Design
Promotional Materials, including:
Posters
Leaflets
Digital and web-based promotional content
Music Editing and Sound Preparation
Candidates present their research and creative work in a structured and appropriate format suitable to their grade level.
3. Viva Voce Component
3. Viva Voce Component
The Viva Voce is an oral discussion between the candidate and examiner, designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of their performance and production work.
Candidates may be asked to discuss:
Their performance material
Character, style, or artistic intention
Their chosen production topic
Their creative and rehearsal process
Their understanding of theatre practice
This component develops confidence in communication, critical thinking, and professional discussion.
Readiness for vocational training or professional pathways
The Viva Voce is an oral discussion between the candidate and examiner, designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of their performance and production work.
Candidates may be asked to discuss:
Their performance material
Character, style, or artistic intention
Their chosen production topic
Their creative and rehearsal process
Their understanding of theatre practice
This component develops confidence in communication, critical thinking, and professional discussion.
Readiness for vocational training or professional pathways
Progressive Development Pathway
Progressive Development Pathway
The Performance in Theatre Programme follows a clearly structured progression from Entry Level through to Advanced Grades.
Early Levels
At early stages, the programme focuses on:
Basic performance skills
Introduction to theatre disciplines
Foundational knowledge of production elements
Building confidence and communication skills
Intermediate Levels
At intermediate stages, candidates develop:
Stronger technical and performance skills
Greater artistic awareness
Understanding of production roles and creative process
Improved analytical and communication ability
Advanced Levels
At advanced levels, candidates demonstrate:
Mature and confident performance ability
Strong technical and artistic control
Detailed understanding of theatre production
Professional presentation and performance standards
Readiness for vocational training or professional pathways
The Performance in Theatre Programme follows a clearly structured progression from Entry Level through to Advanced Grades.
Early Levels
At early stages, the programme focuses on:
Basic performance skills
Introduction to theatre disciplines
Foundational knowledge of production elements
Building confidence and communication skills
Intermediate Levels
At intermediate stages, candidates develop:
Stronger technical and performance skills
Greater artistic awareness
Understanding of production roles and creative process
Improved analytical and communication ability
Advanced Levels
At advanced levels, candidates demonstrate:
Mature and confident performance ability
Strong technical and artistic control
Detailed understanding of theatre production
Professional presentation and performance standards
Readiness for vocational training or professional pathways
Skills Developed Through the Programme
Skills Developed Through the Programme
Candidates develop a wide range of transferable and professional skills, including:
Performance technique and artistic expression
Technical theatre knowledge and production awareness
Creative thinking and design skills
Communication and presentation skills
Research and analytical ability
Professional discipline and rehearsal practice
Candidates develop a wide range of transferable and professional skills, including:
Performance technique and artistic expression
Technical theatre knowledge and production awareness
Creative thinking and design skills
Communication and presentation skills
Research and analytical ability
Professional discipline and rehearsal practice
Progression and Opportunities
Progression and Opportunities
The Performance in Theatre Programme prepares candidates for progression into:
Specialist Skills examinations
Professional Diploma qualifications (Levels 3, 4, and 5)
Vocational performing arts training
Conservatoire and theatre school auditions
Professional performance and production roles
The Performance in Theatre Programme prepares candidates for progression into:
Specialist Skills examinations
Professional Diploma qualifications (Levels 3, 4, and 5)
Vocational performing arts training
Conservatoire and theatre school auditions
Professional performance and production roles
Introduce Performance in Theatre at Your School
Introduce Performance in Theatre at Your School
If you are interested in offering the Urdang International Awards Performance in Theatre Programme of Study at your school, college, or theatre organisation, please contact us
If you are interested in offering the Urdang International Awards Performance in Theatre Programme of Study at your school, college, or theatre organisation, please contact us
Our team will be pleased to support you in introducing this innovative and comprehensive programme.
Our team will be pleased to support you in introducing this innovative and comprehensive programme.
The Urdang International Awards Performance in Theatre Programme provides a unique and progressive pathway for developing versatile, knowledgeable, and industry-ready performers with a full understanding of both performance and production disciplines.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and find the right pathway for you
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and find the right pathway for you
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and find the right pathway for you
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and find the right pathway for you
