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Dance and Drama Awards: make it big!

Studying for a career in the dance or drama industries can be expensive. But if you think you've got the talent and the attitude to make it big, you may be able to get a Dance and Drama Award to help with your costs.

What are Dance and Drama Awards?

"Dance and Drama Awards helped me to fulfil my dream"

Nathaniel Morrison

Dance and Drama Awards are for students over the age of 16 who want to work in the performing arts.

They're available from some of England's leading private dance and drama schools and they'll help you pay for a place on a prestigious and well-respected course, whatever your financial circumstances.

The award will pay for the majority of your tuition fees, but you'll also be expected to make a contribution. You could also get extra money to help with your living costs.


What courses are covered by Dance and Drama Awards?

You can only get a Dance and Drama Award if you take the Trinity College London qualification at one of the 21 accredited providers.

All these providers are externally inspected to ensure that the courses they deliver offer high standards of training.

These courses last between one and three years and are at National Certificate or National Diploma level.

Developed with advice from professionals in the sector, the courses emphasise the artistic, creative and technical skills artists need for a varied and high-level career.

These courses cover:

  • professional acting 
  • professional dance 
  • professional music theatre 
  • professional production skills 
  • professional classical ballet

To see what courses are on offer, follow the below links.

Courses not covered by Dance and Drama Awards

Dance and Drama Awards are not for academic or general courses in Dance and Drama, such as A levels, degree courses, teaching courses, or courses in further education colleges.

You will only be eligible for an award if you take a course at one of the 21 accredited providers.

For general course information and careers guidance, contact Connexions Direct.


Next steps

This section contains all you need to know about Dance and Drama Awards.

Follow the links below to find out:

  • whether you qualify for a Dance and Drama Award
  • how much you could get
  • how to apply

Additional links

Stars of Dance and Drama

Dance and Drama Awards: Student stories

The Sound of Music, Stevie Wonder and Holby City are all linked by Dance and Drama Awards...

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