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Performing Arts Grades

Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are graded examinations in Musical Theatre, Acting, Screen Acting, Public Speaking, Jazz Dance and Street Dance.

Unique and industry relevant qualifications in performing arts

Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are graded examinations in Musical Theatre, Dance, Speech and Drama. Our syllabuses have been developed by industry specialists for learners of all levels to measure, assess and reward whilst encouraging teaching innovation and creativity.

PAA Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre

The PAA Musical Theatre syllabus allowed the first group performance examinations in the UK whilst assessing each candidate individually.

PAA Acting

Acting

Compile scenes from plays or anthologies, adapted excerpts from novels, or even original scenes written by the candidates themselves to be performed in an exam as monologue(s), duologue(s) or scenes for three.

PAA Screen Acting

Screen Acting

Gain a practical knowledge of key camera angles utilised in TV and film production, allowing you to hone your screen acting technique and the opportunity to bring your characters to life.

PAA Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Communicate effectively and confidently. Candidates can perform a range of speeches, poems, raps, tongue twisters, or stories, with an opportunity to be able to perform original material.

PAA Jazz Dance

Jazz Dance

The PAA Jazz Dance syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to build a bespoke curriculum around their own teaching styles and existing programme.

PAA Street Dance

Street Dance

Designed by leading UK street dance practitioners, PAA Street Dance exams will equip your learners with an authentic experience that’s true to the historical style of Street Dance.

PAA Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre

The PAA Musical Theatre syllabus allowed the first group performance examinations in the UK whilst assessing each candidate individually.

PAA Acting

Acting

Compile scenes from plays or anthologies, adapted excerpts from novels, or even original scenes written by the candidates themselves to be performed in an exam as monologue(s), duologue(s) or scenes for three.

PAA Screen Acting

Screen Acting

Gain a practical knowledge of key camera angles utilised in TV and film production, allowing you to hone your screen acting technique and the opportunity to bring your characters to life.

PAA Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Communicate effectively and confidently. Candidates can perform a range of speeches, poems, raps, tongue twisters, or stories, with an opportunity to be able to perform original material.

PAA Jazz Dance

Jazz Dance

The PAA Jazz Dance syllabus has been specifically created to give teachers the creative freedom to build a bespoke curriculum around their own teaching styles and existing programme.

PAA Street Dance

Street Dance

Designed by leading UK street dance practitioners, PAA Street Dance exams will equip your learners with an authentic experience that’s true to the historical style of Street Dance.

Exam Formats

PAA examinations are open all year round and can be scheduled to fit with your existing programme. There are three exam formats to suit your needs: face-to-face, recorded digital and live stream digital.

Face-to-face

The original exam experience. Host your exam day with students being observed in person by a member of our expertly trained examiner panel. Please note the minimum requirements to host an exam day. More info can be found below.

Digital Exams

We can conduct two forms of PAA digital exam: Recorded Video and Live Stream. You can either record and submit exams as a continuous video, or we can beam an examiner to you, digitally, in real time.

Performing Arts Diplomas

RSL have a range of qualifications that support progression beyond Grade 8. From our performance specialist Associate Award qualifications to our Professional Diplomas at Levels 4 & 6, RSL’s qualifications will help keep your students engaged in your creative arts education offering whilst supporting their progression into Higher Education or direct into industry.

PAA Checkerboard Dancers
musical-theatre-key-dates

Musical Theatre Shows

RSL Awards are delighted to have partnered up with The School Musicals Company to create five specially-arranged shows for use towards PAA Musical Theatre Exams.

Each show contains musical numbers, scripts and recommended grade levels per character. With roles accommodating up to 25 performers, ranging from Premiere to Grade 5 typically lasting around 20 – 30 minutes, these shows are perfect for any group performance.

Earn UCAS Points

PAA Grades 6 to 8 are UCAS recognised aiding Higher Education applications. Candidates can gain up to 30 UCAS points for the successful completion of these Level 3 qualifications.

Need more info?

Please visit our PAA FAQ page to find some useful information to help you get started.

PAA Street Dance

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    Digital Files

    For the RSL shop we’ve chosen the most widely used media for ease of use and flexibility when transferring across different devices.

    Every complete digital book (e.g. Electric Guitar Grade 1) includes:

    • PDF sheet music
    • MP3 audio
    • Supporting tests

    Download Limits

    We know downloading digital content can be frustrating at times which is why we’ve given you multiple chances to download your audio and sheet music.

    Each complete digital book purchased includes:

    • 5 audio downloads
    • 3 sheet music downloadsThis means if you misplace your content, or if your download times-out, you’ll still have plenty of attempts to download your content.

    Purchase Options

    1. Hard Copy

    The hard copy or paperback version can be purchased from our shop for shipping to the UK. Orders for shipping to other countries can be placed via www.musicroom.com. The paperback version includes everything you need for your exam in one essential book, including sheet music, a code for access to MP3 audio and complete supporting tests.

    2. Digital Download (where applicable)

    Digital downloads is the most popular way of purchasing and downloading a Rockschool book, track or supporting test. Rockschool digital book downloads come complete with PDF sheet music, MP3 audio and supporting tests for instant accessibility on all your favourite devices.

    Note: Digital sheet music is stamped with your email address and order number.

    3. Digital Download + E-Book Access

    The RSL e-books, utilising Learning Platform technology powered by MatchMySound, are the ultimate practise tool, giving you the ability to master your instrument like never before.

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