Short Courses for Adults

Actor’s Development Programme – Level 1= Beginner

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Mixed abilities, ages 18+

  • Dates 2024

    Autumn term 2024                      Tuesday 1st October – 10th December

  • Dates 2025

    Spring term 2025                          Thursday 9th January –  20th March

    Summer Term 2025                    Thursday 24th April – 3rd July

    Autumn Term 2025                      Thursday 2nd Oct – 11th Dec

  • Tuition & Location

    Weekly 2 hour class, 18:00–20:00

    Downside Road, Bristol

  • Cost

    £150 per 10 week term

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Overview

Join us for our Actor’s Development Programme at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This one-year, part-time course at BOVTS will give you an insight into our values and practices as a leading drama school. Every five weeks, you’ll focus on a new skill that will help you hone your craft and gain confidence as an artist.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. The support and feedback available from your tutor will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in acting.

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Course structure

Autumn term 2024
Tuesday 1 October – Tuesday 10 December

• Week 1–5: Scene studies
• Week 6–10: Create a play!

There is no session on Tuesday 29 October (half term).

Spring term 2025
Thursday 9 January – Thursday 20 March

• Week 1–5: Acting technique refresher
• Week 6–10: Voice for actors

There is no session on Thursday 20 February (half term).

Course Leader

Ellie Stevens

Ellie is a theatre director, founder of Dark Skies Theatre and Associate Director of Fox and Hound Theatre Company. Originally from rural South West Scotland, she completed her MA in Drama Directing at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2022 and now resides in Bristol full-time. Prior to this, she received a BA in Drama and Performance from Queen Margaret University.

Ellie has a keen interest in gritty and thought-provoking work and her directorial credits include: A Trio of Tennessee Williams which is currently touring the UK, The Strongest Girl in the World which won Entertainment Now’s ‘Best Theatre Play’ at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023, Girl in the Machine at the Wardrobe Theatre, and Pigment of your Imagination at the Pleasance in London. She prides herself in her empathic approach to working and collaborating with the varied and colourful experiences brought by the people in the room. She has obtained certificates in Cultivating an Inclusive Theatre Making Environment and Increasing understanding of Autism, and has worked with Paragon and Performance Collective Stranraer. She strongly believes that inclusivity results in getting the best out of every individual involved, and creates unique and heartfelt performances.

What our students say...

  • “The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering.”

    Lindy, short course participant
  • “You gave me the skills to improve and to increase my confidence in a friendly and supportive environment.”

    Jo, short course participant
  • “Rigorous, exciting, challenging and fulfilling – I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to find their feet in the world of theatre.”

    Short course participant, 2019
Students relaxing outside of the School
The School is in a beautiful part of Bristol, overlooking a huge park called the Downs. We sometimes take advantage of our close proximity to the Downs during the summer term, practising fight and dance routines, or voice or singing classes! Dan Hall, BA Professional Acting student