Search the website
-
Suitable for
Mixed abilities, ages 18+
-
Spring term 2025
Thu 9 Jan – Thu 20 MarSummer Term 2025
Thu 24 Apr– 3 Jul
Autumn Term 2025Â
Thu 2 Oct -11 Dec
-
Tuition & Location
Weekly 2 hour class, 18:00–20:00
Downside Road, Bristol
-
Cost
£150 per 10 week term
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.
Course structure
Spring Term 2025
Week 1-5: Acting Fundamentals refresher
>Begin the course with a comprehensive exploration of foundational skills.
>Improve the essential techniques for text analysis, understanding the transition from page to stage, and developing authentic characters.
>Engage in dynamic exercises to cultivate improvisation and unleash your creative imagination. Discover the core principles of Stanislavski’s methodology, laying the groundwork for your artistic development.
Week 6-10: Â Building Voice Skills for Actors
>Explore the vital connection between body and voice, discovering techniques to enhance vocal projection and clarity.
>Participate in vocal exercises and warm-ups designed to strengthen vocal stamina and flexibility.
>Tackle challenging texts, including excerpts from Shakespeare, to develop vocal versatility and expression.
>Use iambic pentameter to your advantage, mastering techniques to deliver compelling performances.
Summer Term 2025
Week 1-5: Exploring Movement for Actors
>Delve into the expressive power of physical storytelling, learning to convey narrative through body language and movement.
>Discover various movement methodologies such as Laban, Viewpoints and Suzuki as a means of embodying characters and evoking emotion.
Week 6-10: Devising Theatre
>Engage in the collaborative process of devising theatre, drawing inspiration from a variety of stimuli.
>Create original performances inspired by poetry, song, familiar stories, and visual imagery, exploring your creativity in a supportive environment.
>Collaborate with fellow actors to develop innovative approaches to storytelling, fostering a sense of artistic community and camaraderie.
Autumn Term 2025
Week 1-5: Scene Study Exploration
>Analyse scenes from both classic and contemporary works, applying foundational techniques to fully realise character dynamics and narrative arcs.
>Refine your scene work through in-depth character exploration, scene analysis, and sub-textual understanding.
Week 6-10: Collaborative Play Creation
>Combine your newfound skills and knowledge to collaboratively create a short theatrical production.
>Draw upon a range of influences and inspirations to develop rich, multidimensional characters and narratives.
>Showcase your growth as an actor and storyteller as you bring your collective vision to life on stage.
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.
-
Admission requirements
Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
-
F.A.Q.s
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME
These classes are designed for continuing professional development for actors and performers alike. It can also be used for upskilling in voice, movement and text work for those at different stages of their performing journeys. The groups are of mixed level abilities and bring together a delightfully diverse take on the work.
-
Short Courses Refund Policy
If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
-
Short Course Cancellation Policy
We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
- Policies and Procedures
