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Suitable for
Intermediate/advanced (Continuing professional development for actors and performers)
ages 18+
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Dates 2024
Spring term 2025 Tue 7 Jan – 18 Mar
Summer term 2025 Tue 22 Apr – 1 Jul
Autumn term 2025 Tue 30 Sep – 9 Dec
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Tuition & Location
Weekly Tuesday 2 hour class, 18:00–20:00
Downside Road, Bristol
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Cost
£150 per 10 week term
Overview
Elevate your acting to new heights with our, new for 2025, Actor’s Development Programme Level 2. Building upon the foundational skills acquired in Level 1, this intermediate to advanced course is tailored for individuals seeking to refine their craft and embark on a deeper exploration of the theatrical arts.
Led by our dynamic facilitators, this one-year part-time course offers a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring actors looking to hone their skills and navigate the complexities of the industry. Through a series of immersive workshops and practical sessions, you’ll delve into advanced acting techniques and refine your artistic voice.
The course curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the nuances of performance. From mastering the intricacies of voice modulation and physical storytelling to cultivating a deeper understanding of character psychology and subtext, you’ll emerge as a more versatile and nuanced performer.
In addition to honing your craft, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow creatives and industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights and forging meaningful connections within the theatrical community. This course equips you with the skills and confidence to thrive in performance.
Join us at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and take the next step towards realising your full potential.
Course structure
Spring term 2025
Week 1-5: Acting Skills Refinement
>Dive deeper into the intricacies of acting with a comprehensive review of fundamental skills.
>Explore advanced techniques for text analysis, transitioning from page to stage, and character development.
>Delve into the nuances of improvisation and imagination techniques, refining your ability to embody diverse roles.
>Engage with Stanislavski’s advanced methodologies to enhance your understanding of character psychology and motivation.
Week 6-10: Mastery of Voice for Actors
>Explore the intimate connection between the body and voice, refining your vocal expression to convey depth and emotion.
>Participate in rigorous vocal exercises and warm-ups designed to expand your vocal range and versatility.
>Analyse challenging texts, including works by Shakespeare, to confront various vocal demands and develop strategies for mastery.
>Overcome obstacles such as iambic pentameter, learning advanced techniques to breathe life into classical and contemporary scripts.
Summer Term 2025
Week 1-5: Advanced Movement for Actors
>Elevate your storytelling capabilities through the art of physical expression, exploring advanced techniques for conveying narrative through movement.
>Deepen your understanding of methodologies such as Laban, Viewpoints and Suzuki as a form of embodied storytelling, honing your ability to communicate with precision and clarity in performance.
Week 6-10: Innovations in Devising Theatre
>Expand your creative horizons by delving into the process of devising theatre from diverse stimuli.
>Craft original performances inspired by poetry, song, well-known stories, and photographs, harnessing your advanced skills to create compelling narratives.
>Collaborate with fellow actors to explore innovative approaches to storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional theatrical conventions.
Autumn Term 2025
Week 1-5: Advanced Scene Studies
>Immerse yourself in the world of classic and contemporary works, employing advanced techniques to dissect and fully realise complex characters and narratives.
>Apply the skills acquired in previous sessions to delve deeper into scene analysis, character dynamics, and subtext.
Week 6-10: Collaborative Play Creation
>Combine your accumulated knowledge and skills to collaboratively create an original 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.
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Admission requirements
Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
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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.
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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]
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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.
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What do I need to Wear?
We advise you to wear movement based clothing. Sportswear such as joggers, leggings, t-shirt or hoodies are great for this class. You can purchase branded items via our online shop.
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Where can I get food?
We advise you to bring food and drink with you. A small snack and bottled water should be sufficient.
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What do I need to bring?
A notebook, a pen or a laptop – whatever you would like to write on.
- Policies and Procedures
