Actor’s Development Programme Weekly classes in acting technique
Three students are sat on the floor of a glass fronted studiowith different facial expressions

Short Courses for Adults

Actor’s Development Programme

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Mixed abilities, ages 18+

  • Dates

    Tuesday 23 April – Tuesday 2 July 2024

  • Tuition

    Weekly 2 hour class, 18:00–20:00

  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol

  • Cost

    Β£125 per 10 week term or
    Β£360 for full academic year

Book your place

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

Summer term 2024
Tuesday 23 April – Tuesday 2 July

β€’ Week 1–5: Devising theatre
β€’ Week 6–10: Movement for actors

There is no session on Tuesday 21 May (half term).

Autumn term 2024
Tuesday 24 September – Tuesday 3 December

β€’ Week 1–5: Scene studies
β€’ Week 6–10: Create a play!

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

Spring term 2025
Tuesday 7 January – Tuesday 18 March

β€’ Week 1–5: Acting technique refresher
β€’ Week 6–10: Voice for actors

There is no session on Tuesday 18 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 β€˜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 developing and growing in confidence during their time here, seeing their work reaching professional standards in approach and execution; a student who intends to be a stage manager producing a wonderful sound design; a first year student making a lovely recording of a song for their recording project; tracking the careers of former students and seeing them be successful; being able to find a job opportunity for a recent graduate. Frank Bradley, Sound Tutor