Search the website
-
Suitable for
Mixed abilities, ages 18+
-
Autumn Term 2026
Thu 1st Oct – 10th Dec
(Thu 29th October off for half term)
-
Tuition & Location
Weekly 2 hour class, 18:00–20:00
Downside Road, Bristol
-
Cost
£168 per 10 week term
Overview
Ever wanted to step onto the stage and truly bring a character to life? Or perhaps you’ve always loved acting and storytelling but haven’t known where to start, or how to refresh your skills. Our Actor’s Development Programme Level 1 at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is your perfect first step.
This one-year, part-time evening course is designed for beginners and returning actors who want to explore acting in a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment. Led by an experienced facilitator, you’ll learn the fundamentals of acting, voice, and movement, all while building a creative network of like-minded peers.
Over the year, you’ll try everything from improvisation games to scene work, voice exercises, and movement exploration. You’ll also collaborate with other participants to create short performances, giving you the chance to see your growth come to life on stage. No experience? No problem, just bring your curiosity, imagination, and willingness to play.
Who’s it for?
Join us for our Actor’s Development Programme at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This one-year, part-time course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 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.
Our environment
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.
Autumn Term Course structure
Focus: Scene Work & Ensemble Performance
Term Overview:
➔ Work on small scenes from classic and contemporary texts, putting your skills into practice.
➔ Collaborate with your peers to create a short devised performance—your chance to shine!
➔ Continue to integrate voice, movement, and character work, bringing your performances to life.
➔ Celebrate your growth in a fun, supportive, and creative showcase at the end of term.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of Autumn Term, participants will:
➔ Perform scenes confidently, using voice, movement, and character effectively.
➔ Collaborate successfully in an ensemble, contributing ideas and supporting peers.
➔ Apply all the skills learned over the year to a small performance project.
➔ Leave with a sense of accomplishment, new friendships, and a love for acting.
-
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.
-
Who is this course for?
- Complete beginners curious about acting and storytelling.
- People looking to refresh skills, build confidence, or try acting in a relaxed setting.
- Anyone who wants to meet creative, like-minded peers and enjoy a playful, inspiring evening class.
-
Why join?
- Learn and play: Try acting exercises, improv games, and scene work in a supportive space.
- Build confidence: Discover your voice, presence, and creative spark.
- Create connections: Meet a community of fellow actors to share the journey.
- Have fun: Acting is serious skill, but it’s also a lot of fun!
- Policies and Procedures