Bachelor of Arts with honours, BA (Hons)
Interview & workshop
Three years (full-time)
28 February 2025 (16:00 GMT)
â Please note this course is currently subject to validation by UWE, Bristol Old Vic Theatre Schoolâs Higher Education Institution partner.
The validation process ensures each course aligns with our high standards of training. By complying with Higher Education regulations and quality standards we can ensure that all of our training programmes meet the expectations of our students and the industry.
The BA (Hons) Stage Management course offers a comprehensive, practical training programme designed for individuals passionate about working in this integral area in theatrical productions and live events.
This course focuses on the essential skills required for a successful career in stage management, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience across various types of public productions. Throughout the programme, you will develop key competencies in communication, problem-solving, resourcefulness, creativity, leadership and being part of a team, preparing you to take on significant responsibilities in professional theatre environments.
Year 1: Foundational Skills and Introduction to Stage Management
In the first year, you will build a solid foundation in stage management by exploring the core principles of the discipline. The year focuses on understanding the basic roles and responsibilities of a stage manager, alongside an introduction to the broader context of theatre production. You will gain initial experience in areas such as lighting, sound and prop-making, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the production process. You will also work with a number of different courses at the School on internal, practical projects.
Year 2: Developing Expertise and Practical Application
The second year aims to deepen your understanding of stage management, with an emphasis on practical collaboration. You will take on significant roles in a variety of projects which include public productions and live events. This year also prepares you for a successful career in the industry; including opportunities to experience mock interviews with industry professionals whilst developing your confidence, portfolio and CV.
Year 3: Specialisation and Professional Integration
The year is characterised by a high level of practical engagement, as you take on leading roles in major Theatre School productions. A significant component of this year is a professional placement, where you will spend dedicated time working with a professional theatre company or organisation. This experience allows you to apply your skills in a real-world setting and gain valuable industry insights and contacts.
Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in stage management and related fields. The transferable skills and experiences gained throughout the course will enable you to take on significant responsibilities in professional theatre environments. The course is designed to prepare you for a successful career, offering opportunities to engage with industry professionals through mock interviews and networking events, and facilitating connections with key national companies.
Training at BOVTS is intensely vocational and career-focused, with professional-standard productions that mimic the real-world dynamics of a producing company. This hands-on experience is vital in equipping you for the demands of the industry. As a student, you’ll participate in a wide range of productions, collaborating closely with peers from other departments, which mirrors the teamwork required in the professional arena. The course has links with industry professionals, providing an invaluable opportunity to build a network of contacts and secure future employment.
You should submit your application before 28 February 2025 (16:00 GMT). If you apply after 28 February, we canât guarantee there will still be places on your course.
Applying after a break in studying
The application process is the same as it is for everyone else. You will have the option within your personal statement to explain why you have chosen to return to study now and how you feel you will benefit.
We accept a variety of qualifications, including the Access to HE Diploma and Open University credits. View our course pages to find out about entry requirements for each course. If you are a mature student and you have any questions about our entry requirements or your qualifications email [email protected].
Equal opportunities
The School is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities for all. We consider each application on the basis of the applicantâs suitability for the proposed programme of study, at the same time acknowledging the statutory and professional requirements of some programmes. We are keen to encourage applicants from a wide range of academic and social backgrounds to take up the opportunity of studying at the School. We aim to create an environment that respects the diversity of students and enables them to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in the life of the School. To do this we will be proactive about ensuring people are treated fairly regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
Application enquiries
The Admissions Office deals with enquiries and applications for all degree courses.
Telephone: +44 (0)117 9733535
Email: [email protected]
Post: Admissions Office, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, 1-2 Downside Road, Bristol BS8 2XF, UK
Application regulations
We will only accept one application per applicant, per year. You cannot apply for more than one course. If you need further advice about choosing a course, please contact the admissions team.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is an associate school of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), a Higher Education Provider registered with the Office for Students. On successful completion of this course, you will receive an award from UWE Bristol. Because of their vocational nature, BOVTS does not award degree classifications â all assessment is completed on a pass or fail basis.
This course is taught predominantly at the Schoolâs main site at Downside Road. Audio and film work is taught at the Schoolâs current centre for recorded media at Christchurch Studios, and on-location across the city of Bristol. Read more about the sale of Christchurch Studios.
The School stages theatre productions at venues across Bristol, and the productions you work on will be based in one or more of the cityâs many performance spaces. Recent venues have included Bristol Old Vic, the Redgrave Theatre, the Wardrobe Theatre, Circomedia, Tobacco Factory Theatres and the Malcolm X Community Centre amongst others.
From time-to-time, rehearsals and teaching may take place in alternative spaces in close proximity to the School.
Scheduled learning includes lectures (virtual and in-person), small group seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstration, practical classes and workshops, fieldwork, external visits, work-based learning, supervised time in studio/workshop. The annual cohort size is expected to be around 12 students and classes are mainly taught in groups of 6. Occasional group sessions may be held for the full cohort as well as cross course collaborations where the classes may be of a larger size.
Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion etc. Scheduled sessions may vary slightly depending on the module. The course includes a placement component where students can spend up to five weeks with a professional production company or organisation. Students arrange their placements directly with a placement organisation of their choice with support from tutors. Placements are arranged ensuring they fit well with the studentâs interests and other course commitments.
The course is immersive with an average of 25 hours contact time a week. Independent study hours are expected to be around 10 hours a week. Weekly timetables can vary, especially during production and performance weeks where hours will be higher and are likely to include evenings and weekends. BOVTS aims to avoid scheduling any teaching across the School on Wednesday afternoons, except during production weeks when technical rehearsals will continue.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge match the content of the modules on the course. The team includes the Head of Course, and tutors specialising in lighting, sound and prop-making. You will also be supported by a range of visiting industry professionals who will teach specialist masterclasses and workshops, supporting you in developing your professional network. You can find further information about all our core teaching staff on our staff pages.
Because of the vocational nature of the training, BOVTS does not award degree classifications â all assessment is completed on a pass or fail basis. There are no written exams, dissertations or theoretical essays. Assignments are based on industry-standard paperwork and processes.
Practical assessments are based around making, planning and sourcing, as well as management and design tasks, which would be required as part of staging a show. Your interaction with the team around you is as important as your individual contribution.
Each module is worth a specified number of credit points. All modules are compulsory, enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests.
Year 1:
Stage Management Fundamentals (40 credits)
Technical Operation for Stage Managers (30 credits)
Props for Stage Managers (30 credits)
Professional Portfolio 1 (20 credits)
Year 2:
Collaborative Projects (40 credits)
Industry and Employment (40 credits)
Professional Portfolio 2 (40 credits)
Year 3:
Industry Portfolio (60 credits)
Professional Portfolio 3 (60 credits)
Applicants are normally expected to meet UWE Bristolâs minimum entry requirements. However, BOVTS welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. We will consider evidence of personal, professional and educational experience which shows an ability to meet the demands of the course. Please see âselection processâ for further information, or contact our admissions team for further advice.
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through a relevant qualification, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For this course, an overall score of 7.0 is normally required, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please contact our admissions team for further advice.
Your application should demonstrate a passion for live events and an understanding of stage management.
Everyone who applies for this course will be interviewed, where you will be asked to demonstrate your experience, motivations and aspirations with our panel. As part of the selection process, we may also invite you to take part in a comprehensive workshop day which will be communicated with you by our admissions team.
Home students (UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) ÂŁ9,250 per year
International students (including EU) ÂŁ22,050 per year
Fees are subject to further increase in subsequent years in line with government policy.
We regret that we are unable to consider applications from students requiring a visa to study in the UK during the 2025â26 academic year. For further information, please see the drop down âStudents requiring a visa to study in the UK.â
Accommodation and living costs are not included in your tuition fees.
Further information about financial support from the government, and bursaries and scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for is available from our fees and funding page.
There are some additional costs associated with this course that are not covered by your tuition fee. Costs given in brackets are to help with budgeting and are indicative only. These are likely to include:
⢠recommended books â before buying your own copy, you may wish to see if you can borrow through the Schoolâs library or view through the Drama Online portal (available to current students) (up to ÂŁ100)
⢠IT equipment â it is recommended that you have your own laptop or computer. Please see the Schoolâs recommended IT specifications for further information (PDF, 52 Kb);
⢠stationery, photocopying and printing costs (estimated £50 for duration of the course).
If you are facing financial hardship, then the School may be able to loan you equipment or help you meet these costs with a bursary. New students should contact admissions for further advice.
Due to a recent change in the Theatre Schoolâs governance, our Higher Education provider UWE Bristol is unable to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) documentation for BOVTS courses. Regrettably we are therefore unable to consider applications from students requiring a visa to study in the UK for 2025 entry.
The Theatre School is able to consider applications from international students who do not require a visa to study in the UK. If you are unsure of your tuition fee status, please consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs guidelines or contact our admissions office for further guidance. Prospective international students for future years of entry are encouraged to join our mailing list to learn more about training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
In the meantime, there are several ways that prospective international students can undertake training with BOVTS: