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Suitable for
Writers with some experience or have completed a beginner course. Age 18+
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Times & Dates
Tuesday 13th January – Tuesday 24th March 2026
18:00 – 20:00
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Tuition
Part-time
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Location
This is a in person course, located at Downside Road, Bristol
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Term Fee
£270.00
Overview
Incoming new course for 2026
This termly, part-time evening course is for writers who already have some experience or have completed a beginner course and want to develop, refine, and hear their work performed by actors.
With a small group of 10 writers, you’ll benefit from personalised guidance, peer support, and professional actor readings each term. Hear your words come to life, gain practical insights into performance, and refine your craft in a supportive, interactive environment.
Sessions run from 18:00 to 20:00.
This course is taught in our writers studios at Downside Road.
Spring Term
Focus: Concise storytelling, character, and dialogue
> Weeks 1–7: Write a 10-minute play, focusing on character, conflict, and narrative clarity.
> Weeks 8–9: Actor readings of your plays in class. Writers receive live feedback on dialogue, pacing, and dramatic impact.
> Week 10: Reflect on the readings, discuss lessons learned, and explore strategies for revision.
Spring Term Highlights
> Produce a complete 10-minute play with strong characters and conflict.
> Hear your work performed and identify what translates effectively to the stage.
> Apply feedback to refine and improve your play.
> Develop confidence in hearing and responding to performance interpretation.
Your Tutor Bea Roberts
Bea Roberts is a multi-award winning playwright and screenwriter from the west country. Her play And Then Come The Nightjars won the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award, made her a Finalist for the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and was adapted into a feature film with director Paul Robinson. The movie won Best Independent Film at the Chichester International Film Festival and was picked as one of Rolling Stone UK’s Top 23 Films of 2023.
Bea has worked with renowned theatres, writing for the National Theatre, the Royal Court, the Young Vic and most recently, Ivy Tiller; Vicar’s Daughter, Squirrel Killer starring Fleabag’s Jenny Rainsford for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In screen work, Bea was selected for the BAFTA Connect programme, was part of the BBC Writers’ Academy 2022-23 and now writes for BBC’s EastEnders.
Term Dates
SPRING TERM 2026 – Writing Short Plays (10-minute plays)
Focus: Concise storytelling, character, and dialogue
Dates: Tue 13th Jan -Tue 24th Mar | Half Term: Tue 17th Feb
SUMMER TERM 2026 – Developing Longer Scenes & Character Arcs
Focus: Extended scenes, character development, and dialogue depth
Dates: Tue 21st April -Tue 30th June| Half Term: Tue 26th May
AUTUMN TERM 2026 – Polishing & Preparing Work for Performance
Focus: Revision, polish, and performance-readiness
Dates: Tue 29th Sep – Tue 8th Dec | Half Term: Tue 27th Oct
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Course Size
Maximum of 10 participants for personalised feedback.
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Who is this course for?
Writers with some experience in playwriting or completion of a beginner course.
Those looking to develop plays for performance and deepen understanding of dramatic storytelling.
Writers who enjoy feedback, collaboration, and seeing their work performed.
Anyone looking for a creative, supportive, and intimate learning environment.
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Why Join
Write & see it performed: Experience actors reading your work and gain invaluable insights.
Grow your craft: Develop skills in structure, dialogue, and character over a full year.
Collaborate & connect: Build relationships with like-minded writers and a facilitator who guides your journey.
Fun & practical: Learn through doing, experimenting, and reflecting in a supportive, small-group setting. -
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.
- Policies and Procedures