Search the website
-
Suitable for
Writers with some experience or have completed a beginner course. Age 18+
-
Times & Dates
Tuesday 13th January – Tuesday 24th March 2026
18:00Â –Â 20:00
-
Tuition
Part-time
-
Location
Downside Road, Bristol
-
Term Fee
£270.00
Overview
Who is this course for?
This one-year, 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.
Our environment
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. The School is a world leader in theatre writing training, and the support available from your tutors will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in Drama Writing.
Term Dates
SPRING TERM 2026 – Writing Short Plays (10-minute plays)
Focus: Concise storytelling, character, and dialogue
Dates: First Day: Tue 13th Jan | Half Term: Tue 17th Feb | Last Day: Tue 24th Mar
SUMMER TERM 2026 – Developing Longer Scenes & Character Arcs
Focus: Extended scenes, character development, and dialogue depth
Dates: First Day: Tue 21st April | Half Term: Tue 26th May | Last Day: Tue 30th June
AUTUMN TERM 2026 – Polishing & Preparing Work for Performance
Focus: Revision, polish, and performance-readiness
Dates: First Day: Tue 29th Sep | Half Term: Tue 27th Oct | Last Day: Tue 8th Dec
Spring Term Overview
> 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.
This is a part-time evening short course. Sessions run from 18:00pm to 20:00pm. This course is taught in our writers studios at Downside Road.
-
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.
- Policies and Procedures
Course Leaders
