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Suitable for
age 18+
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Date
Sunday 2nd November 2025
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Tuition
One day Masterclass 10:00 – 17:00
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Location
Downside Road, Bristol
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Cost
£85
Overview
Join us for an intensive 7-hour masterclass with the esteemed Director of Drama, Ali de Souza, at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This masterclass is designed to equip actors with the skills and confidence needed to excel in in-person auditions.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. Through expert guidance, practical exercises, and personalised feedback, you will learn to deliver compelling and memorable audition performances.
Course Highlights
>Expert instruction from Ali de Souza, Director of Drama at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
>Comprehensive understanding of the audition process.
>Techniques for preparing and delivering standout audition performances.
>Practical exercises to enhance presence, confidence, and adaptability.
>Personalised feedback to refine and improve your audition skills.
Overview
Welcome and course introduction
Overview of the audition process for drama school and professional auditions.
Setting goals for the masterclass.
Preparing for Auditions
Techniques for script analysis and character preparation.
Understanding the importance of first impressions.
Tips for effective physical and vocal warm-ups.
Audition Techniques
Strategies for managing nerves and staying focused.
How to handle cold readings and quick script adjustments.
Exercises for building presence and confidence.
Practical Exercises
Practical audition exercises with peer feedback.
Role-playing different audition scenarios.
Developing adaptability and spontaneity in auditions.
Scene Work and Performance
Participants perform prepared audition pieces.
Immediate feedback from Ali de Souza on performance, technique, and delivery.
Tips for enhancing emotional connection and authenticity.
Advanced Techniques
Mastering sight-reading and handling unexpected changes.
The role of body language and non-verbal communication.
Q&A and Final Insights
Open floor Q&A session.
Recap of key points and takeaways from the masterclass.
Final tips for ongoing improvement and preparation for future auditions
Your tutor
Previously Ali de Souza was Associate Head of Acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Programme Leader for the BA Acting and Performance course at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. He has taught Shakespeare, screen acting and professional practice for actors since 2009.Â
A particular focus for Ali has been developing inclusive curricula and advocating for safe practices in areas such as intimacy choreography, understanding boundaries, and the embedding of mental wellbeing into creative practice.
Find out what Ali says about the course...
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Admissions Requirements
Applicants must be aged 18 or over by the time of the course start date.
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Is This Course For Me?
This masterclass is designed for anyone hoping to enhance their skills in the audition room. This will be particularly useful for those auditioning for drama school or looking to upskill their professional auditions.
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What do I need to bring and what do I need to wear?
You will need to bring food and drink to sustain yourself through the day. Please be aware that there is no food available on site except a vending machine. Shops can be found approximately 8 minutes walk from the school on Whiteladies Road.
Wear movement based clothing you are happy being active in.
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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.
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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]
- Policies and Procedures
