Acting

Acting for Stage and Screen Foundation Course – 2 Term (Sept ’26 – March ’26)

Key Information
  • Course dates

    Monday 28th September 2026 – March 2027

     
  • Course fee

    £9,950
  • Age requirement

    18+
  • Application deadline

    26th March 2026
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Course overview

What is the Two Term Foundation course?

This two-term, full-time intensive course is designed to give you a true conservatoire experience at one of the UK’s leading drama schools.

You’ll follow a programme that mirrors the training of our BA and MFA students, working closely with BOVTS tutors and visiting professionals from the world of theatre, film, and TV industries.

Who’s it for?

This course is open to anyone aiming to pursue acting professionally, develop their craft or explore what degree-level conservatoire training could be like. As this course is completed within 6 months, international students can typically join under a standard travel visa, however we recommend you check your status first and discuss this with the admissions team.

Our Environment

At BOVTS, we challenge our students to push their creative boundaries and become the best version of themselves, all within a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages exploration and risk-taking.

Location

Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and creative cities, we’re proud to be part of a vibrant artistic community where ideas thrive. The School is located in Clifton, a beautiful suburb of Bristol, opposite the stunning Clifton Downs.

What to expect

This course will cover:

– Building foundations of craft in voice and body 

– Acting technique foundations including Stanislavski, Meisner and others

– Singing tuition through both ensemble and solo tuition focusing on the craft of acting through song 

– Acting for screen

– Devising theatre

– Analysis skills for contemporary and classical play texts

– Exploration of movement technique including Laban and animal studies

– Classical craft focus including Shakespearian verse speaking 

– Audition technique coaching

– Group Industry insight sessions with agents, casting directors, directors and producers to share real-world knowledge from today’s industry best-practice

-Direct teaching from leading industry professionals

This course will be delivered by our highly skilled staff, which may include:

What our students say...

Lindy, former participant.

“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS is like being embraced into a family of caring, talented teachers and actors who are passionate about the craft and working together. The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend the summer!”

Bastian, former participant.

“I knew that my career could be enhanced by some drama school training, so I looked into courses and was thrilled to discover that BOVTS offered an Acting Foundation Course.  To cut a long story short, training at BOVTS is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To be taught by teachers  working in the industry is invaluable. I know that every tool they have given me is effective, reliable and current.”

  • Accreditation

    Please note that this course is not accredited and does not carry UCAS points or transferrable credit points. You will be awarded a certificate of completion from BOVTS once you have finished the course.
  • Location

    The course takes place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BS8 2XF). The School is a recognised centre of excellence in drama training and is situated in the Clifton district of the city, overlooking Clifton Downs. Bristol is easy to reach by train from all cities in the UK and by road, being accessible from the M4 and M5 motorways. It also has an international airport.
  • Application Process

    Application Process

    Applicants must be 18 or over by the time the course starts.

    Entry to the Acting for Stage and Screen Foundation Course is through audition and interview. We initially assess your suitability based on the information you provide on the application form as well as your submitted self-tape.

    A decision will be made by a panel and if successful, you will be contacted for a recall audition. Recall auditions are held in person and may include some taster classes as well as monologue performances, and a short informal interview. You will be auditioned by a two person panel, one of whom will be the Head of Course and you will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the programme.

    Application Deadline is 26th March 2026.

     

    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 the Acting Summer Foundation Course, an overall score of 7.0 is normally required, with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, 6.0 in writing, 7.0 in listening and 7.0 in speaking.

    For any enquiries regarding making your application, please contact [email protected]. 
  • Accommodation

    We strongly advise you to start thinking about your accommodation as soon as you apply to this course. The School does not have its own halls of residence. In addition to Clifton, areas popular with students include Cotham, Redland, Montpelier, Hotwells and Stoke Bishop. These are within walking distance of the School. Further advice on accommodation is available once you have accepted a place on the course.
  • Is this course for me?

    Future students – We are looking for dedicated, self-motivated individuals who wish to grow and develop as actors. We expect you to be open to learning new skills, techniques and advancing your performance capabilities. Your application should demonstrate an understanding of your personal strengths and weaknesses and any support requirements.

    .

    Experience – Whilst extensive previous experience isn’t required for this course, you should have an interest and commitment to learning through the conservatoire style of teaching. When at the School, you will be working with a range of different teachers and industry professionals, so it’s essential that you can work respectfully with others.
  • Course timetable information:

    Timings

    The Acting for Stage and Screen Foundation Course (2 Term) will run from Monday 28th September 2026 – end of March 2027

    Day To Day

    There will be classes scheduled on Monday – Friday throughout the duration of the course, typically running between 09:00—17:00, with no lessons on Wednesday afternoons.
  • Fees and bursaries

    Fees

    The course fees are £9,950 per year which are payable in advance. Please note that we require the full fee of £9,950 or a non-refundable deposit of £500 to secure your place within 20 working days of you receiving an offer. A balance is due 4 weeks before the start of the course.

    Loans

    Student loans are not available for this course but BOVTS is pleased to announce that bursary support is available for this course in the form of partial fee waivers, dependent on individual circumstances. For further information regarding eligibility criteria and how to apply, please download the Foundation Course Bursary Policy (131, Kb).

    Bursaries

    Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is currently able to award six bursaries of £5k to support people from underrepresented backgrounds to participate in its Foundation Course. For more information and to apply please complete the online application form. Please note that the deadline for bursary support is 30th April.

    We are continuously looking for other funding to support more students and our ambition is that at least 50% of all students on this foundation course will receive a 50% bursary.

     
  • Further information

    T&CS

    Please note that in the unlikely event of an insufficient number of student enrolments for this course, BOVTS may choose to suspend or withdraw the course. If this happens, BOVTS will provide as much notice to participants as possible, and will reimburse student fees, but does not bear any responsibility for reimbursing travel or accommodation costs.

    Guarantees

    Please note that whilst BOVTS believes the foundation course is excellent preparation for auditioning for drama school, there is no guarantee of success at preliminary or recall audition.
  • Equity and Diversity

    The School operates an equity and diversity policy. The School is committed to selecting, training and supporting students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. Applicants to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School are chosen solely on the basis of their talent and potential to develop the skills required for their chosen profession.
  • Policies and Procedures