Courses

Design a Play in 5 Days

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Suitable for all skill levels, age 18+
  • Dates

    Monday 7th – Friday 11th September 2026
  • Tuition

    10:00-16:00
  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol
  • Cost

    £590
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Overview

Who is this course for?

This course offers a practical exploration of the fundamental principles for designing sets and costumes for theatre. Whether you wish to nurture your interest in theatre design, pursue a career in the field or gain portfolio content for further training, this programme can provide you with opportunities to develop your skills and hands-on experience. Over five days, you will be immersed in the design studios at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, working closely with our Head of Design, as well as visiting specialists. You’ll delve into the process of shaping designs tailored to a given text, refining your craft and realising your creative vision.

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 design training, and the support available from your tutors will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in performance design.

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Course Outline

DAY ONE: Analysing Text and Visualisation

Morning: Introduction to tutors and the school, followed by text analysis.

Afternoon: Transform analysis into visualisation, developing design concepts inspired by the narrative.

 

DAY TWO: Character Research and Costume Choices

Morning: Research characters, focusing on potential costume choices.

Afternoon: Turn research into tangible designs under tutor guidance. 

 

DAY THREE: Exploring the Spelman Studio

Morning: Explore the Spielman Studio, working on a flat-pack version to bring a model box to life at 1/25 scale.

Afternoon: (Introductory) Realise model box designs with tutor support and techniques learned in the morning workshop.

 

DAY FOUR: Flexible Design Development

Morning: Flexible time to further develop costume or model box designs.

Afternoon: Head into a studio space at the theatre school, working with materials at real-life scale and gaining hands-on design experience. 

 

DAY FIVE: Refinement and Portfolio Exploration

Morning: Continue refining work from the previous afternoon with tutor support. Experiment with new ideas. Explore portfolios and receive guidance on effective communication of your work. Specialised software is not always necessary for impactful presentations. 

Afternoon: Share your work with the tutors and the rest of the cohort and receive constructive feedback on future progression.

Highlights

➔ Conduct an analysis of a short piece of text to transform the narrative into visualisation and develop design concepts;
➔ Gain an understanding of character research, with a focus on designing costumes;
➔ Build a model box of the Spielman Studio at Tobacco Factory Theatres, working at scale to bring a flat-pack version to life;
➔ Work hands-on with various materials and realise designs at full scale in the School’s studio spaces;
➔ Receive guidance on how to put together design portfolios and how best to present your design work to different audiences.

This is a full-time, five day short course. Sessions run from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. This course is taught in our design studios at Downside Road.

Course Leaders

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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]
  • 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.
  • What time does the course run from and to?

    Your session will start at 10:00-16:00.

    After the first day of the course you will have access to the studio and hour before and after your course times for independent study.
  • What are the course dates?

    First Day: Monday 7th September

    Last Day: Friday 11th September
  • What do I need to bring?

    We advise you to bring a sketchbook and drawing materials. All other consumables will be provided as part of the course.
  • Where can I get food?

    We advise you to bring food and drink with you as there is no catering on site. Food shops can be found close by on Whiteladies Road.
  • Is this course for me?

    These classes are designed as an introduction to performance design.  The groups are of mixed level abilities and bring together a delightfully diverse take on the work.
  • What text will I be working on during the course?

    Prior to the course, you will be sent a short text to read. This text will then become the stimulus for your design work whilst on the course.
  • Can I keep the designs I worked on?

    You will have the opportunity to take home any of the designs as well as the model box you create during your time with us.
  • Policies and Procedures