Courses

Design a Play in 5 Days – An Introduction to Set and Costume Design.

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    All skill levels, age 18+

  • Dates

    Monday 1st  – Friday 5th September 2025

  • Tuition

    Full-time

  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol

  • Cost

    £570

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Overview

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.

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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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.

As a student, the most important aspect of a course is putting into practice what you've been learning, and we do that constantly. I cannot recommend BOVTS enough - my showreel has never looked better! April Storm Perry, MA Screen Acting Student