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Suitable for
Writers with some experience or have completed a beginner course. Age 18+
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Times & Dates
Tuesday 29th Sep – Tue 8th Dec 2026
18:00 – 20:00
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Tuition
Part-time
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Location
This is a in person course, located at Downside Road, Bristol
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Term Fee
£270.00
Overview
Incoming new course for 2026
This termly, 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.
Sessions run from 18:00 to 20:00.
This course is taught in our writers studios at Downside Road.
Autumn Term
Focus: Extended scenes, character development, and dialogue depth.
➔ Write longer scenes or one-act plays, exploring character arcs, sustained narratives, layered storytelling and variations in form.
➔ Weeks 1–7: Weekly facilitator-led workshops focus on developing structure, dialogue, story, characterisation and world, with peer feedback to refine ideas.
➔ Weeks 8–9: Writers participate in structured self and peer review sessions to read aloud and critique each other’s work. Focus is on pacing, clarity, emotional impact, and stage readability.
➔ Week 10: Reflect on feedback, consolidate learning, and plan revisions or next steps for scripts.
Term Dates
AUTUMN TERM 2026 – Developing Longer Scenes & Character Arcs
Focus: Extended scenes, character development, and dialogue depth.
Dates: Tue 29th Sep – Tue 8th Dec | Half Term: Tue 27th Oct
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of Summer Term, participants will:
➔ Develop long-form scenes with coherent story arcs and multidimensional characters.
➔ Critically review and analyse their own writing and that of peers to improve clarity and dramatic impact.
➔ Apply feedback to refine structure, dialogue, and pacing without relying on actor interpretation.
➔ Build confidence in self-directed revision and collaborative discussion of scripts.
Course Leader
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Course Size
Maximum of 10 participants for personalised feedback.
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Who is this course for?
➔ Writers with some experience in playwriting or completion of a beginner course.
➔ Those looking to develop plays for performance and deepen understanding of dramatic storytelling.
➔ Writers who enjoy feedback, collaboration, and seeing their work performed.
➔ Anyone looking for a creative, supportive, and intimate learning environment.
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Why Join
➔ Write & see it performed: Experience actors reading your work and gain invaluable insights.
➔ Grow your craft: Develop skills in structure, dialogue, and character over a full year.
➔ Collaborate & connect: Build relationships with like-minded writers and a facilitator who guides your journey.
➔ Fun & practical: Learn through doing, experimenting, and reflecting in a supportive, small-group setting. -
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]
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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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