Sunday Young Artists

Term dates, class structure and fees

Spring term 2026

The term runs on Sundays from 18 January to 29 March. There is no class on Sunday 22 February, due to half term.

Summer term 2026

The term runs on Sundays from 26th April to the 5th July. There is no class on Sunday 31st May, due to half term.

At the last day of term, we invite family and friends (two seats per student) to join us in sharing what they have explored in the ten weeks.

The classes run on the following schedule:

Wings (age 3–4)
09:45–10:00 Registration
10:00–11:00 Class

For summer term 2026, the fee will be £66 per term.

Upstage (age 5–6)
11:00–11:15 Registration
11:15–12:05 Class 1
12:15–13:00 Class 2

For summer term 2026, the fee will be £126.50 per term.

Downstage (age 7–9), Centre Stage (age 10–12), Stage Left (age 13–15), Stage Right (age 16–18)
09:45–10:00 Registration
10:00–10:50 Class one
11:00–11:50 Class two
12:00–12:50 Class three
12:50–13:00 Pack up and home time

For summer term 2026, the fee will be £154 per term.

Class structure

Wings (Ages 3–4)

Building confidence through imaginative play

Wings is a joyful first step into creativity, communication and collaboration. Through storytelling, movement, music and imaginative play, children explore how ideas become characters and how stories can be shared. They experiment with voice and physical expression, invent story worlds using colour and materials, and begin to understand simple narrative structures.

Sessions are carefully structured, nurturing and inclusive. There is no pressure to “perform well” instead, children are supported to explore, listen, take turns and grow in confidence at their own pace. In Week 10, families are invited to watch a short sharing of work, a warm, celebratory moment that builds pride and confidence.

Why it matters:
This stage develops early communication skills, imagination, coordination and social confidence, foundations that support children in all areas of learning and life.

Upstage (Ages 5–6)

Learning to collaborate and tell stories together

Upstage helps Young Artists begin shaping ideas into shared stories. Working from a termly theme, children create characters, explore simple story structures, and discover how voice, movement and design help bring ideas to life. They learn to listen, share ideas and contribute to a group creative process. Reflection is gently introduced, encouraging children to recognise what works well and how ideas can grow. The term ends with a Week 10 sharing, giving children the experience of sharing their work with focus, enjoyment and pride.

Why it matters:
Upstage supports confidence, teamwork and creative problem-solving, skills that build strong communicators and collaborators.

Downstage (Ages 7–9)

Finding your voice and taking creative ownership

Downstage is where Young Artists begin to take real ownership of their ideas. Through devising, improvisation and early script work, students collaborate to create original scenes inspired by a shared theme. They strengthen acting skills, explore stagecraft, and begin experimenting with writing dialogue and shaping stories for an audience. Students are encouraged to ask questions, take creative risks and reflect on what they are trying to communicate.

In Week 10, they share original work they have helped to create, building confidence, focus and pride.

Why it matters:
Children learn that their ideas have value, that collaboration is powerful, and that confidence grows through doing.

Center Stage (Ages 10–12)

Turning ideas into theatre.

Center Stage introduces a more structured approach to theatre-making while keeping creativity at its heart. Young Artists interpret a theme, generate ideas with intention, and collaborate to devise and write original material. They refine acting technique, develop awareness of design and staging, and begin making informed directing choices. Ensemble work is central, with students learning how to balance leadership, listening and shared responsibility. The term culminates in a Week 10 sharing, where students present confident, thoughtful work and reflect on both process and outcome.

Why it matters:
This stage builds independence, resilience, communication skills and creative confidence, essential tools for adolescence and beyond.

Stage Left (Ages 13–15)

Developing artistic identity and critical thinking

Stage Left challenges Young Artists to engage with theatre as a way of exploring ideas about the world. Students interrogate themes with greater depth, devising, writing, directing and performing original work as an ensemble. They develop advanced acting technique, apply stagecraft intentionally, and take increasing responsibility for shaping the creative process.

Critical reflection is embedded, helping young people articulate opinions, justify choices and support others’ ideas. In Week 10, students share work that demonstrates growing artistic maturity and confidence.

Why it matters:
Stage Left supports young people at a pivotal developmental stage, helping them build voice, self-belief, empathy and creative leadership.

Stage Right (Ages 16–18)

Making theatre with purpose, confidence and professionalism

Stage Right offers a rigorous, ambitious theatre-making experience for Young Artists ready to work with independence and intent. Participants develop original work through devising or writing, lead creative processes collaboratively, and apply advanced acting and stagecraft skills. Rehearsals mirror professional practice, with an emphasis on discipline, reflection and artistic clarity. Students are trusted as makers of meaning, shaping work from the ground up and supporting one another as an ensemble. Each term concludes with a Week 10 sharing, offering invaluable experience for those considering further training and powerful personal development for all.

Why it matters:
Stage Right builds confidence, resilience, leadership and a strong creative identity — skills that last far beyond the stage.

Why parents choose Young Artists

– A creative pathway from age three to eighteen

– Original work made by students 

– A curriculum designed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School staff, taught with care and ambition for each learner

– An inclusive, supportive environment with no auditions or competition

– Clear progression and a performance outcome every term

Built by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for Young Artists.

Summer Term 2026

Term Theme: On the Edge!

This term, Young Artists will step “On the Edge”—exploring the moments where stories, characters, and ideas push boundaries. Children and young people will be encouraged to take creative risks, experiment with new ways of performing, and discover what happens when they step outside their comfort zone.

Across the ten-week term, participants will:

– Explore bold ideas: Build imaginative scenes and characters that surprise and delight.

– Take creative risks: Learn to experiment safely, trusting their instincts and ideas.

– Collaborate and problem-solve: Work with peers to bring daring stories to life.

– Perform with confidence: Culminate in a Week 10 showcase where students share their work proudly.

“On the Edge!” is a term about curiosity, courage, and discovery, inviting every Young Artist to stretch their imagination and see what they can achieve together.

Teaching

BOVTS courses for under-18s are taught by experienced professionals, assisted by our degree students at the height of their training. All hold enhanced DBS checks.

Policy & Procedures

You can view our safeguarding policy on our Policies and Procedures page. The Young Artists Manager and Young Artists Assistant Manager oversee the smooth running of the building each Sunday.