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31st January 2025
We met with the Head of MA Drama Writing at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – David Lane, to find out more about the course, the ideal student and the opportunities for graduating participants.
What makes your course stand out from other similar programs?
It is a hugely collaborative course, you come and work alongside the MA and MFA students across the school – including directors, designers, actors and voice & dialect coaches. In addition to our academic staff and visiting professionals. You are moving into studios to work on real life projects from day one, hearing and seeing your written work and gathering timely feedback all of the time.
What kind of student thrives on your course?
Any writers that are adaptable, curious and imaginative. People who are open to explore every aspect of being a writer in theatre, tv and film working across a wide variety of different contexts.
What are the top 3 skills or qualities you look for in applicants?
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Courage
What are the career pathways available to graduates of your course?
There are a lot of different pathways. Working freelance, developing producers in TV – working on continuing dramas. Writers who work on Radio / Audio dramas. Writers who are on attachment to theatre companies and others who have set up their own production companies. The opportunities are endless.
What is the most rewarding part of your role as Head of Course?
Watching writers developing and perfecting their craft and seeing them put their skills in to practice and putting their voice out there in practice.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying for this course?
Make sure you are seeing theatre, film, reading the scripts and being across the arts media and industry so you have a broad and detailed understanding of the sector. Be curious to know where you can develop and come with a sense of purpose.
What is the most exciting thing about studying your subject at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School?
The positive collaboration and relationships that you get to develop with Directors, actors, designers etc. It is so exciting that you can come to the school and leave with the colleagues that become your future career partners.
What is the most important thing you want prospective students to know about your course?
This is an intensive vocational year working as a writer across all mediums and projects, with different briefs and deadlines. It is a very real world experience and helps to give you a solid foundation in what life as a future Drama Writer might be.
Apply before 28th February 2025 for Sept 2025 entry.
For more information about the course and how to apply – please visit this section of our website:
