At Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, we offer a wide range of opportunities for young people to foster their love for the arts. Our classes are designed to provide a supportive environment where students can explore their creative potential and develop essential skills in performance, production, filmmaking and much more.
Our courses for under-18s are taught by experienced professionals as well as our own degree students at the height of their training, ensuring an enriching learning experience. These dedicated instructors create a nurturing environment in which young people can build their confidence, develop teamwork skills and gain a deep appreciation of the arts.
Download our Youth Short Course Calendar September 2024 – 2025
Financial assistance is available for Sunday Young Artists, Thursday Young Conservatoire and Summer Theatre and Film Camps via a bursary scheme. Please see the relevant policy at the foot of the page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. When do bursary applications open for each term?
The dates for bursary applications are as follows:
Autumn term Young Artists 2024 – bursary applications are open between Monday 29 April and Friday 28 June 2024. To apply for a bursary place, please complete the Young Artists Bursary form.
Autumn term Young Conservatoire 2024 – bursary applications are open between Thursday 25 April to Thursday 30 May 2024. To apply for a bursary place, please complete the Young Conservatoire Bursary form.
Spring term Young Artists 2025 – bursary applications are open between Monday 7 October and Friday 1 November 2024
Spring term Young Conservatoire 2025 – bursary applications are open between Thursday 3 October to Thursday 31 October 2024
Summer term Young Artists 2025 – bursary applications are open between Monday 13 January and Friday 21 February 2025
After these dates, places will go on general sale, meaning it is still possible to enrol, but that we won’t be able to consider you for a bursary-supported place.
2. I have been allocated a bursary before, do I need to reapply for next term?
If you are currently in receipt of a bursary and your circumstances havenβt changed, you will not need to complete a bursary application form again, but you will need to let us know you wish to be considered for a bursary next term. To do this, please email [email protected] expressing your wish for your bursary to be reviewed for next term.
3. I have been allocated a bursary before, will it be the same amount if I apply again next term?
As we take on new submissions for bursaries each term, the amount you are allocated each term is liable to change. We will inform you of any changes in the amount once all bursaries have been allocated for a term.
4. I have been allocated a bursary, how long do I have before I need to let you know if I will be taking it?
You will have a period of 14 days after the bursary has been allocated to accept it.
5. I haven’t received a bursary before, how do I apply?
We will upload an application form on our website during the bursary application period. Please fill this form to be considered for a bursary.
Forms will be available in the Young Artists Bursaries section on the oldvic.ac.uk/young-artists page.
6. Will all applicants be allocated a bursary?
We will consider all applications sent via our website form and assess them against a set of criteria. However, we cannot guarantee that an applicant will be allocated a bursary.
Some of the assessment criteria we use include (but are not limited to):
> applicant in financial hardship
> disabled applicant
> applicant is from an area of low progression to higher education
> applicant is in care or is a care leaver
> applicant belongs to groups of people who are considered ‘hard to reach’
If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected].