Graduate Employment A high level of graduate employment

About Us

Graduate Employment

BOVTS has unparalleled links with the industries. We can therefore boast of an impressive record of graduate employment.

The Theatre School offers degree programmes focused on our students’ futures as artists and production professionals. We are committed to ensuring that we remain  at the forefront of preparing graduates with exceptional skill sets to enable them to have sustainable careers as performers and makers.

Some graduates work as performers with professional companies both in the UK and overseas, on stage and in television and film. Some form their own performance companies or go on to direct, produce or choreograph, while others take teaching positions. Graduates from technical theatre, design and stage management programmes go on to work in theatre, on screen productions as well as other areas such as events, large and small, public or corporate.

By focusing on the individual, the School provides opportunities for each student to find an employment path to match their talents and strengths. Through their chosen programme of study, students are encouraged to forge links with the industry, to network with current practitioners and, on some programmes, to undertake placements which help them to meet prospective employers and gain valuable experience. Students benefit from teaching by established industry professionals who enjoy successful careers in their fields.

Students are also prepared more generally for sustainable careers in the industry. The activities offered may include rigorous practical workshops (such as classes in taxation, letter and business plan writing), mock interviews with visiting professionals, lectures, master classes and careers seminars with leading organisations. Agents and casting directors are invited to attend many public productions, screenings and showcases.

Image of Olivia Colman

Conservatoire school graduates feature regularly in the awards list for almost every major award from the Oliviers to Tonys, BAFTA to Academy Awards.

Some of the awards success for BOVTS graduates includes:

  • Olivia Colman won Best Actress at the Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes in 2019
  • 19 Tony nominations and 7 wins for set designer Bob Crowley
  • 1 Tony award and 4 Olivier nominations for sound designer Chris Shutt
  • Numerous Oscar nominees and winners including Daniel-Day Lewis and Jeremy Irons
  • A host of Olivier nominees and winners including Sophie Thompson, Mark Strong and Alex Jennings

(Photo: Alumna Olivia Colman)

Training at BOVTS set me up with the skillset, confidence and connections for the career I now have as a freelance theatre designer. Max Johns, MA Performance Design Alumni