Summer Foundation Course: 10 Weeks

“The foundation week has provided me with everything I needed and more to continue pursuing a career in acting. With the variety of classes and the impressively high quality of teaching I now not only have the confidence to go on to more drama school auditions or other productions but have also gained a valuable insight into life inside one of the top drama schools. Rigorous, exciting, challenging and fulfilling. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to find their feet in the world of theatre”

“I’m so grateful for what you have taught me. Now I’ve become more competent and credible because I can speak English clearly and have a good command of my voice. RP is always a plus — a big plus! I’m still working on voice, RP and phonetics everyday since the course ended.”

“What I’ve learnt from BOVTS is greater than I expected. I felt so lucky to have met these teachers. Some are the best I’ve ever had. Extraordinary quality of teaching in a perfect environment helped me learn not only faster but more effectively. I’ve developed so many good habits. It was a time worth spending. It was just 10 weeks but it was a big leap. Thank you again for offering me this opportunity.”

“The BOVTS Summer Foundation was so brilliant! It was so in depth and every single tutor was incredibly knowledgeable as well as having so much care for each student. I learnt so much about every aspect of acting and no corners were cut, it was such a supportive environment allowing us to experiment, take risks and learn — I truly feel set up for the next step of my career, whatever it may be! I really recommend it to anyone who wants to pursue a career in theatre — it really shows you the ropes and inspires you.”

“The ten-week foundation course was more than I could’ve imagined it would be! I came away having learned so much and with lasting friendships with people all over the world. The course really puts you through your paces with lessons in everything you need to set you up for future auditions/careers and the intensity and supportive environment just makes you learn and absorb everything faster. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to get expertise from such amazing teachers and my confidence just grew in leaps and bounds over the course. It’s an experience I will never forget and I will take the lessons I have learned from BOVTS with me to all my future auditions.”

“I can’t recommend this course highly enough — really thorough and well-structured. I had a wonderful time. After ten weeks of study with the school I feel clearer-headed and more confident as a young actor pursuing a career in the arts. Every aspect of training is explored and whether it be voice, singing or movement each disciple has something unique to offer us as actors. My favourite class was clown and improvisation. I found being a clown a few mornings a week such great fun. I think it is a very special practice and taught me things about myself in a very gentle way. This course is a must!”

Mon 12th July to Fri 17th September 2021

Full time – Mondays to Fridays

It is one of BOVTS’s own range of non-accredited certificates.

Students who complete this course receive a BOVTS Short Course Certificate.

The course takes place at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. The School is a recognised centre of excellence in drama training. We are a member of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama.

The building itself is situated in the beautiful village of Clifton, near Clifton Suspension Bridge and overlooking the Clifton Downs. The School has recently had new buildings added to the site. We have two new large studios, new shower & changing rooms and improved utility spaces.

The course follows the same pattern as the current 2 and 3 year vocational courses.

The classes include: Acting, Movement, Voice, Singing, Improvisation, Stage Combat, Dialects, Scene Study, Audition Techniques, Performance Projects & Masterclasses.

All of the staff on this course are highly skilled, industry professionals. The core staff are members of the current tutors on the main school courses.

Auditions begin in Bristol in early January. We welcome video auditions from overseas students.

For your audition you will need to prepare and perform two speeches (one Shakespeare monologue in verse and a modern speech written after 1960) and an unaccompanied song. Each individual piece should not last more than two minutes and all three should also contrast with each other.

The School operates an equality and diversity policy. As part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, the School is committed to selecting, training and supporting students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. Applicants to Conservatoire schools are chosen solely on the basis of their talent and potential to develop the skills required for their chosen profession.

As part of the course there will a visit to a local theatre and a post-show discussion. You will be able to voice your opinion and debate the pros and cons of the performance.

We are looking for dedicated people who have a love and respect of dramatic art, a strong commitment to learning new skills and techniques, and a responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

We will treat you with respect, care and courtesy. We will wholeheartedly endeavour to instruct you in the skills, techniques and experiences that will help you further your career.

The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has the feel of a ‘small family business’. The people who work and learn here feel that they are part of a community rather than an institution. We try very hard to create an environment that is safe, exciting, creative, professional and productive.

The course fees are £5,500 payable in advance.

There are no scholarships for this course, students are expected to pay for the course from their own funds.

The School does not provide accommodation but we do have a digs list available to you.

Fill in the form below and email to the head of the course – [email protected]

Download the Application Form here.

Or print the form and post to:

Foundation Course, FAO: Gary Owston, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Downside Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XF.