Summer Foundation Course: 10 Weeks

‘What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS is like being embraced into a family of caring, talented teachers and actors who are passionate about the craft and working together. The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend the summer! Our teachers were deeply committed to seeing us grow personally and professionally during the course, tailoring their programs to meet individual needs within the group. Some teachers even offered private tuition and advice online once I was back in Australia!
I made rich and rewarding friendships that will last a lifetime and was very sad to leave!’

Read Lindy’s story here.

‘Although I’d never applied to BOVTS, I’d auditioned for drama school several times, but kept missing out on a place. I was feeling stuck – even out of touch with acting, because the audition process can feel relentless.

I felt like I needed something to reignite my love for acting. Although I had missed the deadline to apply for the BA programme, I came across the BOVTS summer foundation course and decided to audition. I knew the vibe was right up my street as soon as I walked into the School!’

Read Phoebe’s story here.

Mon 26 July to Fri 1 October 2021

Full time – Mondays to Fridays

This is a full time week long course. Morning classes run between 9.20 to 1.30; afternoons from 2.30 to 6.

Monday registration is at 8.30am

For the remainder of the week you are invited to a group warm up at 8.30 if you wish to take part.

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.