Virtual School Tour An inside look into training at BOVTS.
Three students sat on wall outside of BOVTS

Virtual School Tour

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is one of the most successful and well-respected conservatoire drama schools in the UK.

Whether you’re thinking of applying, or have a confirmed place, we know it’s not always possible to attend open days or visit in person, so we’ve put together a range of videos to give you a full taste of life at the School.

Welcome | Downside Road

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has led the way in training theatre, television and film professionals for 75 years. Our courses are recognised nationally and internationally as a benchmark of quality in acting, creative and technical arts. By choosing BOVTS, you are joining a school with a world-renowned reputation, based in one of the UK’s most lively and creative student cities. Find out more about the courses on offer.

Facilities | Christchurch Studios | Sheene Road Workshops

The School teaches across three specialist sites. Downside is the School’s main site, housing rehearsal studios and craft workshops, costume and design studios, along with student facilities including common rooms, open-access computer suites and a small library. Christchurch Studios, in nearby Clifton village, houses broadcast-standard digital audio and film recording studios and editing suites. Beyond the harbourside, in Bedminster, you’ll find our purpose-built scenic workshops at the School’s Sheene Road site. Find out more about the School’s facilities. 

As part of its long-term strategy, the Theatre School has resolved to relocate its media, film and television production work. The first stage of this strategy will involve the sale of Christchurch Studios. For further information, please use the drop-down below.

Working in Professional Theatres

Our students’ training is structured around working on full productions in professional theatres across Bristol, which may include venues as diverse as Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continually-operating theatre in the English-speaking world; the urban chic of Tobacco Factory Theatres; or the splendour of Circomedia, a repurposed Georgian church. See what BOVTS productions are on in the coming months. 

Launching Your Career

Our students have an exceptional track record of graduate employment. BOVTS alumni can be found in all sectors of the arts, from designing costumes of the latest West End show to producing high-end TV dramas, and from starring in Hollywood blockbusters to creating the scenic art used at Glastonbury. Find out more about our world-class alumni. 

One of my favourite parts about BOVTS is that it feels ‘homegrown’. From the set to the costume, lighting, acting and sound, every single aspect of a theatre production or film is down to the students. The location of Clifton is so serene and the School being so small everyone knows each other and it feels so personal and special. Violet Morris, BA Professional Acting Student