Bristol Old Vic Theatre School An Affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance & Drama
GUIDE to courses
Acting, Technical, Production and Management.
World Class training – Made in Bristol 1 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Recognised as one of this country's leading Conservatoire Drama Schools, training students in a professional environment for careers in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.
Operating on three specialist teaching Contents Page sites and performing in the major producing theatre venues in Bristol, Professional Acting (FdA) (BA Hons) 4–9 our students are trained to the highest Professional Stage standards for direct entry into work Management in theatre, film or radio drama on (FdA) (BA Hons) 10–15 completion of their course. Costume (FdA)+ BA(Hons) top-up 16–17 We have a long history of The School has an outstanding graduate Theatre Design (MA) 18–19 producing nationally and employment record and an international Scenic Art (PG Dip) 20-21 globally recognised actors. reputation as a centre of excellence. Drama Directing (MA) 22-23 We have strong links with all aspects of Theatre Arts the industry across the UK and beyond. Management (PG Dip) 24–25 Theatre Production We regard students as ‘professionals in Management (PG Dip) 26–27 training’: their first day at the School is Further information 28-29 the first day of their career. Other courses 30 Application details 31 Photo: Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of Loneliness (Directors’ Cuts 2013 at the Alma Tavern Theatre)
2 3 Professional Acting courses pages 6–9
The offer of a place on an acting course indicates our belief that the applicant possesses the necessary talent and dedication and has every prospect of an enjoyable and successful career in a very demanding and competitive profession. We help each student to present and communicate their unique and individual personality to the public.
Photo: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Redgrave Theatre, Spring 2014)
4 5 Professional Acting Two year (FdA) (UK/EU) Three year (BA Hons) (UK/EU)
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School During the first year of the course students are trained in: has been training actors for nearly Voice and Speech, receiving seventy years and includes, amongst classes in: voice and speech technique, text study, verse its past acting students, Daniel Day- speaking, dialect work and sight Lewis, Jeremy Irons, Naomie Harris, reading; Movement, with classes in Pilates, Alexander Technique, Olivia Colman, Greg Doran (Artistic Actors' Movement, Period Dance Director of the RSC), Malcolm and Stage Combat; Acting, with classes on Acting Technique, Text Sinclair (Chairman of Equity) and Study, Improvisation, Audition many other well-known faces from Practice, Acting to Camera, Radio Drama and Microphone the entertainment industry. Technique; Singing and Musical Its philosophy is rooted firmly in the reality of the Theatre. day-to-day business of the profession and from A Typical Day in the First Year its beginnings it has taken great pride in producing will start at 8.45am prompt with a physical and vocal limber. inspired and skilful working actors who can expect Punctuality is essential. Actors long and fruitful careers. Its reputation in the who are late don’t usually business is second to none. In line with this, we work for the same employer deliberately do not teach any specific ‘method’ of twice! The limber is followed by acting regarding it as our task to help you to find three, ‘basics’ classes, eg. Voice, your own, personal approach to the work. Movement and Acting. The afternoon starts with a The School’s full-time acting staff have all worked further session, which may be professionally in the industry and a number still a basics class. manage to do so, using their recent professional Text Interpretation projects experiences to inform their teaching and keep it consist typically of scenes from up-to-date. Students are also taught by a number plays of a given style or period of freelance working professionals. (Elizabethan, Restoration, 19th Century, Modern, etc.). The two-year FdA and the three-year BA acting The Final Year (both FdA & BA) courses (overleaf) follow the same patterns in All acting students consists mainly of production their first and final years, differing mainly in the work and professional launch. take part in a showcase fact that the three-year BA has a middle year, Each actor is cast in one main- which consists mainly of performance. house production per term performance in the West During their final year our actors are auditioned/ alongside preparation of show- reels and voice-reels, by auditions interviewed by upwards of eighteen top agents End to potential employers. for agents and casting directors and casting directors who give notes on their work and, by special skills workshops and advice on their future careers. In late April (voices for animation, voice-over, they take part in a West End audition showcase to etc.) and continuing basics classes Photo: potential employers. and other performance work. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ( Tobacco Factory Theatres,6 Autumn 2013) APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 7 Professional Acting Three year BA Hons (UK/EU) We want our actors to go into the profession confident Designed for students who are new to Higher Education, the Three Year that they can hold their own BA Honours Degree follows the same in any of the main areas of pattern as the Two Year FdA except the business, from classical that they have a middle year. plays and modern classics, to The Middle Year. feature films, TV, radio drama This second year is taken up mainly by three major touring projects and musicals. during which performance skills are developed to a high degree, enabling To this end we develop their actors with little previous experience voices and speech, their of theatre to enter their final year bodies and their movement, confident of their skills and technique. their creativity and their The first tour, during the autumn term, is usually a tour of a nativity knowledge of the approaches play which goes to primary schools in and techniques of acting. Bristol and gives the acting student an opportunity to put into practice the basic skills and techniques they have learnt in their first year in a secure environment. Two year FdA (UK/EU) The second tour performs in junior The Two Year Foundation Degree in schools with a specially prepared Professional Acting is suitable for the script – most recently these have more mature applicant who already has been adaptations of Shakespeare some experience of the wider world plays. This gives the actor the chance and is therefore suitable for graduates to present more sophisticated ideas, and those who have worked to support language and character to a young themselves either in the theatre or audience. Each actor another area of employment. The final term’s project is a major tour The first year of the course comprises of twenty four West Country venues. should have an intensive training in technique and Between the tours the student w ill skills, while the second concentrates on attend classes which develop from achieved production and preparation for joining their first year’s training, have the the profession. opportunity to do some modern representation text work with a young professional director and further develop their by an agency of radio and TV technique. high integrity and reputation. Photo: The Comedy of Errors (Schools Tour, Spring 2014)
8 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 9 Professional Stage Management, Technical, Production and Management courses. pages 12–27
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is unique in the breadth of its professional training opportunities and industry- standard facilities. Students across all courses work together on the School’s productions and recordings, creating a company feel to the training, with everyone working to professional disciplines and deadlines. Students are trained in small groups, allowing individual attention both to their skills training and career advice. Great emphasis is placed on preparing students for future and sustainable employment through placements, exhibitions of work and interviews with potential Photo: employers, specific to the Set of Pericles (Redgrave Theatre, Spring 2013) course they are on.
10 11 Professional Stage Management Three year (BA Hons) and Two year (FdA)
Stage Management courses at self-motivation and to be physically and mentally fit to be offered a place on Bristol Old Vic Theatre School these courses; you should already have offer students a practical, some practical experience of work on hands-on training, equipping school, college or amateur productions. It is advisable to talk to professionals in them for direct entry into the the industry to gain a clear idea of what industry on completion. the working life can be like. The two courses (BA Hons or Foundation Graduates from our Stage Management Degree) have a similarity of approach in and Technical training courses are that they cover the range of knowledge, employed in an ever-increasing range of skills and understanding required for a professional organisations including sustainable professional career in the the RSC, National Theatre, Birmingham Arts and Entertainment Industry. Rep, Manchester Royal Exchange, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Salisbury Students learn in a professional Playhouse, Stage Technologies, White environment, taught by industry Light, Bristol Old Vic, West End shows specialists using current technologies and UK musical tours. and practice. Students specialising in Film and TV find Both courses, and naturally the careers, employment on Feature Films, TV post- involve hard work and long hours and production, Animation and a wide range are not for the faint hearted. You will of Independent film production. need to demonstrate strong enthusiasm and commitment, a high degree of
The School and its staff have a very wide network of industry contacts and knowledge – We measure the success employers actively of our courses by the seek Bristol Old excellent employment Vic Theatre School record of our graduates. graduates.
12 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 13 Employers actively seek Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Three year Professional Two year Professional graduates. Stage Management Stage Management (BA Hons) (FdA) Our main Stage Management course Our long established training in theatre provides a broad-based training, production skills offers a fast track combining theatre production skills with course for more mature students. television and radio drama experience. Following the initial two-term The initial two-term foundation in theatre foundation in theatre skills taken production is common to both three and alongside our three year students, they two year course students. Practical skills undertake a wide range of jobs and training includes Stage Management, responsibilities on the School's shows Propmaking, Scenic Construction, Sound, performed in Bristol and on tour. Lighting and Electrics. In addition an Students will work on our season of introduction to Film and Radio Drama shows at the Brewery Theatre in their production provides students with a basic third term, as well as being involved in grounding in recorded media. our summer main-house productions. In the third term students commence their The second year provides further work on our public theatre shows, working practical training, normally focusing in a production department and as stage on the roles of ASM, DSM and Stage or technical crew on a show. Manager on shows. In their second year BA Hons students On this course students will undertake then broaden their training experience up to three weeks placement in a by being involved in a range of theatre professional theatre organisation in productions and film and radio drama their final year with the majority of FdA recordings. Theatre performances take students specialising in careers in Stage place in the Bristol’s main venues and Management. on tour, with fourteen public theatre Both courses provide preparation productions mounted over the year. for employment including CV writing, One term of the second year is based at industry interviews and a practical our Christchurch Studios with students understanding of working life as a working on location film shoots, stop- freelance. We measure the success of frame animation and audio recording. our courses by the excellent employment In their final year, BA Hons students record of our graduates. specialise more on specific areas of work to provide them with the appropriate Graduates are employed in a set of production skills to embark on very wide range of jobs and their chosen career. Students choose to departments eg. for Theatre - continue training in theatre production stage management, lighting, or in film and TV. Up to five weeks sound, automation, construction; on placement with a professional organisation is an integral part of this year and for Film /TV – camera, grip, enabling students to match their career editing, script supervision, aspirations to the practical reality of a location management, sound professional environment. and art department.
14 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 15 Photo: The Fairy Queen from The Merry Wives of Windsor (Redgrave Theatre, Spring 2014) Costume for Theatre, Television and Film Two year (FdA) (+ BA Hons top up)
This is an intensive vocational and Opportunities highly practical course for four Recent Costume graduates have gone on to work on; students per year covering all Atlantis, Stella, Casualty, "The Costume Course aspects of costume work. Downton Abbey, Trollied, at the Bristol Old Vic Skins, Being Human, New Theatre School is a This includes pattern-cutting, costume making, Tricks, Vera, Inspector George costume supervision, dyeing, millinery, corset Gently and Merlin. fantastic insight in making, history of costume, hiring and buying Theatre work includes; to the industry and to budget, wig care, basic make-up and all equips you with all the Matthew Bourne's Sleeping organisational aspects of the work. Beauty, Gifford’s Circus, knowledge you need The students work to given designs, drafting, Rio de Janeiro Carnival, to succeed. It's two fixing and making for and dressing all of the The Bristol Old Vic, The years of hard work School’s public productions and TV shoots which Tobacco Factory, The Globe, but fantastic fun and number between twelve and fourteen per year. Glyndebourne, Chichester I made friends and Festival Theatre, The Royal The aim of the Course is to equip students with National Theatre, The English contacts for life." the necessary skills to work in Theatre, Film and National Opera, The Royal Past student Television Costume Departments. There is a Opera House and The Royal BA Hons top-up year for eligible students who Shakespeare Company. wish to specialise in one of the subjects from the Foundation Degree.
"I spent three wonderful years on the Costume for Theatre, Television and Film course, learning about all aspects of the Costume department such as making, assisting and supervision, all of which was put into practice on the School's many productions. This hands-on approach was for me the best and most enjoyable way to learn my craft and I feel like my time spent there has fully prepared me for my career in the industry. I will always remember the fun and laughter we had and it was an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life." Past student
16 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 17 Theatre Design MA (Four Term)
Created to challenge and inspire The course the next generation of professional Graduates have been Theatre Designers. The course successful in gaining places in the prestigious Linbury Prize delivers intensive vocational for Stage Design and the RSC’s training, enabling four students to trainee designer scheme: they have recently designed for develop their creative and technical productions at Bristol Old Vic, ability in set and costume design The Tobacco Factory Theatres, Kneehigh, The Finborough for performance. This full-time Theatre and Pimlico Opera. course is aimed at multi-skilled An extensive portfolio of postgraduate level applicants from industry-standard work can be a wide range of design related achieved on the course. There are exhibitions of the students' disciplines. work at the RWA in Bristol and in London, to launch their work What to expect; to industry professionals. Design students undertake at least three design positions on productions at a variety of respected Bristol venues; the design process "I really enjoyed meeting the students – they were involves collaborative work with the production departments. Design students receive a high smart, focused, inventive and passionate about level of individual mentoring and support from production staff and visiting professionals. theatre. They were clearly all used to being treated "I could not have felt Design projects with visiting professional as individuals and having their individuality valued." practitioners build a thorough understanding better prepared for John McGrath NTW of Theatre Design practice, alongside master- my first professional classes. These include script analysis, life and figure drawing, model making, technical design. At BOVTS drawing, CAD training, Photoshop and model I gained a real photography. Production site visits and confidence in my specialist lectures on Theatre Design, Art, Architecture and Costume history extend design abilities." subject knowledge. Past student
Photo: Detail of set from Pericles (Redgrave Theatre, Spring 2013)
18 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 19 Scenic Art One year (PG Dip)
This is a comprehensive, practical What to expect: course with strong professional During the course of three links to the industry, offering a very intensive terms, students paint six of the School’s main- maximum of four students, with house public productions for high levels of painting and drawing prominent Bristol venues. With this practical application skills, the opportunity to develop of their skills and training they their careers. gain professional experience and exposure. In the final term, The course will equip students graduating students showcase with the necessary scenic art their work in a public exhibition where they will be introduced to skills required for work in Theatre and interviewed by some of the (including Opera and Ballet), Film, UK’s leading practitioners. Television and Animation. Teaching is led by the School’s Head of Scenic Art Recent graduate employment: in collaboration with visiting The Royal Opera House, The Royal Shakespeare industry professionals who provide master-classes in a Company, Cardiff Theatrical Services, The range of skills and techniques Royal National Theatre, Northern Ballet, various that include; life drawing, West End Shows, TR2 Plymouth. The Olympics portraiture, perspective, Opening Ceremony, Theme Parks and Murals for marbling, wood-graining, "The course was probably one of the best Public Venues. polystyrene carving and experiences of my life. The amazing level Film work includes: Exodus (Dir. Ridley Scott, painting for animation. of professionalism of everyone involved Pinewood Studios), Pirates (Dir. Peter Lord), with the School and its shows were Shaun the Sheep (Aardman Animations), "Since graduating, I spent matched by the incredibly high standard Fantastic Mr Fox (Dir. Wes Anderson ), one year at the Royal of work that was expected of us." Frankenweenie (Dir. Tim Burton). Opera House, worked Past student TV commercials include: The Bear and the Hare on a movie at Pinewood (for John Lewis). Studios and am now at the National Theatre. None of this would have been possible without the brilliant teaching and the opportunities this course has given me." Past student Photo: Portraiture project 2013
20 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 21 Drama Directing MA (Four term)
We take four MA Directing students Course Details: each year and expect applicants The first termcomprises a variety of workshops, classes to have significant previous and projects which build the experience of theatre including skills needed to be an effective, directing. confident and creative drama director. These include MA Directors will have the opportunity to work workshops with a range of with students of other disciplines – including professional directors, classes actors, designers and technicians – as well in technical aspects of theatre, as with experienced staff, visiting tutors and working on theoretical projects theatre professionals. and observing actors’ classes. There is also an introduction to The course lasts four terms: starting after Film/TV and Radio Drama. Easter and running to the following July. The course focuses on artistic and aesthetic Over the following academic practice, technical aspects of theatre and year (from September to July) professional development. each directing student has an individually structured timetable There may be the opportunity for a placement at allowing them to be involved a theatre – including Bristol Old Vic with whom in a variety of projects and we have a strong working relationship. productions including: Recent graduates have worked at: Bristol Old • A text project: Vic, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Exeter Bike Shed, Working with a cast of final year Our directors have Salisbury Playhouse, Nottingham Playhouse and acting students to prepare and West Yorkshire Playhouse. present, in-house, scenes from a had placements at play to staff and professionals. • Assistant Directing: theatre companies Students will normally work as an assistant director on including "I had a great time training two or three Theatre School productions, a television project Birmingham Rep, at BOVTS. I made some and a radio play. of the best personal and • Directors’ Cuts: Bristol Old Vic, In the final term students direct professional relationships their own production, usually a Hull Truck and contemporary play, using design, that I know will last me for acting and technical students Shakespeare at the years to come." from the School. This is presented to the public and industry Tobacco Factory. Past student professionals at a local venue.
Photos: Students and Directors in rehearsal
22 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 23 Theatre Arts Management One year (PG Dip)
A one-year postgraduate course for Graduate a maximum of two students with employment the career aim of working in theatre As with all Bristol Old Vic Theatre School courses, the arts management. Graduates from graduate employment record is this course are currently working excellent. in UK theatre in marketing, theatre Graduate employment includes management, press and public the Royal Shakespeare Company, Ambassador Theatre relations and producing. Group, Soho Theatre, Lyric Applicants will normally have previous training in Hammersmith and the Tobacco a practical theatre discipline and/or professional Factory Theatres, Bristol. experience in a theatre environment. It is important that applicants are conversant with theatre practice and have been involved in theatre productions. "Before starting at The course offers a unique practical experience BOVTS, I thought in arts management, working with and learning I understood how from professional staff in marketing, finance and production. As part of the course students theatre worked. But take responsibility for the marketing, promotion really I had no idea. and management of a season of Theatre School productions in a professional venue. The course taught The School has close working relationships with me so much about the industry, enabling students as part of their so many of the cogs training to gain experience through internships required to make the or placements with professional producing companies and venues. theatre machine move, such as marketing, budgeting, planning and organisation." Past student
Photo: Disco Pigs (Alma Tavern Theatre, Directors’ Cuts Season 2012)
24 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 25 Theatre Production Management One year (PG Dip)
A one-year course for a maximum What to expect: of two students with the career aim The course begins with a of working in theatre production series of case studies and practical classes in the roles, management. technologies, financial control, Students will have previous training in a practical scheduling, planning, health & theatre discipline and must have have worked safety of theatre production, professionally in a stage management or CAD (computer-aided design) and scenic construction. technical theatre department. Students will then work as The training for this senior management position Assistant, progressing to in theatre develops a student’s skills to an Production Manager, on public advanced level in leadership, problem-solving theatre productions. and project management. The course includes a period Students learn to take a high level of of secondment working with responsibility in a creative industry and gain a professional production experience in a professional context. company such as Salisbury Playhouse or the RSC.
“The course offered me a unique opportunity to fast-track into production management. It was incredibly intensive and covered all aspects of the job from technical drawing and health and safety legislation to hands-on touring experience. Six years on I am a freelance production manger: I’ve worked as a production manager for the National Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse and Bath Theatre Royal. I’ve toured all over the world and taken shows to Broadway. None of this would have been possible without studying at BOVTS.” Past student
26 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 27 World Class training- made in Bristol
Bristol is the gateway to the South The city West of England. It has a reputation The city is well placed for as one of the most culturally easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside vibrant cities in the UK. in England, with Somerset, It has a thriving arts scene, being home to the Dorset, Cornwall, Devon and country’s oldest working theatre, the Bristol Old Gloucestershire only a short Vic; the contemporary arts space The Arnolfini; distance away and enjoying good transport links. the independent cinema and media centre, Watershed; the innovative theatre spaces The Bristol is easy to reach from all Tobacco Factory Theatres and the concert cities in the UK; just an hour- venues Colston Hall and St Georges. and-a-half by train from London and Birmingham and well Its café and bar scene is bustling and eclectic and connected by both the M4 and its music scene has an established international M5 motorways. It also has an reputation due to the success of such Bristol international airport. musicians as Portishead, Massive Attack, Tricky and Andy Shepherd. “I loved the fact that being in Bristol didn’t mean an hour’s tube ride just to meet up with a friend for coffee. It felt so vibrant and cosmopolitan and at the same time very welcoming and friendly. Everything is within easy access.” Past student
28 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 29 Other courses To apply for courses International programme in All applications are made direct to the Professional Acting Theatre School One year Masters (Non EU) NOT THROUGH UCAS. Our MA programme gives up to fourteen www.oldvic.ac.uk International postgraduate students from outside Once you have completed the the EU the opportunity to study abroad with us online application, the School in Bristol on an intensive four-term (40 week) will contact you to arrange an audition for acting courses or conservatoire course. interview for technical courses. This fully practice-based course is taught by both the regular Auditions / interviews are held tutors at the School and by visiting practitioners. There is a in Bristol between November strong emphasis on developing the actor’s voice and body and a and May. commitment to building performance through close text work. Places are offered solely on the basis of talent. If you have specific support needs and wish to discuss this Short courses before applying, please contact the Admissions Office for advice Bristol Old Vic Theatre School runs an extensive and further information: programme of short courses for adults and young [email protected] people including: We encourage you to disclose any relevant information when filling ACTiv8 in your application so we can make appropriate arrangements Theatre skills experience for 7–18 year olds. for your audition or interview. Short Acting courses One week courses in either Modern or Classical acting. Acting to Camera Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 1–2 Downside Road Short courses throught the year. Clifton Bristol BS8 2XF Sing Out! www.oldvic.ac.uk An intensive Singing for Musical Theatre course. Email: [email protected] Putting it Together Phone: 44 (0) 117 973 3535 A five day intensive Musical Theatre course. follow us on Twitter @BOVTS Details and booking of all short courses at www.oldvic.ac.uk like us on Facebook: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
30 APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOL NOT THROUGH UCAS www.oldvic.ac.uk 31 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School An Affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance & Drama
GUIDE to courses
www.oldvic.ac.uk Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 1–2 Downside Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2XF All Photography (except pages 18, 28,29) © Graham Burke www.grahamburke.co.uk Design by Just Design Registered as a Charity No: 900280 www.thisisjust.co.uk 32