Bristol Old Vic Theatre School: Requirements and a Changing Landscape
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a renowned institution with a rich history and impressive alumni, has been a cornerstone of dramatic arts training in the UK since its establishment in 1946. Founded by Laurence Olivier as a training ground for the Bristol Old Vic Company, the school has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and the performing arts industry. This article explores the school's history, its commitment to inclusivity, the challenges it faces, and its future direction, particularly in light of recent changes to its undergraduate programs.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School's journey began in a single room behind the Bristol Old Vic stage door. A pivotal moment in its history came in 1954 when Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade created the musical "Salad Days" for the school. The unexpected success of "Salad Days," with its extended runs in the West End and on Broadway, provided the much-needed financial boost for the school to relocate to its current, larger premises on Downside Road.
Over the years, the school has garnered recognition for its contribution to the performing arts. In 2003, the government acknowledged its reputation by inviting it to join a new scheme aimed at providing secure funding for students. The school boasts an impressive list of alumni, including Oscar winners Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Jeremy Irons, as well as other notable figures such as Pete Postlethwaite, Patrick Stewart, Erin Doherty, Stephen Dillane, Brian Blessed, Sean Pertwee, Miranda Richardson, Mark Strong, and Gene Wilder.
Commitment to Equality and Opportunity
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has always maintained that talent and potential should be the primary criteria for admission, regardless of a person's background or financial circumstances. The School is deeply committed to equality of opportunity and students are admitted solely on the basis of merit. This commitment is reflected in the school's efforts to provide financial assistance to deserving students. The School offers a wide range of scholarships to students regardless of domicile. A scholarship award may be made to cover either the full or partial costs of tuition fees, and may also include support for maintenance costs. Awards are made to individuals on the basis of their talent, potential and personal financial need. Furthermore, initiatives like the Black Artists Grant (BAG), offered by Creative Debuts, provide no-strings-attached financial support to Black artists, further promoting inclusivity within the arts. There is no deadline as this is a monthly rolling grant, no age limit, and the grant does not expect any outcomes or reporting. Financing your studies may seem daunting at first, but help is at hand. For fees purposes, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School classifies students as UK or International.
Challenges and Changes to Undergraduate Programs
Despite its legacy of excellence and commitment to inclusivity, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The capping of student fees, restrictions to international student visas, cuts in grants, and increases in the costs of living and teaching have all contributed to a financially unsustainable undergraduate training model.
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As a result, the school has made the difficult decision to discontinue its undergraduate degree programs from September 2025. This decision, while challenging, is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the school and its ability to continue providing high-quality training in the dramatic arts.
Fiona Francombe, the principal and chief executive of Bristol Old Vic theatre school, said: “Along with many arts and higher education organisations, we are facing unprecedented funding challenges which we need to address as our current training model, focusing on teaching undergraduate degree courses, is not viable in the future. As a result, we will no longer be offering undergraduate training from September 25 but will continue to provide postgraduate training and other courses. By taking this decision now we are able to plan for the next two academic years calmly, and with our students’ best interests at heart. It is our intention to create a long-term sustainable future for the school where we can deliver high-calibre training for which the school is renowned, but we need time and space to work through the options and our current focus must be on existing students and staff. We have always been known for producing extraordinary work, training wonderfully talented people, and reaching audiences of all ages. This legacy will continue as we begin this new chapter of our story.”
The school also singled out a decision by the Office for Students (OfS) to temporarily stop accepting new applications from universities and colleges seeking to register with the higher education regulator. The OfS said it had made the decision in order to support its work in response to the “financial challenges” affecting the sector. The theatre school said registration with the OfS, which can take up to two years, would have allowed it to look at potential future grant funding and the possibility of reintroducing international students to the school. The school, which also includes Brian Blessed, Sean Pertwee, Miranda Richardson, Mark Strong and Gene Wilder among its alumni, said it was working closely with the University of the West of England, its degree-validating body, to make sure that the quality of the training current students receive would not be affected, and that they would be able to complete their degree courses as planned. “The trustees intend to create a sustainable long-term future for the school to keep it at the forefront of dramatic arts training for many years to come, but need time and space to work through the options,” it added.
Fraser Amos, a student officer with Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, said: “We are saddened to hear of loss of undergraduate courses at the Bristol Old Vic theatre school. These cuts demonstrate that the funding model for higher education is broken beyond repair.
Postgraduate Programs and Short Courses
While the undergraduate programs are being discontinued, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School remains committed to providing high-quality postgraduate training. The school will continue to offer a range of MFA and MA programs, including:
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- MFA in Professional Acting
- MFA in Professional Voice Studies
- MA in Screen Acting
- MA in Drama Directing
- MA in Drama Writing
- MA in Performance Design
In addition to these postgraduate programs, the school will also continue to offer a variety of short courses, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to develop their skills in the performing arts.
Other Training Opportunities
Beyond the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, aspiring performers and those working in the live events industry have access to various training and development opportunities.
The training bursary scheme comes in part as a response to some of the ongoing challenges the live industry faces, which were highlighted in a member survey earlier this year. This scheme aims to support PSA members by covering some of the costs associated with essential training programmes tailored to the production and live events industry. "The PSA acknowledge the importance of professional development and encourages applications for courses that complement the roles and competencies of our members." Liz Madden, PSA Co-chair said: “This could include comprehensive training in key technical areas like lighting, sound, rigging, AV, special effects, stage automation, and other vital systems that support the smooth operation of live events and the production services sector. Tom Rees, Co-chair, added; “This scheme would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Our goal is to help our members enhance their skills, broaden their professional network, and uplift the overall standards within our industry.
Thrive 2024, offered by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, is a professional development initiative designed for independent dance and music professionals. Networking opportunities, with guest speakers and facilitators providing platforms for creative exchange, skill sharing, and personal and professional growth.
The Year-Long Intensive Course
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School also offers a dynamic and intensive course that takes place across four terms in a full calendar year. It is designed for those aged 21 and over who can discover and realise their potential as a creative artist over a year of training. The course is practical, not theoretical and provides a thorough training in vocal, physical and imaginative techniques which will support you in discovering your full creative potential. As a year group company you will be taught in classes and through regular one-to one tutorials across all of the core disciplines. You will be taught in group classes and through regular one-to one tutorials across all of the core disciplines.
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A Focus on Boldness and Experimentation
We expect you to be bold and fearless in your willingness to understand yourself and be prepared to be open and curious whilst experimenting with new methods of working. The year culminates in London where you will perform in London venues to the public and to an invited industry audience.
International Students
For international students seeking to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, it is important to note the recent changes regarding undergraduate programs and the school's registration with the Office for Students (OfS). The school's decision to discontinue undergraduate programs from September 2025 means that international students will no longer be able to apply for undergraduate degrees at the institution.
However, the school will continue to offer postgraduate programs, and international students are welcome to apply for these courses. The specific requirements for international students, including visa requirements and English language proficiency, can be found on the school's website.
It is also worth noting that the school's registration with the OfS would have allowed it to potentially reintroduce international students to the school in the future. However, due to the temporary halt in accepting new applications from universities and colleges seeking to register with the OfS, this possibility is currently on hold.
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