How Bristol School of Acting prepares students for the modern industry

Bristol School of Acting student performance

“We are a very different type of drama school,” says Stuart Wood, co-artistic director and head of school at Bristol School of Acting. Founded in 2020, it is one of the youngest drama schools in the UK, but it has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting places to train. “Students get first-class training from first-class staff,” Wood says.

A standout feature is its BA (hons) Acting for Film, TV and New Media course. “To my knowledge, it is the only course of its kind in the UK,” Wood says. Designed as an alternative to the traditional theatre-focused model, the course proves that quality actor training doesn’t have to be rooted on stage. “When we started the course, it was to take account of the growing interest in video games, motion capture and all other great things like that,” Wood explains.

Since launching four years ago, the programme has become increasingly popular. “People come to school saying: ‘Yes, okay, I definitely want to do that,’” Wood says. The first year mirrors more conventional training, but, later, the emphasis shifts. “The vast majority of the course is about learning how to create a performance on your own, not in a rehearsal room.”
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Bristol School of Acting students in performance

The approach is paying off. Students are enthusiastic, and Wood adds, “lots and lots of students are getting work. Agents come in and say: ‘Wow, your students are really well prepared and they’re very, very employable because of their unique skills.’”

Alongside the Acting for Film, TV and New Media degree, the school also offers a three-year BA (hons) in Acting for Stage and Screen, a two-year BA (hons) in Acting and Devised Theatre and a two-year BA (hons) in Technical Theatre Arts.

“We offer rigorous conservatoire acting training that you might find in any federation drama school,” says Wood. Partnerships strengthen the teaching; the Devised Theatre programme is run with Bristol-based company the Wardrobe Ensemble, while the Technical Theatre Arts course works in association with Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres. “Wherever possible, we try to connect the courses to industry practice right from the word go.”

‘We try to prepare students for life in the real working world’ – Stuart Wood, co-artistic director and head of school

That focus on employability is matched by a commitment to student well-being. “We try to prepare students for life in the real working world,” Wood says. As a new school, BSA has embedded mental health support into its culture from the start. It provides free on-site counselling and fosters what Wood calls a strong “family feel”. “We’re a small school, we have a strong support network between staff and students.” Mental health is at the forefront of all of BSA’s teaching programmes.

Accessibility is another priority. BSA does not charge for auditions, removing a significant financial barrier. “Access to the industry is really important, particularly for people from working-class backgrounds. If you can’t get past the first hurdle because of budget, it’s not a very fair reflection of if you’ll be able to make it in the industry.”

Wood concludes: “It is a tricky time for drama schools, but we just want to grow, get better at what we do and nurture young actors who are skilled, grounded and resilient.”

For more info visit: bristolschoolofacting.com