Acting Summer Foundation - 10 Weeks

What is the Acting Summer Foundation?

A ten-week, full-time intensive course designed to give you a true conservatoire experience at one of the UK’s leading drama schools.

You’ll follow a programme that mirrors the training of our BA and MFA students, working closely with BOVTS tutors and visiting professionals from the world of theatre, film, and TV industries.

What training is included?
Classes include acting, movement, voice, dialect, singing, improvisation, stage combat, and scene study techniques. Training is delivered through a mix of practical performance projects and masterclasses.

Who’s it for?
For anyone aiming to pursue acting professionally, develop their craft or explore what degree-level conservatoire training could be like.

Our Environment
At BOVTS, we challenge our students to push their creative boundaries and become the best version of themselves, all within a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages exploration and risk-taking.

Location
Based in the heart of Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and creative cities, we’re proud to be part of a vibrant artistic community where ideas thrive.

Course structure

Monday 13th July – Friday 18th September 2026

Application Deadline - May 1st 2026

Day To Day

There will be classes scheduled on Monday – Friday throughout the duration of the course, typically running between 09:00—17:00. The exception to this is Monday 25 August; the School will be closed due to the summer bank holiday.

You will be taught through a mixture of practical performance projects and masterclasses. You will have a range of classes in:

• acting
• movement
• voice & dialect
• singing
• improvisation
• stage combat
• scene study techniques. 

Whether you are looking to pursue acting work professionally, hone your skills for your own personal development, or explore whether further full-time actor training could be for you, the course offers you the opportunity to learn your craft at a renowned drama school.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions, based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.

Participants on this course must be 18 before July of the year they're attending. 

What our students say...
“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 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 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 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!” Lindy, former participant.

“My time at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School was eye-opening. I found the atmosphere to be very welcoming and the tutors were always willing to answer my questions, which was invaluable as I tried to figure out my next steps. The stage combat classes were especially helpful as they opened up the whole world of stage combat for me. After finishing the Foundation Course, I went on to take a few courses in stage combat and horse riding. I’m planning to pursue more training to fulfil my goal of working in special action and live theatre.” Margot, former participant

“I knew that my career could be enhanced by some drama school training, so I looked into short courses and was thrilled to discover that Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offered an Acting Summer Foundation Course. Taking ten weeks off would be much more practical than taking a year out of my career. To cut a long story short, training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To be taught by teachers  working in the industry is invaluable. I know that every tool they have given me is effective, reliable and current.” Bastian, former participant

 

"I loved it! Really loved it - I am so thankful for the whole experience and the faculty, the place is magic! I have gotten tools that feel individual to me and an overall understanding to be able to see the bigger picture - invaluable. I can’t thank you enough! <3"

 

"I just want to say I think the organisation and the staff’s commitment to the course was incredible and I felt we were welcomed and encouraged throughout and never made to feel less important than any other course that the school offers"

"The course this summer at BOVTS had a great impact on me and I was perceived differently by others when I returned home.

I agree with that, because it changed me. I went through a great personal development this summer and found fun in looking at every day like a first date...I would do it all over again."

“Participating in the Foundation Course was an amazing experience and provided a very good insight into what training at a conservatoire drama school would encompass. It was both physically and mentally challenging and required to quickly get over any personal insecurities.."

"Amazing place, the staff are so friendly and supportive. Truly, BOVTS is one of the most warm, welcoming institutions I’ve had the pleasure to train with. Add to this the expertise and experience of the teachers - don’t want this 10 weeks to end!"