Bristol Old Vic - Student View

Tiny but highly regarded school, close to one of the most exciting city centres. It runs both technical and performance courses in a caring but rigorous and professional organisation. High ratio of tutors to students and low intake ensure high quality, and a dedicated and friendly learning atmosphere.

Long, long hours and total dedication needed (not much time left for life outside). Students get out of it what they put in and more - which is what you need when you are paying so much for it. Students get access to the best technical expertise and equipment in Christchurch Studios (ex BBC, now home to Massive Attack), which are owned and used by the school. Unique middle year on 3-year course takes students on tour round the West Country schools, theatres and churches, offering invaluable lessons in voice, performance, stamina and diplomacy skills.

By the time they graduate, the students will have been in nearly 200 performances in 18 months. Though acting course emphasis on dance and movement too much for some, it aims to produce versatile relaxed performers not dancers. So, away from the traffic and rents of London, BOVTS attracts top agents, casting directors and producers to auditions and shows every year and prides itself on producing an enormous variety of versatile and dedicated graduates - with high employment prospects.