Brought to you by Get Into Theatre and theatre works!, Elevate Your Drama Curriculum - Teaching Backstage Roles is designed to provide teachers with practical approaches and ready-to-use resources for teaching backstage roles and theatre design.
Participants should expect:
We look forward to welcoming you for this unique opportunity to boost your knowledge and resources around backstage roles and connect with drama educators nationwide, in this one-off webinar on Thursday 15 May 4-5pm.
The Acting Summer Foundation Course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) is a ten-week intensive experience of life at a leading conservatoire drama school. On this full-time course, you will be immersed in a programme which mirrors the curriculum of current BA and MFA students and will have the opportunity to work with BOVTS staff members alongside practitioners who are active within the theatre, film and TV industry.
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 and scene study techniques. Whether you are looking to pursue acting work professionally, hone your skills for your own personal development, or explore whether degree-level training could be for you, the course offers you the opportunity to learn your craft at a renowned drama school. BOVTS offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions, based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.
The Acting Summer Foundation Course runs from Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September 2025. 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.
To give you an idea of the structure of the course, an overview of the timetable is available to download (PDF, 33 Kb). Please note that this year’s timetable may differ as our courses regularly undergo review, but you can see how different skills are typically taught throughout the course’s duration.
“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS 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 BOVTS 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 BOVTS 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 BOVTS 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 BOVTS 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
Applications close: 10am Thursday 29 May 2025
Study Production Arts (Design Realisation For Events, Stage and Screen) at University Centre Leeds
Launch your backstage career with our Production Arts Foundation Degree specialising in Design Realisation for Events, Stage & Screen. This course will train you in all aspects of prop making, scenic construction, painting and costume.
Our amazing facilities are sponsored by EPH Creative ensuring you will have access to great tools and industry expertise. Work placements and access to their stock for productions are often available.
An exciting partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres means you will have lessons in venues such as City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre getting hands on with staging and flying systems.
You will work alongside professionals and other students from The School of Creative Arts and Leeds Conservatoire collaborating on a variety of events and productions.
Study Production Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) at University Centre Leeds
Launch your backstage career with our Production Arts Foundation Degree specialising in Technical Theatre and Stage Management. This course will train you in all aspects of lighting, sound, video, and stage management.
Our amazing facilities are sponsored by AC Entertainment Technologies ensuring you will be trained on the latest equipment with brands such as ETC, Allen & Heath, Chroma-Q, and Martin Audio installed in our 200 capacity venue.
An exciting partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres means you will be trained by industry professionals during lessons in venues such as City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre getting hands on with lighting, sound and flying systems.
If you’re serious about a career in makeup artistry, our 4-Month Hair and Makeup Course is the perfect choice.
Led by award-winning makeup designers at CBMA Makeup Academy in London, this intensive, hands-on program covers everything from beauty makeup to special effects (SFX) techniques. You’ll work closely with industry professionals to master the essential skills needed for film, TV, and fashion. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to create a wide range of looks, from classic beauty to intricate special effects, giving you the tools to launch your makeup artistry career.
