Our Scenic Art MA is taught by highly experienced industry professionals and offers an intensive, vocational training in scenic art. BOVTS enjoys strong links to the theatre and entertainment industries and we are proud of our exceptional employment record.

The course is open to a maximum of four students who wish to develop their careers as scenic artists.

Graduates will be equipped with the necessary specialist skills required to work in the following industries; Theatre, Opera and Ballet, Film, Television and Animation.

The Course runs over three intensive terms during which time students gain skills and experience in scenic art techniques and their application. During the course students will acquire a thorough understanding of industry practice and standards.

Teaching is led by the school’s Head of Scenic Art in collaboration with visiting industry professionals.

Operating from our Scenery Workshops in Bristol and as part of a mid-scale theatre production company.

Students will work with professional designers as well as student designers. There will be opportunities to attend design and production meetings to gain an understanding of the roles and demands across all theatre production departments.

Students also receive master-classes in a range of skills and techniques which currently include: perspective, marbling, scenically painting an Old Master, wood-graining and polystyrene carving.

Ongoing project work is also an important part of the professional development of the scenic art students and students graduate with a strong portfolio of their work while at BOVTS.

Prior to graduation students complete work placements at some of the most respected scenic art workshops in the UK.

Upon graduation students showcase their work in a public exhibition and are interviewed by some of the UK’s leading industry practitioners.

Recent Graduate Theatre Employment Includes:

The Royal Opera House, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Cardiff Theatrical Services, The Royal National Theatre, Northern Ballet, TR2 Plymouth, Richard Nutbourne – Cool Flight Ltd, Rocket Scenery, Glyndebourne Opera Festival, Bristol Old Vic Theatre, Bay Productions, TV adaptation of Romeo and Juliet for the National Theatre, Upstart Crow for the West End

Work Placements

Prior to graduation students complete work placements at some of the most respected scenic art workshops in the UK.

Upon graduation students showcase their work in a public exhibition and are interviewed by some of the UK’s leading industry practitioners.

BOVTS values its strong links to the theatre and entertainment industries and we are proud of our exceptional employment record.

Applicants would normally be expected to have an honours degree in a related subject area such as Fine Art, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Graphics, Film, TV, Animation or Theatre.