Directing Theatre A short course covering the fundamentals of being a theatre director
Three students rehearsing in a studio. The central student has their hand on one students shoulder and a script in the other hand

Courses

Directing Theatre

Key Information
  • Suitable for

    Beginners, age 18+

  • Tuition

    Full-time

  • Location

    Downside Road, Bristol

  • This course has now passed for 2023. Please continue to check our website for 2024 dates. 

Overview

This course has now passed. Please continue to check our website for 2024 dates. 

The Directing Theatre short course is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of directing performances for stage. Over five days, the course will cover skills in text analysis, character development, and classical as well as contemporary text work. You will also get to explore the complete process of bringing a production to life – including concept work, adaptation, devising, conducting rehearsals and technical rehearsals.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. The support and feedback available from your tutor will help you develop your skills and confidence in directing theatre.

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Highlights

• Gain a practical understanding of the role of a director and their relationship with actors, writers and other collaborators in the rehearsal room;

• Explore text analysis – including interpretation, world building and character development;

• Techniques to direct adaptations of classical and contemporary texts, as well as to direct devised theatre;

• Practical exercises and projects to explore the process of direction – from concept work to rehearsal rooms and tech weeks.

This is a full-time, Monday to Friday course. Sessions run from 10:00 to 16:00. This course is taught in our facilities at Downside Road.

Course Leader

Liz Felton
Liz Felton is Artistic Director of The Story Cellar, working as a theatre director, workshop facilitator and storyteller across Bristol and North Somerset. She specialises in devised theatre and has directed second year acting students at BOVTS for the last 6 years in devised and family theatre projects. Liz also wrote and directed the BOVTS Autumn Season 2022 show Wilda and the Winter Whirlwinds. She set up the Adult Company at Bristol Old Vic in 2013 and currently directs their community theatre group Oi Polloi. She also facilitates projects for companies such as Travelling Light and Tobacco Factory Theatres.

Graduate Sahir Mehta
As soon as I visited the School, I fell in love with the place. Perhaps it sounds a bit irrational, but sometimes you get a vibe - and you just know! BOVTS gave me all the tools I needed to prepare for a career as an actor. Sahir Mehta, MA Professional Acting, 2018