Autumn 2020
We understand that this a worrying time for many of our new students and that you may have concerns about starting a higher education course in September, particularly should social distancing measures remain in place after the lockdown is lifted.
We are following advice from the government, our validating university UWE Bristol, and the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama closely. As you prepare to start your course, we will continue to update you.
Teaching
Like all higher education providers, BOVTS is currently teaching all courses online during the lockdown. We will only resume face-to-face teaching fully when it is safe to do so. However, we remain committed to providing a sector-leading experience and are exploring various options for the delivery of our autumn term.
All courses at the School already benefit from small group teaching – technical classes are typically taught in groups of around six and acting classes in groups of up to 14. This means we are well positioned to take advantage of socially-distanced teaching once buildings re-open, blended with the delivery of other material online.
Other measures may include staggered start and end times of the teaching day, delivery of modules with more online content earlier in the academic year, and timetabling to gradually introduce ‘social mixing’ of teaching groups.
Once confirmed, changes to published details of course delivery and teaching will be communicated to new and returning students by email. In line with Office for Students (OfS) guidelines, we will provide such details at least four weeks ahead of the course start date, but will endeavour to provide this to you sooner where possible.
Withdrawals and deferrals
Due to the small numbers on each of our cohorts, we are not normally able to defer places unless you have serious extenuating circumstances, in which case you should notify the admissions team. Please note that disclosure of extenuating circumstances does not guarantee that you will be allowed to defer your place.
Entry to the Theatre School is extremely competitive and we hope you feel a sense of achievement in being offered a place. If you choose to decline your place or withdraw, you are welcome to re-apply in the next admissions cycle, but you would be in competition with all new applicants and you would be at no automatic advantage having previously held an offer.
If you withdraw once the course has started, you may still be liable to pay a portion of your tuition fees. Further information can be found in the student terms and conditions.
Offer holder events
Creating and managing virtual performance work is likely to be of greater importance in the future. Our summer productions have been developed in conjunction with Bristol Old Vic and will be broadcast online from Bristol to a worldwide audience of theatre lovers.
Many of our students have found working digitally has developed their creativity in new ways and enhanced their capacity for problem-solving. We hope that offer holders will join us to find out more about what has been possible during the lockdown.
Other events you may be interested in include:
∙ Generate Exhibition – online showcase of the work of graduating Theatre Design, Costume and Scenic Art students (from 29 June)
∙ Writers’ Bloc – performances of the work of graduating Drama Writing students (from 30 June)
Contact us
Whilst this is an anxious time, we also believe that 2020 will be an exciting time to be joining the Theatre School. Our staff are industry-leading professionals and many are involved in discussions around how the arts and entertainment industry might change in the post-lockdown world. BOVTS students are continuing to produce inspiring work and we look forward to welcoming you into our creative community in the coming months.
For questions about your offer, student funding or accommodation, please contact [email protected].
For general enquiries about offer holder events or teaching during lockdown, please contact [email protected].
