Young Conservatoire (Age 16–18)

Activity Description

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s Young Conservatoire is a comprehensive and immersive programme designed for aspiring actors aged 16 to 18 who wish to embark on a professional acting career.

Our weekly evening classes
Our training will build a rigorous foundation in acting techniques, voice work and movement studies adopting the practices taught to students at the UK’s leading drama schools. By joining Young Conservatoire, you’ll deepen your knowledge and begin acquiring the key vocational skills of a professional actor, preparing you for the next steps of your career.

Termly outcomes
Each 10-week term will build your skills in working with text, character, improvisation, and voice and movement techniques. Much of the learning is structured as imaginative play to unlock your acting potential. In addition to developing your individual strengths in monologues, storytelling and self-tape auditions, you will also get to explore theatre as an ensemble. Each term culminates with a short performance for an invited audience.

Download your copy of the Young Conservatoire Leaflet

Term dates 2027
Spring Term 2027, Thu 7 Jan – 18 March, 6–8 PM. Half term (no class) Thu 18 February.

Summer Term 2027, Thu 22 April – 1 July, 6–8 PM. Half term (no class) Thu 3 June.

What is a conservatoire? What is a Conservatoire?
A conservatoire is a small and specialist organisation that trains students for a career in the performing arts through intensive, practical tuition.

What we do
At Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, we specialise in drama but there are other conservatoires who specialise in music, and some who team both disciplines. Attending drama school is an alternative option to going to university – you’ll still receive a degree, but you will spend your time learning your craft through practice.

Why conservatoire matter
Attending a conservatoire drama school is how many of the UK’s leading actors honed their craft and launched their career. The award-winning film stars Olivia Colman, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Naomie Harris and Patrick Stewart all trained at BOVTS.

What we’re looking for Who is Young Conservatoire for?
Young Conservatoire is for anybody aged 16–18 who is considering a career as a professional actor. Actors come from all sorts of backgrounds and there is not typical student at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. We are looking for those who have a passion for performance, a willingness to experiment with their craft, and are aspiring to train professionally after finishing at school or college.

Young Conservatoire is not an alternative to school or college.
The training runs on evenings throughout term time, it is the perfect option to sit alongside your qualifications.

How do I apply? Auditions
Entry to Young Conservatoire is through audition and you can choose whether to audition with us online or in person. There is no audition fee.

Audition Preparation
You will need to prepare a two-minute speech from a published play and we recommend that you choose a character who is similar in age to you. The auditioners will have a short discussion with you afterwards and can answer any questions that you might have about training as part of Young Conservatoire.

A student is smiling looking past the camera whilst raising her shoulders. In the background other students are adopting different positions.
What will I be doing? Specialist Training
Much like the first year at drama school, you will cover a wide range of fundamentals in acting, including specialist classes in acting basics, movement, and voice work.

Acting Fundamentals
You will learn basic acting principles, including improvisation skills, character development and scene analysis. The voice sessions will cover vocal warm-ups and exercises, breath control and projection, as well as accents and dialects. Movement sessions will focus on body awareness, movement styles, physical characterisation, ensemble work and choreographed scenes.

Masterclasses
In addition to these courses, you will also have opportunities to attend Masterclasses with industry professionals, learn about marketing yourself as an actor and prepare for auditions, whether for professional opportunities or for drama schools. You will also put on a showcase at the end of term.

Development
The classes that you take will develop throughout the ten weeks of each term and you’ll begin to acquire an understanding of the etiquettes and practices of the industry.