Image: markbeechillustration.com
AUTUMN 2016 – SPRING 2017 SEASON
World
ClassClass
Training
– Made
In Bristol
World
Training
– Made
In Bristol
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oldvic.ac.uk
oldvic.ac.uk
Welcome
...or welcome back – to the Bristol Old Vic
Theatre School’s new season of productions,
in this our 70th anniversary year. It’s a year
to celebrate the best in theatre and our
students are proud to present a range of
well-loved plays alongside reimagined tales
to entertain you.
We start with our two shows at the
Redgrave Theatre. Our Country’s Good by
Timberlake Wertenbaker has become a
modern classic; set in Australia in 1787 in
a penal colony, and adapted from Thomas
Keneally’s novel The Playmaker, it centres
around a group of convicts’ production
of Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer and
explores their sense of community and the
redemptive power of drama. Convicts and
officers attempt to uphold their dignity
and humanity in this cruel environment of
punishment and criminality.
Our Christmas production brings
Robert Louis Stevenson’s evergreen
story, Treasure Island to life. It’s family
entertainment full of fun and excitement
featuring pirates, buried treasure and
young Jim Hawkins, our hero of the day.
Wonderful characters abound – Long John
Silver, Ben Gunn, Blind Pew and Captain
Flint the Parrot – in this adventure of the
high seas and hidden gold.
This production is a great way to discover
(or rediscover) one of the most popular and
exciting stories to be found.
We continue our productions for young
people and families with, firstly our
retelling of the Christmas story, While
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70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
Contents:
Shepherds Watched. This Nativity play
provides a delightful and lively start to
the festivities; come and enjoy this on two
Saturdays in December at the Redgrave. In
early February we continue our work with
Toby Hulse by bringing you his adaptation
of Jason and the Argonauts. The original
superhero story; join Jason and his crew in
their adventures to find the magical Golden
Fleece. Will they find it and will Jason find a
home again?
We return to Circomedia in Portland Square
with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. It tells the
story of the daily lives of the inhabitants of
the fictional American small town, Grover’s
Corners, in the early twentieth century. This
Pulitzer Prize-winning play has remained
hugely popular through its universal themes
and celebration of everyday humanity.
Our final spring show at the Redgrave is
Shakespeare’s comedy, The Two Gentlemen
of Verona, one of his very early plays from
the late 1580s. The plot revolves around the
tensions between love and friendship; the
excesses of the two protagonists, Valentine
and Proteus are comically undercut by
Launce and Speed, their foils. And don’t
forget Crab the dog! More details of these
two shows to follow in our next brochure.
We very much hope you continue to enjoy
this our 70th birthday season as much as we
at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School do in
presenting them to you.
Paul Rummer Principal
Jenny Stephens Artistic Director
oldvic.ac.uk
Our Country's Good
4–5
Treasure Island
6–7
While Shepherds Watched
8–9
Jason and the Argonauts
10–11
Short Courses
12-13
New Courses 14–16
Support the School17
Calendar
18–19
Booking details:
All booking through the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Box Office: 0117 973 3955 or online at oldvic.ac.uk
The Box Office is staffed Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm if you wish to book in
person or over the phone. Online booking is open 24/7.
Venue information:
Our Country’s Good
Treasure Island
While Shepherds Watched
Jason and the Argonauts
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Redgrave Theatre
Percival Road
Clifton
Bristol BS8 3LE
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Our Town
Circomedia
St Paul’s Church
Portland Square
Bristol BS2 8SJ
@BOVTS
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Redgrave Theatre
Our Country’s
Good
By Timberlake Wertenbaker
Directed by Gemma Fairlie
Designed by Dawn Allsopp
“We are talking about criminals, often hardened criminals.
They have a habit of vice and crime. Many criminals seem to
have been born that way. It is in their nature.”
Observed by a lone, mystified Aboriginal Australian, the first
convict ship arrives in Botany Bay, 1788, crammed with England’s
outcasts. Colony discipline in this vast and alien land is brutal.
Three proposed public hangings incite an argument: how best to
keep the criminals in line, the noose or a more civilised form of
entertainment?
The idealistic Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark steps forward with
a play. But as the mostly illiterate cast rehearses, and a sense
of common purpose begins to take hold, the young officer’s own
transformation is as marked and poignant as that of his prisoners.
A profoundly humane piece of theatre, steeped in suffering yet
charged with hope, Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Our Country’s Good
(based on a true story) celebrates the redemptive power of art.
25 years ago, Our Country’s Good premiered at the Royal Court
Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway,
winning major awards on both sides of the Atlantic.
Based on the novel The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally .
Contains strong language, violence & scenes of an adult nature.
Image: farrowscreative.com
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Thu 17 - Sat 26 November
Eves: 7.30pm
Sat & Thu mats: 2.30pm (no mat Thu 17)
£15 full £10 concession
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
5
Redgrave Theatre
Treasure
Island
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Adapted by Philip Monks
Directed by Jenny Stephens
Designed by Dawn Allsopp
Ahoy there shipmates!
Join us on the high seas for an action-packed adventure full
of mirth, music and mischief. This new version of the classic
story follows our young hero Jim Hawkins as he pits his wits
against the sinister Silver and the lively pirate crew.
Watch out for the wayward parrot, who always has the last
word. Beware Blind Pew and the Black Spot. Meet Ben Gunn,
the mysterious Man of the Island and discover the truth of the
hidden treasure.
You’ll find comedy and thrilling drama in this tall tale before
you find yourself safely ashore full of song and dance and with
a merry grin on your face.
So hoist the mainsail and prepare to sit on the edge of your
seat for a swashbuckling adventure this Christmas!
Image: Adrian Barclay
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Fri 2 - Sun 18 December 2016
Tickets: £17 full/ £12 concession /
£8 school groups
See calendar on page 18 for dates
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
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Redgrave Theatre
While
Shepherds
Watched
A Nativity Play
By Kim Durham
Directed by Paul Clarkson
Designed by Susan Pearce
Such a familiar tale yet so strange and full of wonder.
A young woman is expecting, three magi are researching the
heavens and two shepherd children are bored out of their heads
minding the sheep - well nothing interesting ever happens around
Bethlehem in December, does it?!
Wise men (and not so wise men), talking sheep, angels, a shepherd
family, camels, a horrible Herod, and carols (old and new) all go to
make up a magical retelling of the story of the first Christmas.
Sat 10 December 11.00am
Sat 17 December 10.00am & 11.30am
All Tickets: £8
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70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
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Redgrave Theatre
Jason and the
Argonauts
Image: markbeechillustration.com
Written & Directed by Toby Hulse
A refugee forced out of his own land, Jason sets out on an
epic quest across the known universe to find the magical
Golden Fleece that will prove his identity, and allow him
to find a home.
Around him, Jason assembles the ultimate crew of
misfits and outcasts – Heracles, the strongest man in
the world, doomed to perpetual wandering; Zetes,
part-man part-god, possessed with the power of
flight; Atalanta, warrior princess, raised by wild bears;
Orpheus, the legendary musician, driven mad by grief.
His journey brings him face-to-face with terrifying
dangers – the Harpies, the giant Amycus, an army of
skeletons – before having to face the ultimate peril…
himself.
A bold theatrical style, clear, accessible storytelling,
and live music bring these Ancient Greek legends
vividly to life for a new generation.
Suitable for anyone over the age of five
with a taste for adventure!
Sat 4 February & Sat 11 February
10.30am
All Tickets: £8
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70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
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COURSES
COURSES
Acting, Technical,
Production and
Management courses
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is recognised
as one of this country's leading Conservatoire
Drama Schools, training students in a
professional environment for careers in the
Arts and Entertainment Industry.
Operating on three specialist teaching sites
and performing in the major producing theatre
venues in Bristol and on tour, our students are
trained to the highest standards for work in
theatre, film or radio drama.
The School has an outstanding graduate
employment record and an international
reputation as a centre of excellence. We have
strong links with all aspects of the industry
across the UK and beyond.
Our Courses:
• P
rofessional Acting
(FdA) (BA Hons)
• Professional Acting
(MA) International
• Professional Stage Management
(FdA) (BA Hons)
• Costume
(FdA)+ BA(Hons) top-up
• Theatre Design (MA)
• Scenic Art (MA*)
• Drama Directing (MA)
• Theatre Production Management (MA*)
• Film Production (MA*)
* Subject to validation.
Short courses 2017
Short Acting Courses
for 17 years+
Intensive week-long courses in
professional acting especially designed
to sharpen and broaden your acting
techniques and skills. Classes focus on
Modern and Classical acting.
Acting in
Contemporary
Drama
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70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
We will look at a wide range of repertoire
and styles through group singing, with
optional opportunities for solo work.
An unmissable chance to come and sing,
explore, and have fun!
Mon 24 – Fri 28 July Cost: £450
An intensive week long course in the
craft of modern acting. You will be
learning how to read and analyse a script
in order to create an appropriate and
believable character.
We will study the chemistry of human
relationships and the communication of
beliefs and feelings in order to portray
the message of the play and what it is
saying to the audience. This course is
exciting, rewarding, educational and life
enhancing, and hopefully, a lot of fun!
Acting for Camera
Mon 24 – Fri 28 July Cost: £450
Visit our website for more information. Applications are made direct
to the Theatre School not through UCAS. oldvic.ac.uk
A five day singing course to develop and
explore your singing voice, giving you
technical tips to strengthen your voice,
extend your range, and give you greater
confidence in your singing.
Mon 17 – 21 July Cost: £450
Acting in
Shakespeare Plays
Photos: © Graham Burke
Sing Out!
Shakespeare is arguably “one of the
greatest geniuses that ever existed”.
Our aim in this week long course is to
make his work accessible to all. We will
explore the vagaries and complexities
of the language in order to expose the
brilliant characters, fantastic stories
and emotional realities that have made
Shakespeare the world’s most celebrated
playwright. “All the world’s a stage”... join
us, join in, and play one of the “many parts”.
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
An exciting and intensive three day course
working with industry professionals. The
course culminates in the shooting of a
scene with a professional director and
crew for use in your showreel. You will
receive a personalised DVD and data disc
of your scene. Cost: £395 each.
•
•
•
•
•
Wed 29 – Fri 31 March
Mon 17 – Wed 19 April
Wed 12 – Fri 14 July
Mon 17 – Wed 19 July
Mon 11 – Wed 13 September
ACTiv8 Youth Theatre
for 7–18 year olds
Term time or holiday theatre skills
experience. See our website for dates of
all youth courses:
For more information
and to book:
oldvic.ac.uk
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NEW COURSES FOR 2017
NEW FULL-TIME COURSE
Summer
Foundation Course:
10 weeks
An intensive actor training course
for students 18 years or older.
Mon 10 July – Fri 15 September
Cost: £5,500
We are looking for talented, highly motivated and
committed students who want to improve their
skills working with top class professionals in one
of the world’s leading drama schools.
You will be working full time with top industry
professionals focussing on core skills that aim to
improve your artistry and make you a better actor.
Much of the course follows the main structure of the
current 2 and 3 year courses, with tutors either
working at or associated with the school.
Each student will gain experience in
key aspects of filmmaking: directing,
producing, cinematography, sound
recording and design and editing.
It enables students to complete a
portfolio of at least 4 short films,
plus gain valuable hands-on
experience in a professional
production environment. The
programme allows students to apply
an advanced understanding to the
language, practice and business of
film and television.
The curriculum includes classes in Acting,
Characterisation, Movement, Voice, Improvisation,
Singing, Stage Combat, Accents & Dialects, Scene
Study, Audition Techniques, Text Projects &
Masterclasses. There will also be a visit to a theatre.
The main aim of this course is to introduce students
to life at a conservatoire drama school. It will give you
the opportunity to see if this is the right vocational
pathway for you. We hope to provide you with the
skills and professional experience to improve your
confidence, maximize your potential and give you the
ability to succeed in the acting profession.
As with other BOVTS courses, the training is highly practical and based on industry
standards; students will work with and be taught by film and TV professionals and
engage with acting and technical students on other BOVTS programmes.
There is an exceptional graduate employment record from the School’s courses.
The course is aimed at graduates who have a first degree in a relevant subject, for
example a Degree in Media, wanting to further their study on a practical/vocational
course and existing industry professionals seeking to enhance, update or diversify
their skill sets.
Entry is via audition.
For audition details, application form and
further information: oldvic.ac.uk
or email: [email protected]
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
This exciting new development in Film
Production training is unique to Bristol
Old Vic Theatre School and extends
opportunities for students to develop
high end production skills in a drama
school environment.
* Subject to validation.
Based at the School’s Christchurch
Studios, the programme offers
training to a professional level in a
full range of filmmaking specialisms.
What to expect:
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MA in Film
Production*
For further information and to apply please go to: oldvic.ac.uk
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
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NEW COURSE
Support the School
Voice Workout
for Actors
A thorough voice work out including
exercises to release habitual tensions,
enhance breath support, expand
resonance, extend pitch range and work
on muscularity of articulation.
Held at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and led by Carol Fairlamb,
Head of Voice, this new monthly workshop provides an opportunity
to ‘trouble shoot' and be ‘show ready’.
Dates: Times:
Cost: First Tuesday of every month
beginning Tuesday 4 October
7.00pm - 8.30pm.
£10 (payable by cash or cheque only on the door.)
For professional actors – either Equity or Spotlight only.
For more information and to register, please email:
[email protected]
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70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
We now offer the opportunity for businesses to sponsor
our shows. Production sponsorship is one of the most
popular ways for businesses to get maximum value
from a partnership with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Individual production sponsorship has many benefits
for businesses and includes:
Unique hospitality opportunities for your clients and your staff
• Invitations to an open rehearsal (meet the cast and watch the process
of designing and rehearsing a show)
• Complimentary tickets • Signed cast photos
A great opportunity to fulfil your Corporate Social Responsibility. We are
a registered charity so your sponsorship is supporting the arts in Bristol.
•Marketing which depending on your
requirements could include;
– Credits on all publicity and in the printed
programme seen by hundreds of people
– Photo opportunities and stories in the
local and regional press
– Your logo and weblink on our website
– A full page ad. in the season brochure
– Your logo and web address on tickets
– Strong supporting social media presence
70th anniversary year. 1946–2016
For more information
and prices based on your
individual sponsorship
package, contact:
Amanda Boyd-McLaughlin
Development &
Communications Manager
0117 973 3535
[email protected]
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Autumn 2016
Spring 2017
Calendar
Our Country's
Good
Redgrave Theatre
Percival Rd, Clifton
Bristol BS8 3LE
Tickets:
Full £15
Concession £10
Treasure
Island
Redgrave Theatre
Percival Rd, Clifton
Bristol BS8 3LE
Tickets:
£17 full
£12 concession
£8 school groups
18
While Shepherds
Watched...
A Nativity Play
7.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
All Tickets: £8
7.00pm
2.00pm
10.00am
10.00am
2.00pm
7.00pm
2.00pm
2.00pm
10.00am
10.00am
2.00pm
7.00pm
2.00pm
2.00pm
11.00am
10.00am
11.30am
SPRING 2017 NOW BOOKING
Jason and the
Argonauts
7.30pm
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd,
Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
February
Sat 4
Sat 11
10.30am
10.30am
All Tickets: £8
7.30pm
7.30pm
December
Fri 2 Sat 3 Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8
Fri 9
Sat 10
Sun 11
Tue 13
Wed 14
Thu 15
Fri 16
Sat 17
Sun 18
Sat 10
Sat 17
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd,
Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
November
Thu 17
Fri 18
Sat 19
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25
Sat 26
December
7.00pm
2 .00pm
2.00pm
7.00pm
7.00pm
Our Town
Circomedia, St Paul’s Church,
Portland Square,
Bristol BS2 8SJ
Tickets:
Full £15 concession £10
The Two Gentleman
of Verona
2.00pm
2.00pm
7.00pm
Redgrave Theatre
Percival Rd, Clifton,
Bristol BS8 3LE
7.00pm
6.00pm
Tickets:
Full £15 concession £10
February
Fri 10
Sat 11
Mon 13
Tue 14
Wed 15
Thu 16
Fri 17
Sat 18
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
February
Fri 24
Sat 25
Mon 27
Tue 28
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
March
Wed 1
Thu 2
Fri 3
7.30pm
2.30pm
7.30pm
Book all shows through our box office:
0117 973 3955 or online at oldvic.ac.uk
Book all shows through our box office:
0117 973 3955 or online at oldvic.ac.uk
Box Office open Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm. Online booking is 24/7.
Box Office open Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm. Online booking is 24/7.
7.30pm
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Image: markbeechillustration.com
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World
Class Training – Made In Bristol
Design: Just Design thisisjust.co.uk
oldvic.ac.uk