In conversation with Epigram, alumni of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School discuss their thoughts on the closure
By Harry Mayes, Masters Neuroscience
With alumni like Olivia Colman, Gene Wilder, Daniel Day-Lewis and more, thespians of the South West were met with the disappointing news on the 6th of January 2025 regarding the cancellation of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s long-running undergraduate programs.
The school announced the closure, citing the programs as ‘financially unstable’ due to the cost of living, student fee caps and visa restrictions, but confirmed they will continue their postgraduate courses, which range from screen acting to theatre directing.
Luckily for current students, they will be able to complete the course, but no new students will be accepted this autumn. This is likely to come as a shock and disappointment to aspiring actors, particularly in the South-West, with the Old Vic being one of the only world-class institutions this side of the country.
To divulge the significance of the closure of these programs, and its broader impact, Epigram spoke to a recent alumnus of the Professional Acting (BA hons) at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, who has asked to remain anonymous after having been asked by the school itself to refrain from commenting publicly.
The alumnus noted the school's strong reputation and high-quality training, emphasising that it provided valuable industry preparation and networking opportunities. They reflected on their personal growth during the program, and noted how the program benefitted students pursuing a career in acting.
‘I was originally drawn to BOVTS because of its prestige…Bristol Old Vic not only has a good reputation, but it’s run by good people who want the very best for their students.’
The student went on to say that the training ‘transformed me as an actor’, and expressed a strong sense of worry for aspiring actors.
‘It’s sad to imagine how many would have benefitted from the school, who now won't.’
For this student, as well as being cited as a transformative experience that allowed them to achieve their full potential and authenticity as an actor, it was an opportunity to receive the best training somewhere other than London, and meet like-minded people. The student affirmed that the course has been essential to their career progression as an actor, with the opportunities allowing a foot in to the industry.
The closure also throws a broader issue into the air – the funding of the arts. The student wanted to be clear that their disappointment does not lay directly with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, but to the wider issue of arts funding.
‘Without institutions like the BOVTS, ordinary people will have yet another barrier between them and their dreams.’
Also in conversation with Epigram, Lewis Bamford, who completed the Production Arts course, also shared his experience.
Initially drawn to the versatility and location of the course, Bamford felt that the training has been pivotal to his career. It allowed him to work across multiple productions of varying scale, with a placement opportunity to fully engross himself in the industry, instilling such a level of confidence in him that he was taking on leadership production roles by his final year.
‘I felt very prepared going into full time work.’
Since graduating, Bamford has achieved his ‘ultimate goal’, which was to go into scenic construction, and says it is all in thanks to the training received at the BOVTS, citing the staff and their guidance as a key element of his confidence since graduating.
Bamford, like the other student, says the contacts and opportunities he formed during the course have been pivotal to his career, saying he felt more confident in interviews because of them, and that they set him up with consistent work, which can be a hard thing to come by in such a changing and fluctuating industry.
‘I truly wouldn’t be where I am in my career or as a person without the friends I made while studying at BOVTS.’
In what can be a tough and challenging career path, it is clear that undergraduate courses for those who aspire to perform or work in this industry are pivotal. Not only do they refine and hone the skills of these talented young individuals, but they create a network and confidence that are essential to success in the Theatre Industry, actors and production alike.
Producing household names like Sir Patrick Stewart, Miranda Richardson and Naomie Harris, concern is arising regarding how many potential megastars may miss their shot as a result of the program closure. The closure of these programs raises broader discussions about funding in the arts sector - while the school cited financial constraints as the primary reason for discontinuing undergraduate courses, the impact on aspiring theatre professionals and the wider creative industry remains a topic of consideration. With the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School having trained several prominent figures in the arts, the long-term effects of this decision on future talent development remain to be seen.
