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Old Vic Theatre School scraps undergraduate degree programmes
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will no longer be accepting new undergraduates from next academic year, blaming “unprecedented funding challenges”.
Bosses at the theatre school in Clifton, whose alumni include Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis and Naomie Harris, say the decision to scrap undergraduate training will help “create a sustainable long-term future for the School to keep it at the forefront of dramatic arts training for many years to come”
No undergraduate students will be admitted from September but BOVTS will continue their postgraduate courses such as acting, directing and performance design as well as their short courses.
is needed now More than ever
The training that current students receive is not set to be affected, with undergraduates able to complete their degree courses as planned.
BOVTS principal and CEO, Fiona Francombe, said: “Along with many arts and higher education organisations, we are facing unprecedented funding challenges which we need to address as our current training model, focusing on teaching undergraduate degree courses, is not viable in the future.
“As a result, we will no longer be offering undergraduate training from September ’25 but will continue to provide postgraduate training and other courses.
“By taking this decision now we are able to plan for the next two academic years calmly, and with our students’ best interests at heart.
“It is our intention to create a long-term sustainable future for the School where we can deliver high calibre training for which the School is renowned.
“But we need time and space to work through the options and our current focus must be on existing students and staff.
“We have always been known for producing extraordinary work, training wonderfully talented people and reaching audiences of all ages.
“This legacy will continue as we begin this new chapter of our story.”
Main photo: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
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