We are delighted to announce a new partnership with boomsatsuma as they embark on the new Bristol School of Acting. Today marks the official launch of this future-focused, conservatoire-style drama school which places inclusivity and accessibility at its heart.
Our partnership with boomsatsuma will see Tobacco Factory Theatres become the home for the new BA Acting for Stage and Screen, which begins in autumn 2021. It is an intensive, accelerated degree taught over two years, with 43 weeks of teaching per year. Students will receive the same amount of contact hours as they would on a three-year course, but save around £5,000 in tuition fees and a year’s living costs.
Students on the course will study as a resident acting company in training at the theatre; collaborating and learning with professional actors, directors and visiting artists from across our programme. They will be embedded in the practices of a working theatre, and will develop a well-rounded and diverse understanding of stagecraft and the arts industry in general.
Mike Tweddle, our Artistic Director describes the opportunity presented by this partnership:
“We’re delighted to be embarking on this uniquely symbiotic relationship between a professional theatre and a drama school. The partnership will enrich and empower the training experience for students – who will collaborate with renowned artists in our spaces – and embolden our theatre’s mission to provide impactful, innovative and inclusive pathways into the industry.”
Acclaimed director Nancy Medina has been appointed as Bristol School of Acting’s co-Artistic Director. Nancy said of the new venture:
“Our industry has to change; I don’t like what I see at the moment and I believe we can drive that change at boomsatsuma.
“We are creating a new kind of course that will empower young people to find their voices and make themselves heard. We are training actors who can shape the industry of the future.
“Starting from fresh means we can be bold and steer a radical approach to inclusivity, with a pro-active anti-discrimination policy. It’s a priority for me to bring opportunity to the marginalised areas of society.”
David Dewhurst, our Acting Executive Director said of the expansion to our learning offer:
“We’re delighted to be developing our relationship with boomsatsuma to offer this fantastic new opportunity alongside our exciting theatre programme and Get Involved activities.
“Our Get Involved programme has for several years now been welcoming 7-25 year olds of all backgrounds to learn about theatre, unleash their creativity and prepare for employment. This new degree course adds a further layer to this offer, bolstering our ability to enable young people who have traditionally experienced barriers to engaging with Bristol’s arts sector to access world class creative learning which is inclusive and celebrates difference.
“This new partnership will bring fresh new voices, perspectives and talent into our organisation and strengthens our aim to offer incredible theatre, learning and engagement opportunities from our home in South Bristol.”
As well as the new degree based at Tobacco Factory Theatres, the Bristol School of Acting will see boomsatsuma collaborate with The Bottle Yard Studios and Bath Spa University on a new BA (Hons) Acting for Screen.
We’ll continue to share updates on the partnership with you on our website and social channels. Or you can sign up to receive our regular enewsletters here.
Posted on 15 October 2020
