Bristol has long been one of the UK’s creative powerhouses. With its vibrant theatre scene, active film community, and deep artistic roots, the city attracts aspiring actors from across the country and beyond. Whether you’re interested in stage, film, or television, there are numerous acting schools in Bristol offering top-notch training opportunities.
In this post, we’ll look at the top 10 acting schools in Bristol, detailing their programs, fees, and unique advantages. From prestigious conservatoires to flexible part-time academies, this list will help you choose the best acting school that fits your budget and career goals.
Top 10 Acting Schools In Bristol And Fees
1. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS)
When it comes to acting education, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School stands among the most respected institutions in the UK. Established in 1946, it has produced some of the most accomplished actors in Britain and internationally.
Courses Offered:
- BA (Hons) Professional Acting
- MA Acting for Screen
- MFA Professional Voice Studies
- MA Drama Directing
Fees:
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- International students: £22,050 per year
- MA Acting (Screen): from £12,000 to £26,500, depending on program length
Why Choose BOVTS:
- Unmatched prestige and history
- Professional-level theatre training
- Strong industry connections and alumni network
Note: The school has competitive entry requirements, with auditions held annually. Scholarships and bursaries are available for talented students who demonstrate financial need.
2. Bristol School of Acting
The Bristol School of Acting (BSA) is one of the most innovative drama schools in the UK, combining traditional performance with modern media approaches. It is affiliated with boomsatsuma, a creative education group, and offers both film and theatre-focused programs.
Courses Offered:
- BA (Hons) Acting for Film, TV, and New Media
- BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen
- BA (Hons) Acting & Devised Theatre
Fees:
- Undergraduate courses: £9,535 per year (UK students)
- International students: fees may vary
Why Choose BSA:
- Specialisation in on-screen acting
- Modern facilities and access to media studios
- Opportunities for devised theatre and creative projects
The BSA is perfect for students who want to combine classical acting with modern storytelling.
3. Bristol Acting Academy
If you’re looking for flexibility and affordability, Bristol Acting Academy is an excellent choice. It’s a respected independent school known for offering short and part-time acting courses for adults who want to improve their craft or transition into professional work.
Courses Offered:
- One-Year Part-Time Showcase Course
- Short courses such as “Start Acting Right” (8 weeks)
Fees:
- Part-Time Showcase Course: £1,450 per year
- Short Courses: £275 per term
Why Choose Bristol Acting Academy:
- Affordable and flexible
- Ideal for working adults or beginners
- Practical, hands-on classes focused on performance
This school’s showcase course often helps students get professional representation or entry into further conservatoire training.
4. The Actor’s Lounge Bristol
The Actor’s Lounge Bristol provides a welcoming space for aspiring performers to develop confidence, acting technique, and camera awareness. It’s especially well-known for offering short, intensive courses for both beginners and professionals seeking to polish their craft.
Courses Offered:
- Level 1 Acting (10-week evening course)
- Screen Acting Workshops
- Voice and Improvisation Classes
Fees:
- 10-Week Course: £475
Why Choose The Actor’s Lounge:
- Affordable and short-term
- Focus on practical performance
- Great introduction for new actors
This school is ideal for those looking to explore acting without committing to a multi-year degree program.
5. Bristol Academy of Drama
The Bristol Academy of Drama focuses on personalised instruction. Rather than large classes, it offers private acting lessons and small group workshops tailored to individual goals—such as improving monologues or audition skills.
Courses Offered:
- Private lessons (1-to-1 or 1-to-2)
- Audition coaching
- Group acting workshops
Fees:
- 20-minute lesson: £21
- 30-minute lesson: £29
- 1-hour lesson: £49
Why Choose Bristol Academy of Drama:
- Customised, private coaching
- Flexible scheduling
- Perfect for audition preparation
If you’re planning to audition for professional acting programs like BOVTS, this academy offers valuable pre-training support.
6. The Actors’ Workshop Bristol
The Actors’ Workshop Bristol offers a one-year foundation program for aspiring actors. The course is designed to help students develop acting techniques, voice, movement, and screen presence—all crucial for professional training or employment.
Courses Offered:
- Foundation Acting Course (part-time)
- Evening workshops
Fees:
- Foundation Course: £3,000 per year
Why Choose The Actors’ Workshop:
- Affordable yet comprehensive
- Taught by working industry professionals
- Excellent preparation for drama school auditions
This school is a great stepping stone toward advanced acting degrees or professional opportunities in stage and screen.
7. Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) Bristol
While the Pauline Quirke Academy primarily focuses on young performers aged 4–18, its reputation for nurturing young talent makes it a key part of Bristol’s acting education scene. Many professional actors started their careers through PQA’s performing arts programs.
Courses Offered:
- Acting, singing, and film & TV classes for ages 4–18
Fees:
- Ages 4–6: £46 per month
- Ages 6–18: £92 per month (discounts for siblings)
Why Choose PQA Bristol:
- Early exposure to stage and screen acting
- Regular performances and showcases
- Supportive, family-friendly environment
For parents hoping to introduce their children to acting, PQA provides one of the best training pathways in Bristol.
8. Bristol School of Acting – BA Acting & Devised Theatre
A branch of the Bristol School of Acting, this program focuses on devised theatre, which encourages actors to create and perform their own original work. It’s ideal for students who are creative, experimental, and interested in collaborative storytelling.
Courses Offered:
- BA (Hons) Acting & Devised Theatre
Fees:
- Tuition: £11,440 per year
Why Choose This Program:
- Encourages creativity and collaboration
- Emphasises self-devised performance
- Good for aspiring writers, directors, and actors
Graduates from this course often go on to create their own theatre companies or work in experimental stage production.
9. PQA-Style Adult Acting Courses
Bristol also offers several PQA-style adult acting courses modelled after youth academies but tailored for beginners. These short courses provide entry-level training in acting, improvisation, and performance.
Courses Offered:
- Adult Acting Foundations
- Screen Acting Workshops
Fees:
- Around £275 for an 8-week session
Why Choose These Courses:
- Affordable introduction to acting
- No prior experience required
- Ideal for hobbyists or professionals seeking confidence skills
These courses help adults explore acting as a passion project or a potential career pivot.
10. Bristol School of Acting – BA Technical Theatre Arts
Although focused more on behind-the-scenes production, this course at the Bristol School of Acting still places students in an acting environment, helping them understand performance from a technical perspective.
Courses Offered:
- BA (Hons) Technical Theatre Arts
Fees:
- Tuition: £11,440 per year
Why Choose This Program:
- Learn both technical and creative skills
- Experience working with actors and stage crews
- Excellent choice for multi-skilled performers or aspiring directors
Students who complete this course gain valuable insight into both sides of the performance world—technical and artistic.
Summary Table
| Acting School | Estimated Fees | Type of Training |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Old Vic Theatre School | £9,250–£22,050/year | Full-time conservatoire |
| Bristol School of Acting | £9,535/year | Stage & screen acting |
| Bristol Acting Academy | £1,450/year | Part-time courses |
| The Actor’s Lounge Bristol | £475/10 weeks | Short-term acting course |
| Bristol Academy of Drama | £29–£49/hour | Private coaching |
| The Actors’ Workshop | £3,000/year | Foundation training |
| Pauline Quirke Academy | £46–£92/month | Youth performing arts |
| BSA (Devised Theatre) | £11,440/year | Creative devised theatre |
| Adult Acting Courses | £275/8 weeks | Beginner adult training |
| BSA (Technical Theatre) | £11,440/year | Stage & production skills |
How to Choose the Right Acting School in Bristol
When deciding which acting school to attend, consider:
- Your career goals: Do you want to act on stage, screen, or both?
- Time commitment: Some schools offer full-time degrees, others flexible part-time programs.
- Budget: Fees range from £275 short courses to £22,000 per year at major conservatoires.
- Accreditation: Make sure your program is recognised by industry bodies.
- Industry links: Schools like BOVTS and BSA offer excellent professional connections.
Conclusion
Bristol’s acting education scene offers something for everyone—from aspiring young performers to adults exploring new creative passions. The city’s combination of world-class institutions like BOVTS and flexible academies like Bristol Acting Academy ensures you can find a course that matches your ambitions and budget.
Whether your dream is to perform on the stage of the Bristol Old Vic or act on the big screen, the right training can set you on the path to success.