Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Bristol Old Vic Theatre School The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is a drama school in Bristol, England that provides training in acting for film, television and theatre. It is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the United Kingdom, founded by Laurence Olivier in 1946. The Old Vic Theatre School is an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. Its higher education awards are validated by the University of the West of England, and its students graduate alongside members of UWE Bristol's Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education. The School began life in October 1946, only
Bristol Old Vic "new bristol old vic". In 2005 Reade became the sole artistic director. Artistic highlights during these times included the production of A. C. H. Smith’s "Up The Feeder, Down the Mouth and Back Again" during Andy Hay’s tenure, and some well-received Shakespeare productions under David Farr and Simon Reade. In July 2007, the board of trustees took the controversial decision to close the theatre for refurbishment. Many members of the theatre profession feared for the future of the Old Vic. Following several public meetings in the winter of 2007/2008 a newly formed board of trustees appointed Dick Penny, the director