**Drama School Funding Crisis in England: National Catastrophe Sparks Concern**
World-leading drama schools in England are facing a financial crisis that threatens to turn back the clock, shutting down opportunities for talented young people from diverse and less privileged backgrounds, according to leading figures in the arts. The warning came after one of the most celebrated drama schools in the country, Bristol Old Vic theatre school (BOVTS), which opened in 1946 with the support of Laurence Olivier, revealed it is closing all undergraduate courses from September. Postgraduate courses will continue. Elsewhere, another leading institution is offering its staff voluntary redundancy, while a higher education expert said the situation facing drama schools was so dire it risked becoming “a national catastrophe”.
Shock and Sorrow: Voices from the Arts Community
Actors, directors, and leaders of other drama schools expressed shock and sorrow at the BOVTS cuts, calling for action to protect small specialist institutions disproportionately affected by a spiraling funding crisis across higher education. The actor and director Samuel West, a trustee for the Campaign for the Arts, emphasized the crucial role of courses like those at BOVTS in nurturing talent and shaping the cultural landscape. He highlighted the impact of such programs in launching the careers of renowned actors like Olivia Colman and Daniel Day-Lewis, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve and expand access to the arts for all.
Personal Stories: The Heartbreak of Closure
Shakespearean actor Paapa Essiedu shared his personal experience of working with BOVTS-trained actors, praising their skill and dedication. He lamented the loss of the school’s undergraduate program, recognizing the wealth of experience and knowledge it provided to students. Essiedu’s poignant reflection on the closure of the three-year course underscores the profound impact of the funding crisis on aspiring artists and the broader artistic community.
Expert Insights: A National Catastrophe Looms
Prof. Randall Whittaker from Rose Bruford College echoed the sentiment of heartbreak, emphasizing the risk of regressing to a less inclusive arts sector. He highlighted the progress made in fostering diversity and inclusivity in drama schools and expressed concern that recent closures and funding cuts could undo this hard-won progress. The dire situation facing smaller specialist institutions was further underscored by Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, who warned of a potential national catastrophe for these world-leading schools specializing in creative and performing arts.
Call for Action: Preserving Access to the Arts
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s co-artistic directors, Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans, emphasized the need for sufficient and consistent investment in the arts to prevent further closures and limited opportunities for aspiring artists. Their call for sustained support echoes the sentiments of industry veterans like Jane Horrocks and Ayub Khan Din, who recognize the transformative power of drama schools in shaping careers and nurturing talent. These voices collectively advocate for urgent action to safeguard the future of drama education and ensure continued access for all aspiring artists.