Gary Owston, (Principal and Director) and The Bristol Acting Academy have been conducting successful acting courses since 2004. We pride ourselves in providing the best professional training and taking care of our students. BAA graduates have had great successes in the past. Some have gone into full time drama training, others have progressed into Directing, Writing, Producing, Theatre, TV, Film and Radio work. The training, commitment and professionalism provided here is second to none and you will learn skills and techniques that will serve you well for a long time. We offer a part time foundation course, two part time courses, evening classes, weekend workshops and private tuition. Minimum age for all courses is 17, there is no upper age limit.
Billy Howell: Actor
Gary taught me while I was at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, his teaching came under the heading ‘voice’, but it was always so much more than that. His classes were structured in an accessible and ‘user friendly’ way, supplying his students with a plethora of vocal techniques and an approach to using the voice in performance, that constitutes a large part of my own approach today. Gary’s clear, precise and friendly teaching style and his ability to connect with each individual student, meant that when I left the school, I had supreme control of my vocal instrument and a wealth of knowledge in how to use it and the ways in which it could be used. This really is testament to Gary’s ability to empower the student, leaving them with a true sense of ownership of their voice. Gary’s classes were always, fun, insightful and productive. It has been said that teacher’s have a profound impact on who we become as people, well, Gary is one of those teachers, and my life and career have benefited as a consequence.
Billy's credits include: ON CHESIL BEACH; OUTLAW KING; MOTHER FATHER SON.
Faye Marsay: Actress
I trained under Gary at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He is a passionate and caring teacher. He works hard to bring out the potential in his students and is dedicated to his work and craft. It’s a pleasure to be in his classroom/studio.
Faye’s credits include: GAME OF THRONES, BLACK MIRROR and PRIDE to name but a few.
Josh O'Connor: Actor
Gary Owston taught me many things about my voice, techniques I still use every day on set and on stage. His experience is invaluable and the skills I learnt while working with him remain some of the most important and valuable for my confidence in work and in life generally.
Josh's credits include: THE CROWN; GOD'S OWN COUNTRY; THE DURRELLS; EMMA; DR. WHO; PEAKY BLINDERS; ET.AL.