Helping a leading theatre school rediscover the story to inspire its next generation of students.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Helping one of the UK's leading theatre schools remain relevant without losing what made it exceptional.

The Problem

A prestigious theatre school was losing ground to competitors and struggling to reach a new generation of prospective students.

The Possibility

The answer wasn't to reinvent the school, but to rediscover it. By repositioning the brand around inclusivity, we expanded its story beyond famous alumni to champion the behind-the-scenes careers that had always set it apart.

Creative thinking, directing, making

Defined a sharper brand position, simplified the course architecture, uncovered overlooked stories, and developed a distinctive messaging framework and tone of voice. Led the rebrand from strategy and copy through to design direction and campaign assets.

The impact

The rebrand was embraced by staff and students, and every course successfully recruited the following year, giving the school a more relevant identity without sacrificing its heritage.

“The response to the rebrand from the students has been incredible, and we have filled our technical courses for the upcoming year.”

. Paul Rummer. Head of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Close-up of man's face with short brown hair, light skin, and a serious expression, alongside a quote by Daniel Day-Lewis about self-knowledge and capability, with text indicating it's from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Promotional material for Bristol Old Vic Theatre School showcasing the Oswald typeface with sample alphabet and quote from Jeremy Irons.
A person with blue painted skin, pink eyes, and short black hair with platinum highlights, wearing a snake necklace, against a blue background.
Two young men wearing white shirts and black ties, with unkempt hair, are standing close together. One appears to be looking upward with a slightly dazed expression, while the other has a serious or contemplative expression. They are indoors with a dark background and some colorful objects and lighting behind them.
Sketchbook with colorful abstract artwork including a red and orange circular shape, a black and white chair, and various geometric shapes. Handwritten notes are visible on the page.
A young woman with red hair looking at her reflection in a mirror. The mirror has a horizontal slit, and she is in a dark setting with warm lighting.
A young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes smiling, dressed in a white shirt, sitting on the floor in a dimly lit room with blue lighting.

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