Guildford School of Acting

About Guildford School of Acting

Delivering world-class conservatoire training within a top university environment.

Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey is one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK with a vibrant community of performers, performance makers, creative practitioners and technicians graduating from our wide variety of programmes each year.

Building on a heritage of over 85 years and our reputation as arguably the leading musical theatre school in the world, we are passionate about helping our students to develop the practical, inter-personal and intellectual skills needed to make them employable in today’s highly competitive and ever-evolving creative industry.

Institutional Reputation

GSA’s reputation and heritage provides our students a clearly defined identity and profile within the contemporary creative industries. We’re passionate about constantly upholding and developing this reputation, ensuring our students have the technical skills they need whilst also encouraging them to develop their artistic integrity, entrepreneurism and creativity to succeed as artists.

World Class Facilities

As part of the University of Surrey, GSA facilities rank amongst some of the best professional training facilities in the UK Conservatoire sector. These include the £4.5million 190 seat Bellairs Theatre and 60 seat Rex Doyle Studio Theatre; student accommodation; the Library and Learning Centre which has seen investment of £16million over the last 5 years; and access to the £36million Surrey Sports Park.

Training Excellence

GSA ranked 3rd for drama and dance in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2020. Guildford School of Acting receives consistently high overall student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey. Our BA Actor Musician programme scored 100% student satisfaction and BA Musical Theatre achieved 97% student satisfaction this year, 2020. Our rigorous process of training and development is proven to develop versatile, dynamic performers whose attention to detail, professionalism and talent gives GSA graduates an unrivalled reputation and employment record across the creative industries.

Teaching Excellence

Industry leading staff and visiting professionals. Students at GSA are taught and advised by leading West End directors, casting agents, lighting directors, experienced professionals and leading academics, giving our graduates a unique and comprehensive support network and knowledge base they can utilise pre and post graduation.

GSA community

Whether you’re joining GSA on one of our foundation or degree programmes, taking part in our part-time classes or attending one of our performances the energy and passion of being part of the GSA community is undeniable. Through our collaborative approaches to learning and teaching and the extensive support network available to students, both personally and professionally, we hope that you’ll be inspired and proud to be part of the family. Foundation and degree students also have access to the University of Surrey’s Student Union who are committed to voicing student opinion, facilitating clubs and societies and providing support and advice throughout your student life.

International community

At GSA our staff, students and alumni come from all over the World. Our diverse student cohorts and global focus are core elements of life at GSA that all students benefit from.

Performances and Productions

At GSA we pride ourselves in delivering performances and productions to the highest professional standards, showcasing the skill and talent of our students. It’s also important that our students have the opportunity to work with external directors, introducing them to the realities of industry practice. Productions are staged in the 190 seat Bellairs Theatre, 60 seat Rex Doyle Studio Theatre as well as in theatres and venues in and around Guildford and London, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of professional performance environments. These external venues include the renowned Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, The Mill Studio and The Electric Theatre in Guildford, and various venues in London’s West End including the Shaftesbury Theatre, the Charing Cross Theatre, the Criterion Theatre and the Soho Theatre. Information on performances, productions and booking can be found on our What's On events page.

Contact Information

Alumni

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