Guildford School of Acting

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Guildford School of Acting is a drama school located in Guildford, Surrey, England. GSA has built an international reputation for excellence in training for actors and technicians in all areas of theatre and the recorded media. Acting, Musical Theatre, Professional Production Skills are accredited by the National Council for Drama Training. It is considered one of the leading drama schools in the UK.

GSA provides vocational training with nationally recognized qualifications. All two and three year courses are validated by either Trinity College, London, or the University of Surrey.

Guildford School of Acting had grown from the Grant-Bellairs School of Dance and Drama which was founded in London in 1935. It moved to Guildford at the beginning of World War II and operated from premises opposite the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, the Founders Studio. In 1964 Guildford School of Acting was constituted as a private charitable company whose objectives were to provide vocational training for actors and stage managers.

GSA's reputation for training multi-skilled performers gained international recognition with the inception of the Musical Theatre course in 1967. The School's ability to train the very best all round performers has gone from strength to strength. Under the influence GSA's staff, GSA retains its reputation of having a multi-skilled performance training.

Now GSA Conservatoire offers vocational training in Acting, Musical Theatre and Stage Management with courses ranging from National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees through to Post Graduate qualifications. They offer both FE (DADA) and HE funded places as well as private ones. New state of the art facilities for Stage Management, film making, five different theatres and a very special creative community make GSA a top choice amongst candidates wishing to train for the performing arts industry.

The School occupies seven sites in central Guildford, all within easy walking distance of the main building. The working spaces are light and quiet and Guildford is a safe and historic town in which to live and work.

There are close links with the University of Surrey whose campus is about one mile from the school. Students may use some of their facilities, including the library.

The River Wey, which runs through the town, is close to Millmead Terrace and its meadows offer a picturesque walk to Guildford's large shopping centre, numerous pubs, cinemas, nightclubs and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Ofsted has praised GSA students' "outstanding singing and acting skills" and noted the "high percentage of graduates employed in West End theatres." At the 2007 West End showcase The Stage said of GSA, "Judging by the very good industry turnout for this production, the GSA Musical Theatre showcases have clearly established or are fast establishing, a sound reputation as being among the better ones around.."

School productions take place at the Bellairs Playhouse, Electric Theatre, Mill Studio Theatre, and an annual production at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.