Photo of George Baker

George Baker

Specialist area: Stage Management and Show Calling

Industry Experience: ASM Book Cover Working Southwark Playhouse, ASM Olivier Awards 2017 The Royal Albert Hall , ASM Placement & Dep Dreamgirls The Savoy Theatre 

GSA Highlight: DSM Guys And Dolls The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre  

George considers himself to be personable and conscientious with a dedication to the craft of facilitating a production process. During his training, he has worked mostly as ASM and DSM with particular enthusiasm for show-calling musicals. These areas of stage management are where his personality, musicality and eye for detail are key in achieving his best work. He is now pursuing ASM positions with the aim to move on to Book Cover and then DSM. 

Dreamgirls has been a major training influence, where George did his ASM Placement and now returns as a Dep. Engaging with the process of opening a new West End show from pre-production to press night was not only an invaluable learning opportunity but also a chance to develop his confidence in practice. He took away an enhanced skill set which he can apply to future work of any scale, as well as many fond memories.

For George, making these memories, learning from experience and collaborating with like-minded people is the greatest reward of stage management and he cannot wait to take the first steps of his career. 

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Sarah Chalk

Specialist Area: Stage and Events Management 

Sarah is a diligent and resourceful team player with a keen interest in working within the stage and events management sector. 

She is reliable and motivated and has enjoyed working on a variety of productions – highlights so far include DSM on Catch Me If You Can the Musical, ASM on The Mill on the Floss and DSM on The Grapes of Wrath, all at the Ivy Arts Centre, Guildford. Sarah has also worked as ASM on Guys and Dolls at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, and rehearsal ASM on placement with Les Enfants Terribles for their recent production of Dinner at The Twits in The Vaults, Waterloo. In 2015 she took the role of SM on Book with Split Second Productions on a piece called Waste of Time: 2085 at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Sarah has had some involvement in live events in previous years and this is an avenue she is interested in exploring further. 

Sarah understands the importance of having a wide breadth of knowledge and experience and is keen to gain as much of this as possible. Most importantly, she is adaptable and is looking forward to having the opportunity to work in her chosen field. 

Email: sarah-chalk@hotmail.com 
Twitter: @s_chalk 

Photo of Amber Daniels

Amber Daniels

Specialist Area: Set Design and Scenic Artist Producing

Amber loves storytelling. She loves reading about far flung places and impossible adventures, not knowing where the next page is going to take her. Being a designer lets Amber create these worlds, explore them and bring them to life for other people. She wants to be able to experience design beyond the theatre as well, to understand how stories are translated for these genres and experience the process from concept to post production. 

During her time at GSA, Amber has designed for Arthur Miller’s American Clock and Marsha Norman’s Secret Garden, both of which pushed her creative ability and required her to be inventive in her problem solving. Amber’s design work has been complimented by her scenic art experience both at GSA and outside of her course and has informed her of what it is possible to achieve. At GSA she was a scenic artist for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Catch Me If You Can, while outside of her course Amber has worked on the creation of Omeara, a new music venue in London, as a scenic painter with the Richard Nutbourne Scenic Studio. 

Email: ak.daniels7@gmail.com

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Joshua Francis-Ralphs

Specialist Area: Production and Stage Management 

Current Role: 
Production Assistant at Global Creatures. 

Previous Roles: 
Production Manager - Speak Low & Forbidden Broadway (PATS Studio, Guildford School of Acting). 
Associate Production Manager - Guys and Dolls (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre). 
Production Intern - Strictly Ballroom The Musical (West Yorkshire Playhouse) 

A confident, charismatic and success-driven professional, Joshua has consistently displayed the abilities to work effectively as an individual or as part of a team at both a local and national level. He strives to deliver the highest standards in pursuing a career in theatre production with effective planning, management and evaluation being at the forefront of his philosophy. 

Through his ongoing personal development and studies into the creation and methodology behind theatre production, he hopes to continue to build on his experiences and knowledge within the industry, as well as combine his proficiency in business and creativity, with a view to becoming a theatre producer. 

Email: jfrancisralphs@icloud.com

Photo of Emma Gazzard

Emma Gazzard

Specialist Area: Scenic Art and Design

Emma is consumed by aesthetics. Escapism is a means of survival and as humans we seek those moments that can take us outside of ourselves, that show us an alternate reality. It allows us to explore worlds that don’t exist, questions we didn’t know to ask and lives we didn’t lead. The infinite possibilities of creativity and the places it can take us is the aspect that drives Emma to push boundaries, both her own and others. She wants to show people the things they can’t imagine. 

Beginning her education in fine art she was given ultimate freedom to create anything but found it left her feeling trapped. Being given a brief or concept gives her something to push against, expand into or past and this process is inspiring to her. Emma has experience in costume design, prop making and set pieces but wants to explore as many avenues as possible. The design world fills Emma with enthusiasm as primarily a maker she feels she has a lot to offer and a lot to learn 

Email: emmagazzard@live.com

Photo of Fed

Fed

Specialist Area: Scenography – Video and Projection

Fed is a assistant specialising in video and projections. 

As a video engineer, Fed has worked on a variety of projects ranging from immersive installations to large scale musical theatre shows. He is most experienced in programming with QLab; utilising the playback software for large scale projects which required live camera feeds, multi-projector setups and complex projection mapping. He also has experience with Isadora, Max/Jitter and will soon train on the d3 media server. 

Having studied scenography at GSA, Fed brings not only technical knowledge but also an eye for design. He is well versed in Adobe Creative Suite for content creation and is experienced behind the camera for both still photography and video. He aims to provide technical expertise coupled with a sound understanding of context, design and aesthetics to any piece of theatre, dance or installation. 

Recent credits include: 
Video Assistant The Mountaintop - Young Vic Theatre (des. Nina Dunn) 
Video Associate Catch Me If You Can & Thoroughly Modern Millie - GSA (des. PJ McEvoy); Our Country’s Good, Blood Wedding & The Rimers of Eldritch - GSA (des. Declan Randall) 
Video Designer Speak Low - GSA (dir. Julian Woolford); Forbidden Broadway - GSA (dir. Kenn Oldfield) 

Website: fadzilh.com 
Email: fed@fadzilh.com 
Twitter: @Mr_Fed

Photo of Kieran Hancox

Kieran Hancox

Specialist Area: Lighting

Kieran is a soon to be graduate from Guildford School of Acting’s Professional Production Skills programme, where he specialises in lighting. Kieran has a keen eye for design and programming but is also more than competent in the fundamentals of putting a show together. Through his university training and freelance work Kieran has gained credits in design, programming, project management and crew. 

Credits include: 

Freelance: 
Assistant Lighting Designer – TPi Awards 2017 
Project Manager – Festifeel 2016 
Warehouse Prep Technician – Beyoncé World Tour 2016 
Lighting Technician – London Fashion Week 2016 

Educational: 
Lighting Designer – Speak Low/Forbidden Broadway, Musical Rep, 2017 
Programmer/Board Op – BA Actors Three in Rep, 2017 
Assistant Lighting Designer – Our House, 2016 
Production Electrician – Catch Me If You Can/ Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2016 
Programmer/Board Op – Ghost the Musical, 2015 

After graduation Kieran will continue to pursue his dream to be a lighting designer for large scale live music and corporate events. Through continued work in the industry building upon his skillset and harnessing new skills, Kieran would like to work his way up to the very top of his chosen industry. 

Email: Kieranrhyshancox@gmail.com 
Phone: 07508325787 
Twitter: @KieranRHancox 

Photo of Bernie Hanlon

Bernie Hanlon

Specialist Area: Lighting

Bernie’s major is Lighting. She is yet to strike out in to just one aspect of the field but has an appreciation and knowledge in all. Her eye would stray to any design and her favourite show role during her time at GSA was as the Lighting Designer for Musik. Bernie wants her work to be a form of art and truly sculpt any performance. She likes the feeling of accomplishment when she get lights to work, particularly unusual practicals, an area in which her skills have improved during her time in education. 

In the future, she would like to find herself experiencing other means of lighting such as architectural design. It is her wish to collaborate with other creative elements, especially with set design, to fulfil her fascination with shadows. She is keen to learn from others but equally form her own style. 

Email: b.hanlon210@hotmail.com 

Photo of Bryony Higgins

Bryony Higgins

Specialist Area: Costume

Having had a passion for costume since childhood, Bryony knew the wardrobe pathway was an obvious career choice. Throughout her degree her roles have included Wardrobe Assistant on Thoroughly Modern Millie and Catch Me If You Can both performed at GSA, and Wardrobe Assistant, Wardrobe Assistant/ Dresser on Our House and Guys & Dolls at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. She recently took on the role of Wardrobe Supervisor for Speak Low at GSA. 

All elements of the wardrobe department interest Bryony, in particular the construction of costume and working closely with the designer to generate these ideas into a reality. Upon graduation, she wishes to increase her knowledge and skills in dress making, whether that be within a career or as a hobby. 

Email: jessieloishw@gmail.comjessieloishw@gmail.com

Photo of Jessica Hodson-Walker

Jessica Hodson-Walker

Specialist Area: Set Design and Scenic Artist

Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has made Jessica into the multicultural, understanding and appreciative person she is today. She has been fortunate enough to travel young, experience different cultural celebrations, and create friendships in different parts of the world. She is a genuine person, very passionate and caring about the people she loves and the things she enjoys. 

Jessica is enthusiastic about working on tasks where she feels she has major physical input, for example painting the set on the musicals Thoroughly Modern Millie and Catch Me If You Can. This gave her an insight into the importance of visuals within entertainment. Jessica is also delighted to work in groups and she feels she thrives within a room of creatives, so she enjoyed working on Blackout, a sound and light led installation, in which they collaborated as a team to create an environmental experience for the audience. She feels compelled to express herself and unfold her imagination through art, design and poetry. This in turn created a fascination with the circumstances we create, that provoke emotion within the audience. Jessica was able to do this whilst designing the set for the play Front, by Robert Caisley, gaining the opportunity to work closely with the director. 

Jessica loves the process of making design decisions, transforming a space and creating an experience for all. Furthermore, she looks forward to building upon the skills she has gained at GSA and wishes to strengthen, widen and explore them more in the industry. 

Email: jessieloishw@gmail.com 
Contact: 07511386010 
Instagram: jlhodsonwalker

Photo of Gemma Johnstone

Gemma Johnstone

Specialist Area: Sound Engineering

Gemma’s time at Guildford School of Acting has been a challenging but enjoyable and rewarding experience. She specialises in sound and her passion lies with production sound engineering. During her 3 years at GSA, Gemma has gained experience in all roles within professional live sound production, working on various events ranging from open-mic nights, several in house musical productions culminating in the showcase musical Guys and Dolls at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford. 

She has also had opportunities to extend her sound experience outside of GSA and has worked on several charity events as well as an off-West End show. She was fortunate enough to have worked as Production Sound Engineer on a new musical Muted which debuted at the The Bunker which is located under the Menier Chocolate Factory. Upon graduating, Gemma would like to pursue a career as a production sound engineer. 

Email: gemmajohnstone@hotmail.co.uk 

Photo of Mel Kirwan

Mel Kirwan

Specialist Area: Lighting

Over her three years of training, Mel has worked on a variety of roles at GSA and within the industry. Although specialising in lighting, she has gained skills in costume, scenic painting and stage management. Mel has a keen interest in theatre, particularly musical theatre but also enjoys live music and events, which is something she would like to explore working on in the future. 

Highlights at GSA have included programming Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Ivy Arts Centre and Guys and Dolls at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Mel worked as a production electrician on the third year Musical Theatre Showcase which transferred to the Ambassadors Theatre in London last year. Outside of GSA, she has gained valuable experience on placements at Bristol Old Vic, The National Theatre and with Tooting Arts Club on their production of Sweeney Todd on Shaftesbury Avenue. 

Being interested in new writing and material, after graduation Mel would like to focus on working with producing companies and venues 

Email: mkirwan09@msn.com 
Twitter: @mkirwan09 


Photo of Zoe Leonard

Zoe Leonard

Specialist Area: Stage Management

During her time at GSA Zoe has learnt so much about how a good Stage Manager can help support the creative team, their own Stage Management Team and the company through rehearsals and the production period. She feels she fully understands every role the Stage Management Team must carry out during this time because of the roles she has successfully completed throughout GSA from being ASM, to DSM to SM. Her two highlights of working at GSA have been being Stage Manager of Guys and Dolls, which was performed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and being DSM for Thoroughly Modern Millie in November 2016. Carrying out placements at The Almeida Theatre, on the newly written production ‘OIL,’ and The National Theatre, in the Production Management department on Three Days in the Country have allowed an insight to the professional world to form, one which Zoe would like to expand on once graduated. 

She is interested in working on productions involving new writing and is looking for work as an ASM. In the future, she wants to work on bigger shows with the goal to be Stage Manager on newly produced productions all around the country. 

Email: zoeleonard96@gmail.com 
Twitter: @zozo_leoanrd 

Photo of Meg Mawhinney

Meg Mawhinney

Specialist Area: Lighting

For the last two years, Meg has been specialising in lighting. She understands the creative elements of it, but having carried out a variety of roles she has found she excelled in the production side.She feels that having an all-round understanding has made her become a better lighting technician as she knows the key elements required to create an end product. 

Meg also has a keen interest in rigging and carried out a placement with Unusual Rigging on the load in of School of Rock. Meg has worked most recently as a Production Electrician on Guys and Dolls (Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford) and BA Acting Showcase which transferred to Leicester Square Theatre. 

Outside of GSA, she has worked on a variety of events from live music to corporate and wishes to continue her career in the live event industry. After graduation, Meg would like to work on small scale events; including corporate events and music tours, and then work her way up onto larger tours. 

Email: m.mawhinney16@outlook.com
Mobile: 07812 030 112 
Twitter: @meganruth16 

Photo of Olivia McColl

Olivia McColl

Specialist Area: Sound

During Olivia’s time at Guildford School of Acting she’s had roles such as sound No. 3 and No. 2, mostly dealing with microphones on shows including Ghost the Musical and First Date the Musical along with a Production Sound role on Thoroughly Modern Millie. This experience has helped lead Olivia to regular Dep work within the West End - most recently Dreamgirls, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon and Mamma Mia! 

Olivia also spent 3 months away with P&O as theatre technician for their shows every night, which gave her the drive to want to go out touring. Olivia’s latest role at University was Sound No.1 on Speak Low dealing with sixteen cast members and a four-piece band. This was her first mixing experience and she very much enjoyed her time in this role. 

Olivia would like to continue working with microphones and aspires to go out touring in the near future. 

Email: omccoll@yahoo.co.uk 


Photo of Sakiko Narikawa

Sakiko Narikawa

Specialist Area: Scenic Art and Design

Born and raised in Japan; Sakiko’s passion for theatre led her to England where she has spent the last four years. She is fascinated with the feeling of a space transforming into a stage where both creation of fantasy and recreation of the real world are possible. Her training at GSA has equipped her with skills in scenic painting and prop making, and she now plans to pursue a career in scenic art and design, while she also has a strong interest in interior design and architecture. She is keen to put her experience into practice and develop her skills even further. She also enjoys collecting postcards and visiting vintage shops in her spare time outside of theatre. 

GSA production credits include; 
Scenic Painter – Thoroughly Modern Millie 
Prop Designer/Maker – Guys and Dolls 
Associate Designer – Forbidden Broadway & Speak Low 

Email: sakiko.narikawa@gmail.com 
Twitter: @sakiko_narikawa 

Photo of Frankie Pring

Frankie Pring

Specialist Area: Sound

Throughout the degree, Frankie has undertaken various roles within the sound team, most recently as Sound 1 on Forbidden Broadway, which consisted of 23 radio mics controlled through the Digico SD8. In addition to this, Frankie has worked closely with microphones as Sound 2 on Into The Woods at GSA, but also on Floyd Collins at Wilton’s Music Hall in October 2016. 

To enhance her technical understanding, Frankie undertook a placement at d&b audiotechnik in Nailsworth, working with their research teams and equipment. After graduation, she is looking for opportunities in theatre, opera or television, particularly with microphones and sound equipment. She aspires to become a sound designer later in her career, but prefers to take the time to understand the requirements that the sound designer requests before embarking on this role herself. 

Email: francescapring@gmail.com

Photo of Serahné René-Sorhaindo

Serahné René-Sorhaindo

Specialist Area: Technical / Stage Management 

Serahné is a dedicated and driven individual. Although her credits lie predominantly within Stage Management, Serahné has recently acquired a keen interest in Technical Stage Management and Automation. Whilst at GSA Serahné has demonstrated a clear command and confident approach in both leading and being part of a production team. She is known for having a calm approach to difficult situations whilst under pressure. Serahné’s experiences within the industry have given her a sound knowledge of professional practices and etiquette. Serahné is committed to furthering her experience within the industry and is always prepared to seek out and adopt opportunities in order to learn and enhance their current skills and attributes. 

Industry Placement: 
The Old Vic Theatre – No’s Knife 

Recent Productions:
Love and Information - Lyric Hammersmith (Stage Manager) 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Berkeley Castle 2016 (Stage Manager) 
Kings of Broadway - Palace Theatre (Assistant Stage Manager) 
HONK! - Curve Theatre (Assistant Stage Manager) 

Highlights in Training: 
Speak Low (Deputy Stage Manager) 
3 in Rep (Stage Manager), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Stage Manager) 
Journey’s End (Deputy Stage Manager) 

Email: serahne.rene@yahoo.com 
Twitter: @serahne



Photo of Hâf Sciacca-Bromwell

Hâf Sciacca-Bromwell

Specialist Area: Scenic Art and Carpentry

As someone who grew up in Wales, renowned as the eternally sunny land of sheep, the ability to recreate worlds through theatre, unsurprisingly, appealed to Hâf greatly. Indeed, her favourite aspect of scenic painting is the reproducing of real life textures: turning plastic into metal, foam into stone, wood into marble. Hâf has always had a love for art in itself, but it is the problem solving and holistic nature that drew her to scenic art. 

Highlights of her university career include being the design associate for Avenue Q, assistant carpenter for the GSA’s 2106 autumn season shows, and working at the Richard Nutbourne Studio as a scenic artist for her final year placement. 

Email: hafsb@scenicpainting.co.uk 
Twitter: @Haf_S_B