Institutional Reputation
GSA’s reputation and heritage provide our students with 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.
Training Excellence
We are ranked 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 5th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. Guildford School of Acting consistently receives high overall student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey. Our rigorous training and development process is proven to develop versatile, dynamic performers whose attention to detail, professionalism and talent give 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.
World Class Facilities
GSA facilities rank amongst some of the best professional training facilities in the UK Conservatoire sector. These include the £4.5 million 190-seat Bellairs Theatre, 128-seat PATS Studio Theatre, 128-capacity Founders studio, 60-seat Rex Doyle Studio Theatre, 15 Dance and Rehearsal studios (facilities include sound system, ballet barres, sprung floors, keyboard/piano), 10 tutorial/practice rooms, scenic studio workshop, a technical workshop and stage management production office, extensive costume stores and workrooms, a Mac lab and up-to-the-minute black magic film cameras.
As part of the University of Surrey, our students also have full access to the university's facilities including student accommodation, the Library and Learning Centre which has seen an investment of £16 million over the last 5 years, the £36 million Surrey Sports Park, and lots more!
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 GSA Student Society and the University of Surrey’s Student Union which is 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.
