Applying for a GSA programme
At GSA we tailor our application process for each programme to make sure we can carefully assess the suitability and potential of each individual. In all cases we look for vibrant and energised candidates, with a clear passion for their subject and craft, who can be imaginative and open to learning.
We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for each of our students regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, age, disability, faith or economic background. We understand the importance of visibility and representation in our training and actively want to reflect the diversity of the population in the creative community we have at GSA. We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive application process and environment where candidates are empowered to do their best work.
If you have any special requirements or need assistance with your submission or application please email our admission team at admissions@surrey.ac.uk. We will do everything we can to ensure that they are in place when you come to audition or interview at GSA. Please note, we do not provide feedback.
Audition fees for Foundation Acting (CertHE), Foundation Musical Theatre (CertHE), BA (Hons) Acting, and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre are:
- For a First Round audition the fee is £15
- If an applicant is successful and invited to a second round Audition Workshop, there is an additional fee of £30
Audition fees for BA (Hons) Actor Musician, MA Acting and MA Musical Theatre are:
- Single Round Audition fee £45
There are no audition or interview fees for BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre, BA (Hons) Theatre Production, MA Stage and Production Management, BA (Hons) Theatre (online learning) or MA Theatre (online learning).
Details on how to pay audition fees will be emailed out upon application.
The University of Surrey is able to support eligible students who have applied to an undergraduate course at GSA, by waiving the audition fee for initial and recall auditions. To be eligible you must satisfy all of the essential criteria below, in addition to one of the listed Widening Participation and Outreach (WP&O) criteria.
If you meet the essential criteria below, you will be given the opportunity to apply for the waiver once we receive your application from UCAS.
Essential Criteria: You must meet all of the following criteria.
- Home students (currently residing in the UK with a UK postcode)
- Studying at a state-funded school or college
- Invited to audition for GSA
WP&O Criteria: You must meet one of the following criteria.
- Young person in local authority care/Care leaver
- Estranged students
- Young Adult Carer
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater students
- Refugees
- Students with a household income of £15,000 or below, or in receipt of free school meals (within the last 6 years) or in receipt of a 16-19 bursary
- Students from areas of multiple deprivation (*see IMD look up tool below)
- Students from low participation neighbourhoods (**see POLAR4 look up tools below)
*You can check your postcodes Index of Multiple Deprivation data using this online look up tool. Your postcode must be decile 1- 4 (see column F).
**You can check whether you live in a low participation neighbourhood using this online postcode look up tool. Your postcode must be quintile 1 or 2 against POLAR 4 (see table on map)
Contact
If you have any questions about the application and audition process get in touch with our admissions team:
T: +44 (0)1483 682222 E: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
Audition and Interview Requirements
Auditions are held in two parts as follows:
First Round audition
Applicants are asked to provide links to video self-tapes of two audition pieces:
- A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A speech from a classic play, preferably Shakespeare, lasting up to two minutes.
Recall audition workshop
If you are invited to a Recall audition workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting and movement sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application.
Applications for this programme should be made via UCAS.
Auditions are held in two parts as follows:
First Round audition
Applicants are asked to provide links to video self-tapes of two audition pieces:
- A ‘legit’ song from the musical theatre canon lasting up to two minutes and that shows your strength as a performer; and
- Basic dance and movement exercises.
Recall audition workshop
If you are invited to a Recall audition workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting, singing and dance sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application.
Applications for this programme should be made via UCAS.
BA (Hons) Acting
Auditions are held in two parts as follows:
- First Round audition:
Applicants are asked to provide a link to video self-tapes of three audition pieces:
- A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A speech from a classic play, preferably Shakespeare, lasting up to two minutes; and
- Your response to a source image provided by GSA making use of movement, text (either existing or self-written), song or a combination.
- If you are invited to a Recall Audition Workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting and movements sessions; you will also be asked to use your first-round audition material as part of these sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the BA (Hons) Acting programme should be made via UCAS.
Applicants are invited to a single-day Audition Workshop. You will be asked to prepare:
- A speech from a play or film, lasting up to two minutes; and a musical theatre song or jazz standard performed to a backing track or self-accompanied, lasting up to two minutes; and
- An instrumental piece of music on your first instrument and in your preferred style, lasting up to two minutes
Speeches
You can choose a speech from any play or film, It should last around two minutes and be delivered in your own accent. Ideally, the character should be close to your own playing age.
If you are invited to a Recall Audition Workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting, voice, movement and music sessions; you may also be asked to re-present your first-round audition material.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the BA (Hons) Actor-Musician programme should be made via UCAS.
View online audition advice video produced by Actor-Musician students
Applicants are invited to a single day Audition Workshop which will include music/singing, and movement. Applicants are asked to prepare a speech or monologue lasting not more than two minutes from any published play, or from a screenplay. Applicants can use their own written work if suitable.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre programme should be made via UCAS.
Auditions are held in two parts as follows:
First Round audition:
Applicants are asked to provide links to video self-tapes of three audition elements:
- A ‘legit’ song from a musical written before 1965 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A ‘contemporary’ song from a musical lasting up to two minutes; and
- Five short basic dance and movement exercises
Recall Audition Workshop
If you are invited to a Recall Audition Workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting and dance sessions; you may be asked to re-present your first-round audition material. You will also be asked to prepare:
- A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A song chosen by the applicant from a song list provided by GSA.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme should be made via UCAS.
Applicants for this course will be asked to attend a short interview online, with a panel comprised of staff from the GSA faculty.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the BA (Hons) Theatre Production programme should be made via UCAS.
Applicants are invited to a single-day Audition Workshop. You will be asked to prepare:
- A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A speech from a classic play, preferably Shakespeare, lasting up to two minutes
You will also take part in acting, voice and movement sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the MA Acting programme should be made via the university’s postgraduate application page.
Applicants are invited to a single-day Audition Workshop. You will be asked to prepare:
- A ‘legit’ song from a musical written before 1965 lasting up to two minutes; and
- A ‘contemporary’ song from a musical lasting up to two minutes; and
- A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes
You will also take part in acting and dance sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application. Applications for the MA Musical Theatre programme should be made via the university’s postgraduate application page.
Applicants for this course will be asked to attend a short interview day online, with a panel comprised of staff from the GSA faculty.
Applications for the MA Stage and Production Management programme should be made through the university website.
Offers for this course are made on the basis of the completed application form; an audition or interview is not normally required.
Applications for the BA (Hons) Theatre programme should be made through the university website.
Applicants must apply via the university’s postgraduate application page. Please include a link to up to 5 minutes of footage of previous movement direction or choreography in rehearsal or performance. This is not essential but is desirable.
You will then be invited to a 30-minute interview that will consist of:
- Leading a 10-minute practical exercise (a detailed brief will be supplied).
- A 20-minute interview.
These interviews can take place in person or online as required.
Applicants must apply via the university’s postgraduate application page. Please include a link to up to 5 minutes of footage of previous movement direction or choreography in rehearsal or performance. This is not essential but is desirable.
You will then be invited to a 30-minute interview that will consist of:
- Leading a 10-minute practical exercise (a detailed brief will be supplied).
- A 20-minute interview.
These interviews can take place in person or online as required.
Offers for this course are made on the basis of the completed application form; an audition or interview is not normally required.
Applications for the MA Theatre programme should be made through the university website.
Offers for this course are made on the basis of the completed application form; an audition or interview is not normally required.
Applications for the MFA Theatre programme should be made through the university website.