Programme overview

Providing training to students from the age of 5 to 17+, all sessions take place between 9.30am and 5.30pm every Saturday during a ten-week term. There are three terms per year, coinciding with the academic year, covering classes in acting, singing and movement as well as one-to-one tutorials. GSA Saturday School classes cater for a wide range of students and all sessions are graded to age and ability. We provide classes for complete beginners right through to the very experienced. Students are encouraged to take a wide variety of classes in order to develop into all-round performers.

The curriculum is inclusive and multicultural, offering access to a broad spectrum of insights.

 

Saturday School at Guildford School of Acting dance scene

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Bookings are now open for Summer Term.

 


GSA is widely recognised by the entertainment industry as a provider of the foremost musical theatre training in the world and our Saturday School can train students in acting, dancing and singing – a must for anyone considering taking the profession seriously. We aim to develop confident, disciplined and happy students through our conservatoire-standard training. Our classes are taught by fully qualified professional teachers, not students, to provide the best possible training.

Our Staff

Saturday School staff consist of a team of skilled, qualified and dedicated teachers and performers, all highly successful in their particular field, many of whom form part of the GSA main school faculty. In addition to the regular team at GSA, we have a large network of specialist professionals who we can call upon for advice and assistance with any individual needs or challenges, whether that is of a vocal or physical nature or help with discussions about your future career options.

Click here for our full list of Saturday School teachers and their biographies

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Saturday School Ballet

Saturday School classes

Introduction to Musical Theatre

This is a 90-minute class. Students take part in three 30-minute classes of equal length in the three main disciplines, Singing, Acting and Dancing. This class helps to develop children’s confidence as well as give them an insight into the performing arts world. Within the class, we have recently worked on numbers and scripts from Annie, Lion King and Oliver. All classes are taught by professionals, who have worked within the industry and are experienced and qualified teachers. For children aged 5-7 years. 

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre is the class where all the skills you have gained are put together. Students will work on scripts, songs and dances from well-known Musicals. Recently our students have been working on Six the Musical, Wonderland, Grease, Hairspray, Mack N Mabel and Newsie. Classes are available for three age groups: 8-12, 12-14; and 14-18 at intermediate and advanced levels. 

Grade 3 Tap (ISTD)

GSA has recently introduced ISTD classes to its timetable and we are now offering Grade 3 Tap. You must have had some experience in Tap to take this class. Students will be working towards their ISTD grade 3 examination. Tap helps to develop rhythm, style and timing and is an extremely fun form of dance. No experience required; students must be 10 years of age or older. 

Grade 6 Tap (ISTD)

This class is for students that are experienced tappers, they must have been Tap dancing for a number of years and reached Grade 6 level. The class covers the ISTD Grade 6 syllabus as well as working on free work which will help develop the tappers rhythm, style, and precision of footwork. Students will need to have passed Grade 5 to be able to do this course. 

Street Dance

This class is for students that are experienced tappers, they must have been Tap dancing for a number of years and reached Grade 6 Street dance is a fun and energetic style that helps create coordinated dancers. If you want to dance like in the music videos, then this is the class for you. Using pop music and a fun atmosphere this is a hugely popular class with the young of today. Classes are available for students aged 8-12; and 12+ 

Jazz

Jazz is a technical class and is aimed at helping develop a more technical dancer. The class consists of warm-ups, technical exercises and combinations. These will help develop a student’s coordination, flexibility, strength and endurance. Jazz is an essential part of the training in musical theatre. All levels are welcome. Classes are available in three age groups: 8-12, 12-16; and 14-18. 

Intermediate and Advanced Jazz

These classes are for experienced dancers that have had a high level of training and developed excellent technique and skills. Within these classes, we will be looking at challenging the students further develop different styles and techniques. Class acceptance is based on dance skills and merit rather than age. 

Within the group singing class, you will develop self-expression, musicality, rhythm and harmonies. Classes will consist of warm-ups, technical exercises, group singing/harmonies and staging a performance. Classes are available for the following age groups: 8-12, 12-14; and 14-18. 

Our Acting classes help to develop confidence and acting skills. Within the class, you will work on improvisations, scripted work and technical acting skills. Many of our students use these classes as a preparation for drama school and to develop their love of acting. These classes are taught by experienced professional tutors. Classes are available for the following age groups: 8-12, 10-12, 12-14, 12-16, and 14-18. 

GSA Saturday School offers one-to-one singing and acting tutorials. These are half an hour in length and the opportunity to take LCM Musical theatre exams or LAMDA Acting exams is available. These tutorials can also be used for working on pieces for auditions, whether professional or for drama school and also build confidence within either discipline. 

Our classes are designed for students wanting to attend as a hobby and for those wanting to improve their skills for a career in the performing arts. These classes are taught by professionals that have had years of experience teaching within vocational and recreational sectors. We have students of all ages and abilities attending the classes. We offer classes in Jazz, ballet, tap and acting. All classes are 60 minutes long.

We have now introduced the GSA Junior Conservatoire for students aged 11+ that would potentially like to go on to a career in the performing arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniform

Download the uniform requirements here

You can purchase uniform here 

Hoodies and t-shirts can be purchased here

Terms and Conditions 

View the Saturday School Terms and Conditions here

View the Saturday School privacy policy here

Fees and Funding

 

2022/23 Fees
Classes £95 per term
One-to-one tutorial  £240 per subject per term
Intro to Musical Theatre £120 per term

Apply now

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must have applied (or will be required to apply) for attendance onto GSA Junior activity, such as Saturday School, Junior Conservatoire or Summer Conservatoire.

To be eligible to apply for a funded place, applicants must also meet at least ONE of the criteria listed below:

  • From a Low Participation Neighbourhood (defined as POLAR4 Quintiles 1 and 2 by OfS*)
  • From an area of high deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, IMD Quintile 1 & 2**)
  • Eligible for free school meals in the last six years
  • Care experienced and students in local authority care
  • A young carer (you care for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without your support

* You can check whether you live in a Low Participation Neighbourhood by using our online postcode look up tool. To be eligible, your postcode must be Quintile 1 or 2 against POLAR 4 (see table on map).

** You can check your postcode's IMD score using this online look up tool. To be eligible, your postcode needs a 1-4 in column F.

The selection process may also consider other applicant information, including the following criteria:

  • Classified as having a disability
  • A forced migrant (refugees and asylum seekers)
  • Estranged, studying without the support of your family (limited, negative or no contact with parents)
  • From a military family (parent/carer has served in the UK armed forces or reserves)
  • From a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic groups
  • From a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community
  • Or a student whose studies have suffered significant disruption due to illness or personal circumstances

Click here to apply.

Payment for classes can be made on the GSA online store GSA Saturday School Fees

Select ‘Saturday School Fees’  > Enter the full amount payable (do not use the + and – function) > ‘Add to basket’ and proceed to payment.

Term dates

  • 22nd April - 1st July 2023

  • Half term 3rd June

  • 16 September - 25 November 2023

  • Half term: 28 October

  • 13 January - 23 March 2024

  • Half term: 17 February

  • 27 April - 6 July
  • Half term: 1 June

Timetable

View the Spring Timetable here

Contact us

T: +44 (0)1483 684042  E:  gsasaturdayschool@gsa.surrey.ac.uk 

If you have any complaints, in the first instance, please send them to gsasaturdayschool@gsa.surrey.ac.uk and they will be dealt with in-line with our complaints procedure.

GSA's safeguarding lead for under 18s is Alison Avis. 

 

 

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