Junior Conservatoire | GSA - Guildford School of Acting

Update at 16:00 on Friday 6 November 2020

Due to the latest lockdown from Thursday 5^th November, all classes will be taking place online for the rest of the term. We plan to resume classes in the building on 16^th January 2021.

Update at 12:30 on Monday 2 November 2020

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday regarding plans for a national lockdown beginning Thursday 5 November, and pending the Parliamentary vote this week, GSA is considering the impact of the new restrictions. We will communicate with Junior Conservatoire families directly about any changes in the coming days.

Junior Conservatoire - Applications now closed

GSA Junior Conservatoire, launched in September 2019, offers associate training for young students who show talent and potential in either Musical Theatre (age 11+) or Acting (age 14+). The Junior Conservatoire, which runs alongside the popular GSA Saturday School, is a pre-vocational training. This specialised and focused programme is designed for students who are considering higher education, or a career, in the performing arts. Both the Musical Theatre and Acting programmes are split by age group and ability. Professional teachers, including GSA conservatoire faculty, offer specialised training and a taste of conservatoire life. This is an intensive programme, with limited places and designed for the young student of exceptional talent who has some experience and a high level of commitment and passion for the performing arts. The course runs from September to July and students are able to reapply each year.

We have two pathways that the students can audition for - Acting and Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre (11+)

Our 4 hour training programme on Saturday afternoons, prepares students age 11+ for a career in the Musical Theatre industry. Our classes are in Musical Theatre, Singing, Jazz and Ballet. The programme consists of two terms of technical training and the third term focuses on performance training, culminating in a performance in the Bellairs Theatre on campus. The programme is designed to complement additional training and students will be able to refine their technical and performance skills. The programme will be led by professional tutors with conservatoire teaching experience. Entry to this training programme is based on an audition and interview.

Acting (14+)

We run a three hour acting programme on Saturday morning working on acting technique, voice and movement. This programme is for student’s age 14+ who are highly committed and would like to enrol on pre-vocational training course. All our tutors are highly qualified and have had excellent experience in performing and teaching. We are offering a unique programme offering intensive conservatoire-style training on a weekly basis. There will be opportunities to work on plays and to perform, as well as technical training which will give students a taste of full time vocational training. Entry to this training programme is based on an audition and interview.

How to Apply

Auditions fill quickly so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Entry is by audition only. Auditions will take place via submitting a video, more information will be given when you apply. The audition fee is £16.

Musical Theatre Audition

Students will need a verse and chorus of a song and sheet music. They will be asked to read a short monologue provided by us. They will also need to dance in a jazz class.

Acting Audition

Students will be required to prepare 2 monologues, one Shakespeare and one their own choice.