New Head of Guildford School of Acting

Dr Catherine McNamara

We are delighted to announce Dr Catherine McNamara as our new head of Guildford School of Acting.

Catherine is currently head of the art, design and performance school within the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Portsmouth. 

Prior to this, she spent 16 years at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she had roles including course leader of the MA Applied Theatre.

McNamara said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up the role of head of GSA and working with the staff, visiting professionals, students and alumni there. GSA consistently delivers world-class education and training for the creative industries. I’m looking forward to building on the school’s long-standing successes by working collectively to lead the university-conservatoire into the future.” 

Graham Miller, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Surrey, said McNamara would bring “a wealth of experience in the intersection between conservatoire and university that will be invaluable as GSA moves forward to meet the challenges facing the sector”.

“I am excited by the expertise that she will bring to the University of Surrey,” he added.

We are looking forward to welcoming Catherine to our GSA community!