2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for us, as we celebrate 90 years of shaping the performing arts industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in performing arts training, GSA has consistently evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing creative landscape. This anniversary offers a moment to reflect on our history, celebrate current achievements, and look forward to the future.
A Proud Past: The Foundation of Excellence
Founded in 1935 as the Grant-Bellairs School of Dance and Drama, GSA began its journey in London, offering a pioneering combination of dance and drama training. During World War II, we relocated to Guildford and became established as a cornerstone of performing arts training. During the post-war era in 1967, we introduced one of the UK’s first dedicated musical theatre programmes. In January 2010, GSA became part of the University of Surrey and moved to its purpose-built facilities on the Stag Hill University campus.
Over the decades, we have earned a reputation for producing some of the finest performers, performance makers, community arts practitioners, creative practitioners and technicians. Several alumni including Brenda Blethyn, Michael Ball, and Bill Nighy have graced stages and screens around the globe and won several awards, a testament to our enduring legacy.
The Present: A Hub of Creativity and Innovation
Today, GSA is recognised as one of the world's most successful conservatoires. Our state-of-the-art facilities rank amongst some of the best professional training facilities in the UK Conservatoire sector.
GSA’s curriculum reflects a deep understanding of the skills required to excel in today's competitive creative industries. Programmes blend rigorous training with industry partnerships, ensuring students graduate with both technical expertise and professional connections.
We embrace inclusivity and sustainability as core values, recognising the need to create an industry that is accessible and environmentally responsible. Workshops, mentoring programs, and outreach initiatives further demonstrate our commitment to fostering talent from all backgrounds.
The Future: Leading the Way in Performing Arts
As we celebrate 90 years of success, our vision for the future is focussed on nurturing the next generation, empowering them to pursue careers in the arts with confidence, courage and creative visions of their own. With the arts landscape constantly evolving, we are determined to equip our students with the skills, education and training needed to adapt and thrive.
This ambition means that in some ways, the future is still unknown. But we know that each day, we will strive to be the best place to work and study, where people matter and stories have the power to connect us, raise awareness, educate, increase social cohesion, chronicle history, challenge, and celebrate life.
Professor Catherine McNamara, Head of GSA says:
As I look to the future and think about what GSA will be like in its 100th year, I see students from all walks of life, working with inspirational teachers. I see another decade of graduates, making a difference in the world. I see GSA being a clear and exciting option for young people because they know they will be valued, respected, supported and nurtured here. In some ways, these things are not so different from the past, But as a priority, I feel my work in leading GSA is an ongoing process of listening, learning and making a life-long commitment to improving access to, and the experience of, our training and education for all people.
Celebrating 90 Years
As we step into our 91st year, we renew our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of the arts. We celebrate with a series of events all year, keep an eye on our website for updates.
Here’s to Guildford School of Acting: a place where talent is nurtured, creativity flourishes, and dreams take flight.
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