Five reasons to study at Guildford School of Acting
Subject leaders at Guildford School of Acting (GSA) reveal what makes our degrees in theatre and performing arts different, and the secret behind our graduates’ success.
1. Ranking and reputation
1st in the UK
For drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025
3rd in the UK
For drama, dance & cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2026
Graduate prospects
96.4% of our GSA graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA)
Founded in 1935, GSA merged with the University about 12 years ago. This year marks GSA's 90th birthday.
2. Conservatoire and campus life in one!
GSA facilities rank amongst some of the best professional training facilities in the UK Conservatoire sector. Our facilities are:
- Bellairs Theatre x 200-seater theatre
- PATS Studio Theatre x 128-seater theatre
- Rex Doyle Studio Theatre x capacity 80
- 18 dance studios and 12 tutorial/practice rooms
- Foyer in GSA with café, and Ivy Theatre foyer/box office
- 3 dressing rooms including accessible dressing room; green room with kitchen
- Scenic Studios workshop.
Tech support for teaching including Theatre Production lighting/sound/AV involves state of the art sound/lighting desks, relevant software, macs to support all course.
As part of the University of Surrey, GSA students also have full access to the university's facilities including student accommodation, the Library and Learning Centre which has seen an investment of £16 million over the last five years, the £36 million Surrey Sports Park, and lots more!
3. Learn from experts with connections
Learn from professionals with real industry ties and experiences. Our teachers are always up to date with latest industry practices as they also work in the industry as directors, writers, voice coach, movement directors, researchers, etc.
We host visiting directors, musical directors, choreographers, and other guest speakers from industry to give lectures, workshops and masterclasses.
Lots of contact time both in class and also student voice has ample opportunity – regular year group meetings with PTs, EDI forum. 90% of permanent GSA staff are mental health first aider-trained.
Ninety-seven per cent of our graduates are employed or in further education (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
Pic credit: Steve Gregson
4. Our successful alumni
The GSA boasts a rich legacy of alumni who have gone on to have successful careers on stage and screen across the globe. GSA graduates are known for their exceptional talent and versatility, winning several awards including Oliviers, Oscars, Tonys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs. With training grounded in professional excellence, GSA continues to be a launchpad for some of the most exciting performers in theatre, film, and television today.
You will find GSA alumni in national tours, the West End, film, TV, Broadway, and more… This year, one of our Musical Theatre graduates, along with a former GSA Saturday School student, represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest!
We have graduates appearing in all of the current West End musicals; the present cast of Les Misérables features nine GSA alumni, including three 2023 graduates, one of whom is playing the leading role of Marius, and the other two are the first and second covers for the role. The company manager is also a GSA Musical Theatre graduate, demonstrating the strong transferable skills our courses provide.
Similar high-profile industry roles our alumni attain include: theatrical agents, casting directors, directors, choreographers, stage managers, lighting designers, theatrical marketing officers, producers, sound designers, teachers, lecturers, and lots more.
Pic credit: Steve Gregson
5. We’ll showcase your talent
As a vehicle for student learning, GSA stages over 25 public productions annually across three seasons, showcasing the exceptional talents of their students to around 12,000 attendees per year. These productions encompass both classic and contemporary works, providing students with real-world performance experience.
Additionally, GSA hosts industry showcases, where graduating students present their work to casting directors, agents, and other professionals, facilitating their transition into the performing arts industry. Student-led initiatives like GSA Labs offer students an informal platform to develop and present original works in progress, fostering creativity and innovation within a supportive environment.
We're so committed to seeing talented performers thrive, we offer 70 scholarships and bursaries.
Pic credit: Steve Gregson