New bursaries for Acting and Musical Theatre students from diverse backgrounds

Announcing the new scheme, Professor Anna McNamara, Interim Head of GSA, said:

“I am delighted that this year we have secured a series of significant bursaries for our Foundation programmes in Acting and Musical Theatre, enabling vital opportunities to access training for the creative industries.”

GSA’s Foundation programmes in Acting and Musical Theatre aim to provide students with the basis of the fundamental techniques in acting, singing and dance. Both programmes are focused on providing an insight into life within a conservatoire and prepare students for the rigours and expectations of conservatoire training and higher education. The two programmes are separate pathways, each with a distinct identity, as well as different aims and objectives.

To apply for a bursary:

1. Applicants must first apply for the Foundation in Musical Theatre or Foundation in Acting programme.
2. Applicants to the programmes will be required to audition and demonstrate that they have the potential to benefit from the training that the Foundation in Musical Theatre or Foundation in Acting programmes offer. Information on this process will be sent directly to applicants.
3. All applicants will be sent a link to apply for a bursary – applicants do not need to request this. 

Applications are currently open and will close on Monday 27 June 2022 at 9am.

The bursaries provide a fee reduction of £5,000.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome in July 2022.

The Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey is one of the most highly regarded conservatories in the UK. Building on a heritage of over 85 years, it is home to a vibrant community of performers, performance makers and creative practitioners.

Notable former students of the GSA include Alexandra Mardell (Coronation Street), Cristo Fernández (Ted Lasso), Ella Balinska (Charlie's Angels 2019), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE (Mary Poppins Returns, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) and Danielle Fiamanya (Frozen, West End).

Note to editors 

• University of Surrey Media Team contact details: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk  
• Links:
  • Guildford School of Acting website
  • Notable alumni