Pioneering performance: 90 years of Guildford School of Acting

From studio to stage: how GSA began

Renamed the Guildford School of Acting and Dance in 1964, it later dropped “Dance” in the 1990s and joined the University in 2009, moving into purpose-built facilities beside the Ivy Arts Centre on Stag Hill the following year. The move marked a new era of creative collaboration and cemented GSA’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for performance training.

A legacy cast in excellence

For over 90 years, GSA has shaped a global legacy through its alumni, whose names shine on and off the stage and screen. The School’s graduates have gone on to careers that span the arts, entertainment, and creative industries worldwide:

Brenda Blethyn OBE – Oscar-nominated actress and Golden Globe winner, whose performances in Secrets & Lies, Vera and countless theatre productions exemplify the craft and emotional depth nurtured at GSA.

Michael Ball OBE – One of Britain’s best-loved musical theatre stars and recording artists, Ball has captivated audiences in Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Hairspray, while also building a celebrated broadcasting career.

Bill Nighy – Known for his distinctive wit and gravitas, Nighy has become an international screen icon through roles in Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Living, the latter earning him his first Academy Award nomination.

Celia Imrie CBE – Beloved for her sharp wit and versatility, Imrie has starred in Calendar Girls, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, alongside acclaimed stage and television work. Most recently, she brought her trademark humour to The Celebrity Traitors, further showcasing the charisma and spirit that began at GSA.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE – An Olivier Award-winning actor, Holdbrook-Smith has earned critical acclaim for performances in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Death of a Salesman and across film and television.

Justin Fletcher MBE – Beloved by families across the UK, Fletcher has revolutionised children’s television with Tweenies and his character “Mr Tumble” in Something Special, championing inclusivity through performance.

Harriet Slater – A rising star, currently delighting international audiences as Ellen MacKenzie in Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

Gaby Roslin – A household name in British television and radio, Roslin became a familiar face to millions as co-host of The Big Breakfast in the 1990s, and continues to lead in broadcasting today.

Maddie Grace Jepson – Part of the next generation of West End talent, recently making her debut as Lorraine in Back to the Future: The Musical.

Contemporary centre of excellence

Today, GSA stands among the UK’s elite conservatoires, ranked 1st for Drama & Music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025 and 3rd for Dance, Drama and Cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2026. With 98.9% of graduates pursuing successful careers or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA), the School’s impact is clear.

Championing inclusivity, sustainability & innovation

GSA focuses on widening access to the arts with initiatives like audio-described theatre, relaxed performances, offering audition fee waivers, and more. Specialist programmes such as the BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre, online BA and MA courses, dance education diplomas, and fully funded foundation entries reflect our commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and career diversity.

Shaping the next 90 years

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, our vision is clear: to empower artists who shape culture and community.

Where will GSA go from here?

Global engagement: From international touring to enhanced online Masters and Master of Fine Arts programmes, GSA will continue broadening its global reach. 

Technological innovation: On-campus rehearsal rooms, production studios, and digital technologies will lead the way in immersive and interdisciplinary art forms. 

Inclusive pathways: Expanding scholarships, foundation courses, outreach partnerships and mentoring schemes will continue to break down entry barriers. Around 70 GSA students, representing roughly 14% of the cohort, are currently supported through scholarship programmes, reflecting the School’s commitment to increasing opportunities across the performing arts.

Sustainable stagecraft: Ecology-informed productions and responsible arts leadership will be embedded across training and practice.

A standing ovation for 90 years

From its early days as a dance and drama pioneer, through world-class conservatoire rankings, to an ever-growing stage of artists, educators and theatre production professionals – the Guildford School of Acting has left an indelible impact on global performance.

As we raise a toast to GSA’s 90 years, we recognise the past; we applaud today’s successes; and we stride confidently into a future ready to shape the stories, songs, stages – and social change to come.

See the next generation take the stage

Celebrate 90 years of GSA by joining us in the audience. From contemporary plays to classic revivals and dazzling musicals, our students bring creativity and craft to every performance.

Explore our upcoming season and book your tickets. We’d love to welcome you to GSA.

P.S. GSA on air – new podcast series

As part of the GSA’s 90th year celebrations, staff been busy recording a brand-new podcast series. The first episodes – featuring conversations with current staff and hosted by Professor McNamara – are available now!