Information on UK Drama Schools
Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
Information taken from: Guildford School of Acting Website
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Course Name: BA (Hons) Acting
Awarded By: University of Surrey
Admission Requirements:
A-Level CCC
BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended DiplomaMMM
European Baccalaureate 68 per cent
International Baccalaureate 30 overall
Scottish Highers BBBCC
Welsh Baccalaureate CC
Access to HE Diploma 21 at Distinction plus 3 at Merit plus 21 at Pass
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or international equivalent)
‘Each year, GSA is able to offer a very small number of places to students who do not meet the A level requirements based on their particularly exceptional performance at audition. These places are offered at the discretion of the audition panel.’
How to Apply:
UCAS
Audition Fee:
UCAS: £22.50 for one choice or £27.00 for two-five choices
PLUS
For a First Round audition the fee is £15
If an applicant is successful and invited to a second round Audition Workshop, there is an additional fee of £30
Audition Fee Waiver Y/N and Criteria:
Yes, see below.
The University of Surrey is able to support eligible students who have applied to an undergraduate course at GSA, by waiving the audition fee for initial and recall auditions. To be eligible you must satisfy all of the essential criteria below, in addition to one of the listed Widening Participation and Outreach (WP&O) criteria.
If you meet the essential criteria below, you will be given the opportunity to apply for the waiver once we receive your application from UCAS.
Essential Criteria: You must meet all of the following criteria.
Home students (currently residing in the UK with a UK postcode)
Studying at a state-funded school or college
Invited to audition for GSA
WP&O Criteria: You must meet one of the following criteria.
Young person in local authority care/Care leaver
Estranged students
Young Adult Carer
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater students
Refugees
Students with a household income of £15,000 or below, or in receipt of free school meals (within the last 6 years) or in receipt of a 16-19 bursary
Students from areas of multiple deprivation (*see IMD look up tool below)
Students from low participation neighbourhoods (**see POLAR4 look up tools below)
More information including how to check your area/neighbourhood can be found HERE
Audition Locations:
First Round- Video
Recall Audition Workshop- you will be asked to take part in acting and movements sessions; you will also be asked to use your first round audition material as part of these sessions.
Travel Bursary Offered Y/N and Criteria:
-
Audition Process:
Auditions are held in two parts as follows:
First Round audition:
Applicants are asked to provide a link to video self-tapes of three audition pieces:
A speech from a published play written since 1960 lasting up to two minutes; and
A speech from a classic play, preferably Shakespeare, lasting up to two minutes; and
Your response to a source image provided by GSA making use of movement, text (either existing or self-written), song or a combination.
If you are invited to a Recall Audition Workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting and movements sessions; you will also be asked to use your first-round audition material as part of these sessions.
Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application.
Access Information for:
-Applicants:
If you have any special requirements or need assistance with your submission or application please email our admission team at admissions@surrey.ac.uk. We will do everything we can to ensure that they are in place when you come to audition or interview at GSA. Please note, we do not provide feedback.
-Students:
See the school’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page HERE
Any financial support/bursaries in place for students:
See University of Surrey Scholarships and Bursaries Page HERE
Information on Student Support Services:
-
Notable Alumni:
Brenda Blethyn OBE, Oliver James, Bill Nighy, Owen Teale, Celia Imrie, Jonjo O’Neill, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE, Billy Carter, Ian Kelsey, Rob Kazinsky, Chris Geere, Claire Cooper, Justin Fletcher MBE.
Application Deadline:
UCAS Deadline: 25th January 2023