Our vision for GSA
To build on the significant success of the GSA and in support of the University of Surrey’s strategy, we have outlined the following vision for the School.
A globally-leading university conservatoire and centre of creative excellence for specialised and intensive training, education and research in performer and technical theatre training and performance making. At its core a creative and reflective community of practitioners and researchers positively contributing to the social, economic, political and cultural challenges of the contemporary world.
Maintaining the unique nature of a conservatoire within a research led university requires teaching and research of the highest quality. It is vital that close engagement with the creative industries and the related sectors are combined with a robust conviction and communication of the benefits of its activities to industry and society.
We have great ambitions for GSA. The Advisory Board will help us achieve these ambitions by:
- Offering advice, guidance and ideas
- Providing motivation, encouragement and focus
- Promoting GSA within their own industries and networks
- Helping us secure investment
The Advisory Board’s terms of reference will be:
- To advise the School on projects which will have an impact on the achievement of GSA’s vision, mission and strategic goals.
- To act as advocates on behalf of the School to a variety of constituencies
- To assist the School in achieving sustained excellence across a broad range of criteria.
- To act as a sounding board for the School
Advisory Board Members
| Ashley Herman (Chair) | Deputy Chairman | Encore Tickets, Theatre Producer |
| Alex Armitage | Chief Executive | Noel Gay |
| Sian Alexander | Executive Director | Lyric Theatre Hammersmith |
| William Herman | General Manager | Jermyn Street Theatre, GSA Alumni |
| Bruce Guthrie | Theatre Director, GSA Alumni |
| Lucy Evans | Director of Faculty Operations | University of Surrey |
| David Dobson | Business Development Director | Really Useful Group |
| Chris Davis | Managing Director | Chris Davis Management |
| Irene Cotton | Casting Director |
| Yvie Burnett | Vocal Coach |
| Lisa Burger | Executive Director | National Theatre |
| Kevin McGrath OBE | Chair | McGrath Charitable Trust |
| Sarah Litchfield | University Secretary and Legal Counsel | University of Surrey |
| Alastair Lindsey-Renton | Agent | Curtis Brown Literary & Talent Agency, GSA Alumni |
| Kobna Holdbrook-Smith | Actor, GSA Alumni |
| Sean McNamara | Head of Guildford School of Acting, GSA Alumni |
| Prof Graham Miller | Executive Dean, FASS | University of Surrey |
| Robert Noble | Deputy Managing Director | Cameron Mackintosh Productions |
| Hugh Wooldridge | Theatre Director |
| Fiona Thomas | Vice-President | Disney Theatrical Europe |
| Paul Taylor-Mills | Theatre Producer |
| Ian Talbot | Theatre Director |
| Sean Sweeney | Theatre Producer | Charing Cross Theatre |
| Luke Shires | Managing Director | Joe Public Marketing |
| Mark Shenton | Theatre Critic |
| David Sharkey | Chief Operating Officer | University of Surrey |
| Jan Sawkins | Member of Council | University of Surrey |
| Chris Ryan | Commercial Director | Encore Tickets |
| Peter Polycarpou | Actor/Director |