GSA

GSA:

This day was absolutely brilliant and regardless of whether I get recalled or not I would highly recommend applying to GSA not only for the experience of their audition but because they, as a school, are absolutely brilliant. Upon arriving we were met by current students who were incredibly kind and talked to us about the school in general. Once everyone had arrived (there were about 20 of us, but I've heard in the later audition there can be upwards of 40) we went into a studio. Unlike Guildhall we were met by the current staff, the movement director, the head of acting and the professional acting life teacher (for want of a better phrase). They were funny, kind and encouraging (telling awful jokes throughout the day). It didn't feel like an audition, it felt like a lesson (in the best possible way). The movement workshop took about an hour (I think, but it was so fun time went really quickly). We learned the alphabet of physical movements then were told to associate an emotion with each movement. We then made our own sequence of movements and made a space in the centre of the room. Music was played and we all crossed the room using our movements but interacting with each other. They change this every audition, but it would be something similar. It was incredibly fun.

After a short break we went into the acting workshop where you perform your monologues in front of all the other applicants. I thought this would be awful (and competitive) but it actually felt incredibly safe and supportive - everyone was rooting for each other to do well (and even the head of acting commented on this at the end). We could get up and do our speeches when we wanted (so in not particular order of each other) but we only had to do one. I went first because, well, why not? It went well and I really enjoyed watching everyone else.  They encouraged us to use everyone else, so we could pick someone to stand up and use them as the person we are talking to.

Another note to mention is that they specifically told us they do not look at our ages, stating "you are ready when you're ready", so the ages in the students we met varied wildly. This is a great place to go if you're younger and think you'll be discriminated against for your age at other drama schools. 

We all then departed after a quick Q&A and I'll find out in a few weeks if I get recalled. 

I loved the day so much and I made so many new friends and learned new techniques. It was so good. I came out of it buzzing. It was friendly and kind and I think everyone honestly just wanted everyone to do well. I'll be disappointed if I don't get recalled but I would definitely audition again in years to come.