GUILDFORD ASSOCIATES
Phone contact: 01483 568070
Italia Conti has always recognised that the industry demands excellent standards of training in all areas. Our aim has always been to develop courses to fulfil these goals.
Italia Conti’s reputation is renowned throughout the World and the request for the training it offers outstretches the commuting practicalities of just a London-based centre.
Demand resulted in the opening of some part-time Associate Schools throughout the Country, Guildford Associate being the first to open in 1994.
No audition is required as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities.
Classes are offered to students between 1 and 18 years. Whether it’s for recreation, physical and social development or as a serious step towards a long-term career in performing arts, the emphasis is on enjoyment and first-class training.
Our School delivers excellent classes all week including Ballet, Tap, Street, Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing, Jazz/Contemporary, and Modern.
Carrie has been the sole Principal of Italia Conti Associates Guildford since 2022. However, her connection with the School extends much further back, as she has been involved with it since it’s opening in 1994 due to its status as a family business. This long-standing relationship highlights her deep-rooted commitment and extensive experience with the institution.
From 2002 until 2010, Carrie worked as an Agent for the Italia Conti Agency, representing children and young adults in TV, film, and theatre. During this time, she played a key role in securing roles for her clients, including opportunities in the TV shows Coronation Street & Hollyoaks, Theatre work including Billy Elliot the Musical and supporting roles in all the Harry Potter movies.
In 2010, Carrie moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she started a family. Three years later, in 2013, she returned to Guildford, Surrey, and resumed her work at Italia Conti Associates Guildford, continuing her involvement with the family business.
Carrie is committed to providing an inviting and welcoming environment at Italia Conti Associates Guildford. She aims to instil confidence and self-belief in each student throughout their learning journey, believing that confident management is key to fostering these qualities.
Playful and creative classes which will develop self-confidence and communication skills through the exploration of theatricality, performance techniques, stage and screen craft. Students will work with a variety of material and performance techniques, including contemporary and classical texts, devising, improvisation, camera, and physical theatre.
Classes that teach work ethic and class etiquette, perseverance, dedication, motivation, stamina, flexibility and strength. Ballet helps dancers grow and become disciplined. It gives students an understanding of good posture, developing technique which they will use to support all other forms of dance.
Jazz Dance is the ideal way to build your all round dance skills. It draws the best from all different styles but concentrates on the technical aspects of dance like kicks, jumps, leaps & turns. Combining it with contemporary dance which explores the quality of movement and dynamics, this class will allow students to fully connect with musicality and expression, led by experienced practitioners in a nurturing and safe environment
These classes are designed to give the dancer style. Focussing on core strength, posture and technique, we follow the ISTD syllabus and offer structured graded classes.
Working on the combined elements of dancing, singing and acting to create exciting and believable, ‘triple threat’ performances. Musical Theatre is unique to Italia Conti due to training in performance-based classes.
Students build a lot of confidence in these classes by combining acting, singing and dance skills in production numbers from West End, Broadway Musicals and films.
Teachers encourage pupils to develop and use their personalities as learning is developed across all 3 performance skills.
Group ensemble singing classes with exciting and varied repertoire from Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. As confidence and ability grow in our safe, friendly and supportive classes, students will enjoy the opportunity to sing solo if they desire.
Street dance is the umbrella that holds the 5 dance styles we know as:-
This is a chance for students of all dancing abilities to learn the latest street dance styles.
This genre of dance requires strength, agility and acrobatic skills, all of which students achieve through innovative coaching.
Tap classes will develop their rhythm, theatricality, timing, and how to express emotion and feeling with the music. These classes will explore technique, stagecraft, teamwork, and artistry. Different styles of tap will be touched upon, with a strong element of fun. One of the main aims is to grow their self-confidence over time to perform in front of others with ease.
We welcome students from 1 – 18 years
The Arts Centre, 221 Epsom Rd, Merrow, Guildford, GU1 2RE
AND
St John’s Centre, 222 Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford, GU4 7AA
No audition is required for our Saturday classes as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities. We offer a free trial session before you commit to enrolling. This can be arranged by emailing
Uniforms can be purchased/ordered on Saturdays from the main reception or online by logging into our pupil portal.
The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance at Italia Conti Associates.
Our students are taught and cared for by experienced, trained, DBS checked staff. A minimum of two trained First Aiders are always present.
We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them to sessions.
30 MINUTE CLASSES
Per academic term
1 – 2 Classes | £55 3 – 4 Classes | £50
45 MINUTE CLASS
£70
1 HOUR CLASSES
1 – 2 Classes | £90 3 – 4 Classes | £85 5 – 6 Classes | £80
Spring Term 2025
Saturday 11 Jan to 29 March 2025 Half term on 15 & 22 February 2025.
Summer Term 2025
26 April to 12 July Half term on 24 and 31 May 2025
Italia Conti Associates Schools regularly take part in productions to showcase their work and this is often a highlight of the year for many students. Those at the appropriate standard may also have the opportunity to take dance and acting exams and gain qualifications and certificates with the exam boards.
We are able to put forward exceptional students for representation by the Italia Conti Agency which finds work for young people in the performing arts. The Agency has placed many young performers in professional work from roles in West End theatre to film, television and commercials.
Italia Conti Associates Guildford is proud to introduce Pro Prep, our newest course designed for aspiring young performers aged 10-12. This two-day program offers students a comprehensive introduction to all-round performing arts training. Through a structured timetable, participants will experience a variety of classes, gaining a firsthand understanding of the full range of training offered at Italia Conti Associates Guildford. Perfect for those taking their first steps into the world of performing arts!
This course includes a range of classes:
Thursday: 5.15pm – 7.15pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Students are only accepted between the ages of 10 – 12 years.
Classes are timetabled on age ranges. This is in order for students to develop to their full potential. Students will start ISTD dance classes at Grade 3 unless they are already working at a higher level.
No audition is required for this course as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities.
Students are required to wear the Italia Conti Associate uniform, and appropriate shoes for specific classes. Uniform can be tried and purchased at our onsite shop, or from our online store.
Students will be in the care of experienced house staff during class hours and student safety is of the utmost importance. We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them.
Many of our students progress onto the Advanced Professional Course and eventually onto our full-time training courses. The Teen Foundation Course is the perfect stepping stone for this.
Before application, students may take part in a free trial day to ensure the course is suited for them. Please contact us to book your free trial day (subject to availability).
Registration fees are non-refundable. This fee acts as both an administration fee for processing your application and holding your place on the course.
In line with our admissions policy, the Associates reserves the right to alter or withdraw offers at any point.
Students are given the opportunity to take part in our bi-yearly show, plus various in house performances and events throughout the year.
Those with the necessary standards may be entered for ISTD dance or LAMDA acting exams.
Tuition Fees: £540 per academic term Registration Fee: £5, paid upon application Exam Fees: Paid in addition to class fees where applicable
The Teen Foundation Course is one of the oldest and most established foundation courses in the Country, successfully preparing students to go onto our Advanced Professional Course and then, our full-time courses.
This part-time course is comprised of energetic faculty who are specifically dedicated to older students. The Teen Foundation curriculum is designed to provide the most rigorous introductory courses necessary for an education in performing arts.
This course has been designed to introduce students between the ages of 13 – 18 years to the skills required to pursue a successful career in the performing arts:
The approach of the part-time Teen Foundation in Performing Arts course is one of ‘theatre-as-playing’ in an ensemble or company context.
Throughout the duration of the course, you will engage in all aspects of production, from rehearsal techniques to performance. As a Teen Foundation Course student you will have the practical know-how and knowledge necessary to be able to begin ‘to re-invent form’ in the theatre. In Acting we will introduce you to the ‘art of playing’ as an overarching framework for gaining and practising performance skills and for understanding performance.
You will compose and perform short pieces, and you will gain experience in practical theatre-craft. You will concentrate on musical production and performance. This will develop your understanding of performance through practical engagement, and help y
Thursday, 5.15pm – 8.15pm Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Students are only accepted between the ages of 13 – 18 years.
Classes are timetabled to suit individual abilities and/or age ranges. This is in order for students to develop to their full potential. Students will start ISTD dance classes at Grade 4 unless they are already working at a higher level.
Tuition Fees: £572.75 per academic term Registration Fee: £10, paid upon application Exam Fees: Paid in addition to class fees where applicable
The Pro Course is a unique programme offering students the opportunity to train at a professional stage school whilst remaining at their own academic school. The Professional Course is the perfect pre-training course before full-time training.
Guildford Associates selects talented students for their individuality and the training process is designed to nurture confidence, self-esteem, acknowledgement of personal strengths and the true fulfilment of technical and artistic potential in order that they can confidently demonstrate and respond to the needs of an ever changing and demanding profession.
The aim of Italia Conti has always been to provide a thorough education and training. Learners are nurtured by a staff of enthusiastic, professional experts using the latest teaching methods, making each course subject practical, informative and interesting while retaining traditional values. We can look back with pride secure in the knowledge that our students enter the profession with the necessary skills, having also been encouraged to develop their social talents and to evolve a set of standards essential for personal and professional fulfilment. Italia Conti students receive the unique benefits of training based on over 100 years of knowledge and experience geared to the needs of the present day.
Our professional course students have all been carefully selected. Prospective students are auditioned and interviewed and only those with the potential to become professional performers are offered a place. Successful students will join classes in either their relevant age group or the grade they are working at. Our courses provide students with the opportunity to receive a full and thorough training in all aspects of dance, acting and singing and to learn a wide range of performance skills, including voice work, under the expert supervision of the Associate school staff. Great care is taken to tailor vocational classes to the ability of each student and timetables are structured to ensure that each student receives maximum benefit.
Progress is carefully monitored and regular assessments are made. All our students undertake an exciting variety of projects including regular in-house and public workshops. Visiting Directors lead productions that aim for the highest possible standards at public performance.
In return, we expect our students to be dedicated, committed and self-motivated. We cultivate performance, style and technique and encourage our students to develop personal qualities including the sound moral values, self-discipline and good manners that make them valued members of any group or company. Our graduates are acknowledged throughout the world for their talent, their versatility and their professional approach to performance.
Thursday: 5.15pm – 8.15pm Friday: 5.15pm – 8.15pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Students are only accepted between the ages of 9 – 18 years.
Instruction is offered to students to suit ability and/or age range in the following groups:
Entrance to the Professional Course is by audition only. This is to ensure students are of the correct standard to meet the course requirements. Further information about the audition process can be found below. Students will also be required to provide a reference from their School upon application. This is to ensure they are academically able to cope with their school work as well as the time commitment to the Professional course.
Application to the Professional Course can be made using our online application form. Applicants must complete the form and pay the audition fee (£35) in order to confirm your audition place. Upon receiving your application we will contact you with your audition date and further information.
Audition fees are non-refundable. This fee acts as both an administration fee for processing your application and holding your place on the audition day.
Students are also encouraged to take vocational ISTD dance or LAMDA acting exams.
Tuition Fees: £818.20 per academic term Audition Fee: £35 (non-refundable) Deposit: £250 (deducted from first terms fees) Exam Fees: Paid in addition to class fees where applicable
The entrance audition comprises of four components – Dance, Acting, Singing and Interview. The audition process is designed to ensure that prospective students meet the criteria for a performing arts training including a demonstration of prior knowledge and a good understanding of the commitment the Professional Course requires.
All four audition components will take place on the same day, and candidates should be prepared to spend at least half a day at the audition. You may wish to bring lunch or a snack to the audition, as breaks between sections will not be long enough to leave the audition site. Also, please note that family and friends will not be permitted to observe the audition and depending on the set-up of the audition site may not be able to have contact with the applicant until their audition is finished.
SOLO PERFORMANCE
Auditionees are asked to prepare two dance pieces in contrasting styles – each no longer than one minute. This should showcase your strengths and highlight any special skills.
REQUIRED DRESS
Clothing and dance shoes that are suitable for dance and appropriate for the styles chosen. No loose clothing is permitted. Hair should be neat and secured. No loose jewellery or watches to be worn. Please bring your music on an iPod or suitable device with an aux cable connection (please bring an adaptor if you have a new iPhone or device which is not compatible with an aux cable).
MONOLOGUE
Auditionees are asked to prepare one speech in any style – no longer than one and a half minutes long. You may be asked to workshop your speech with the panel.
Auditionees should wear comfortable fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterization. Auditionees should also bring a copy of their monologue for the panel.
SOLO SONG
Auditionees should prepare one song of any style, performed to a backing track – each one no longer than one and a half minutes. The song will be seen by the panel and assessed against the audition criteria.
Auditionees should wear comfortable, fitted rehearsal wear that best represents you and/or helps with your characterisation. Please bring your music on an iPod or suitable device with an aux cable connection (please bring an adaptor if you have a new iPhone or device which is not compatible with an aux cable).
Once auditionees have completed the Acting, Singing and Dance stages of their audition they may be required for Interview. The purpose of the interview is to gain insight into the student’s interests outside of the rehearsal studio, his/her personal and professional goals and to help assess whether the student is intellectually and emotionally ready to enter a rigorous training environment. It is also an opportunity for auditionees, to ask any questions they may have regarding the Professional Course.
Please note: resumes, headshots, videos, and other portfolio materials are NOT required or necessary. Please do not bring such materials to the audition.