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- Associates
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- Guildford Associates School
Guildford Associates School
- The Arts Centre, 221 Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford, GU1 2RE
- What3Words: sound.atom.jacket
- St John's Centre, 222 Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford, GU4 7AA
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About Us
Italia Conti has always recognised that the industry demands excellent standards of training in all areas. Our aim has always been to develop courses that fulfil these goals.
Italia Conti’s reputation is renowned throughout the world, and demand for the training resulted in the opening of part-time Associate Schools across the country, with Guildford Associates becoming 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 is for recreation, physical and social development, or as a serious step towards a long-term career in the performing arts, the emphasis is always on enjoyment and first-class training.
Our school delivers classes throughout the week including:
- Ballet
- Tap
- Street
- Musical Theatre
- Acting
- Singing
- Jazz / Contemporary
- Modern
Guildford Associates is unique amongst Associate Schools, operating across Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays rather than only Saturdays.
Timetable
Termly Fees
- Saturday Open Classes
- 30-Minute Classes
- 1-2 classes: £55 per academic term
- 3-4 classes: £50 per academic term
- 45-Minute Classes
- £70 per academic term
- 1-Hour Classes
- 1-2 classes: £90 per academic term
- 3-4 classes: £85 per academic term
- 5-6 classes: £80 per academic term
- Pro Prep Course Fees
- Tuition
- £540 per academic term
- Registration Fee
- £5 non-refundable fee payable upon application.
- Exam Fees
- Paid separately where applicable.
- Teen Foundation Course Fees
- Tuition
- £572.75 per academic term including VAT.
- Registration Fee
- £10 non-refundable fee payable upon application.
- Exam Fees
- Paid separately where applicable.
- Professional Course Fees
- Tuition
- £818.20 per academic term including VAT.
- Audition Fee
- £35 non-refundable fee payable upon application.
- Deposit
- £250 deposit deducted from first term fees.
- Exam Fees
- Paid separately where applicable.
Other Fees
- Exam Fees: Paid where applicable.
- Saturday Open Classes
- 30-Minute Classes
- 1-2 classes: £55 per academic term
- 3-4 classes: £50 per academic term
- 45-Minute Classes
- £70 per academic term
- 1-Hour Classes
- 1-2 classes: £90 per academic term
- 3-4 classes: £85 per academic term
- 5-6 classes: £80 per academic term
- Pro Prep Course Fees
- Tuition
- £540 per academic term
- Registration Fee
- £5 non-refundable fee payable upon application.
- Exam Fees
- Paid separately where applicable.
What We Do
Saturday Open Classes
No audition required.
Subjects include:
- Acting
- ISTD Ballet
- Jazz / Contemporary
- ISTD Modern
- Musical Theatre
- Singing
- Street
- ISTD Tap
Acting
Creative classes developing confidence, communication skills, theatricality, and performance technique through stage and screen work.
Students explore improvisation, devising, physical theatre, and contemporary and classical texts.
ISTD Ballet
Classes develop posture, flexibility, stamina, discipline, strength, and technical understanding to support all dance forms.
Jazz / Contemporary
Students develop kicks, leaps, jumps, turns, musicality, movement quality, and expressive performance skills.
ISTD Modern
Musical Theatre
Performance-based triple-threat training combining acting, singing, and dancing through repertoire from the West End, Broadway, and film.
Singing
Group ensemble singing classes featuring Musical Theatre, Pop, and Rock repertoire with opportunities for solo work in a supportive environment.
Street
Classes cover Hip Hop, House, Locking, Breaking, and Popping, developing agility, strength, and coordination.
ISTD Tap
Tap classes develop rhythm, timing, stagecraft, musicality, and confidence through a variety of styles.
Pro Prep Course
A specialist two-day course for students aged 10-12 introducing all-round professional performing arts training.
Classes include:
- Acting
- Ballet
- Jazz / Contemporary
- LAMDA
- Modern
- Musical Theatre
- Singing
- Street
- Tap
- Course Times:
- Thursday: 5.15pm – 7.15pm
- Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Teen Foundation Course
One of the UK’s longest-established part-time foundation courses for students aged 13-18.
Students receive advanced ensemble-based training across all performing arts disciplines with a focus on theatre craft and musical production.
Course Times:
- Thursday: 5.15pm – 8.15pm
- Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Professional Course
A vocational training programme allowing students to train professionally whilst remaining at their academic school.
Training focuses on confidence, technical skill, artistry, discipline, and personal development.
Course Times:
- Thursday: 5.15pm – 8.15pm
- Friday: 5.15pm – 8.15pm
- Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Carrie Robinson
Principal
Carrie has been the sole Principal of Italia Conti Associates Guildford since 2022, although her connection to the school dates back to its opening in 1994 as part of the family business.
From 2002 until 2010, Carrie worked as an Agent for the Italia Conti Agency, representing children and young adults across television, film, and theatre.
During this period, she secured professional roles for clients in:
- Coronation Street
- Hollyoaks
- Billy Elliot The Musical
- The Harry Potter film series
In 2010, Carrie moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she started a family before returning to Guildford in 2013 and resuming work at Italia Conti Associates Guildford.
Carrie is passionate about creating an inviting and supportive environment where students develop confidence and self-belief throughout their training journey.
Book a Free Trial
Free trial sessions are available for:
- Saturday Open Classes
- Pro Prep Course
- Teen Foundation Course
Free trial days are subject to availability.
Professional Course applicants must audition and are not eligible for a free trial.Term Dates
2025/2026
Autumn Term 2025
12 September - 29 November 2025
Half Term:
- 25 October
- Week commencing 27 October 2025
Spring Term 2026
10 January - 21 March 2026
Half Term:
- Week commencing 16 February 2026
Summer Term 2026
18 April 2026 - 4 July 2026
Half Term:
- 30 May 2026
- 6 June 2026
Entry Requirements
Age Range
Saturday Open Classes:
1 to 18 years
Pro Prep Course:10 to 12 years
Teen Foundation Course:13 to 18 years
Professional Course:9 to 18 years
Saturday Open Classes
No audition required. Free trial sessions are available before enrolling.
Pro Prep Course
No audition required. Free trial day available before application, subject to availability. Registration fee: £5 non-refundable.
Teen Foundation Course
No audition required. Free trial day available before application, subject to availability. Registration fee: £10 non-refundable.
Professional Course
Audition required. Audition fee: £35 non-refundable. Applicants must also provide a school reference confirming they can balance academic studies alongside course commitments
Audition Process
Dance Audition
Two contrasting dance pieces, each no longer than one minute.
Acting AuditionOne monologue, maximum one and a half minutes.
Singing AuditionOne song performed to a backing track, maximum one and a half minutes.
InterviewCandidates discuss goals, interests, and readiness for professional-level training.
Family and friends are not permitted to observe auditions.
Uniform
Students are required to wear the Italia Conti Associate uniform alongside appropriate footwear for each discipline.
Uniform Shop: https://pandr.online/collections/italia-conti-associates
Additional Information
The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance at Italia Conti Associates.
Students are taught and cared for by experienced, trained, DBS-checked staff, and a minimum of two trained First Aiders are always present.
Students are supervised by experienced house staff during class hours.
We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them to sessions.
Many students progress through Guildford's structured training pathway:
- Saturday Open Classes
- Pro Prep Course
- Teen Foundation Course
- Professional Course
- Full-time Italia Conti Academy training in Woking
This progression pathway prepares students for advanced vocational and professional training.
All three advanced courses include:
- Bi-yearly show opportunities
- In-house performances and events
- ISTD dance examinations
- LAMDA acting examinations
Students regularly take part in productions and showcase performances throughout the year.
Exceptional students may be put forward for representation by the Italia Conti Agency.
The Agency has secured professional work for young performers across:
- West End theatre
- Film
- Television
- Commercials
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free trial session — no audition, no commitment.