The History of Italia Conti

Italia Conti has been leading the way in performing arts education for over a century.

Founded in 1911 by the visionary Italia Conti, the Academy was established to provide comprehensive training in theatre, dance, and musical performance. Italia Conti herself was a performer, choreographer, and teacher, passionate about combining technical precision with expressive artistry.

From its early years, the Academy distinguished itself by blending rigorous classical training with practical performance opportunities. Students were encouraged not only to master technique but also to develop confidence, stage presence, and creative intuition. This approach laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected performing arts institutions in the UK and beyond.

History of Italia Conti: Key Moments

1911, Founding of the Academy: Italia Conti established her school in London, aiming to provide comprehensive training in theatre, dance, and musical performance for young individuals.
1920s, Training Gertrude Lawrence: Conti’s mentorship of Gertrude Lawrence marked a significant moment in the Academy’s history, highlighting its role in nurturing future stars.
1930s, ‘Where the Rainbow Ends’: The Academy’s production of this play became a staple in London’s West End, showcasing the talent of its students.
1940, Destruction During WWII: On 10th May 1941, the Academy’s building was destroyed by a German bomb during the Blitz. Remarkably, no students were present at the time, as the production was on tour.
Post-War Revival: Despite the setback, the Academy quickly resumed operations, moving to a new location at 12 Archer Street in Soho, which Italia’s niece Ruth Conti helped secure. The building was originally missing a roof and planning permission, but Ruth undertook some serious fundraising to cover all the new building work.
1960s, Leadership Transition: In 1960, the school moved to Avondale, in Clapham, where the Acting Faculty remained until July 2022. In 1968, Ruth Conti passed the management of the school to trusted friends and colleagues, Eve & Don Sheward, although she continued teaching until she retired in 1977.
1980s, Accreditation: The Academy received recognition from the Department of Education and Science, allowing it to offer places to talented young people from diverse backgrounds.
1994, Introduction of BA (Hons) Acting Programme: The Academy expanded its offerings to include degree-level courses, further solidifying its status as a leading institution in performing arts education.
2004, Expansion to Guildford: The Italia Conti Arts Centre was established in Guildford by Samantha Newton (formerly Sheward), offering full-time Performing Arts courses, dance teacher training qualifications, and part-time programmes.
2016, Leadership and Legacy: Samantha Newton became Principal of both the Arts Centre and the Academy of Theatre Arts, and her daughter Hayley Newton Jarvis later joined as CEO, continuing the family’s legacy and guiding Italia Conti into a new era of performing arts excellence.
2022, Relocation to Woking: In August 2022, the Academy consolidated its operations into a new facility in Woking, Surrey, bringing together various departments under one roof.

Italia Conti: The Woman Behind the Academy

Italia Emily Stella Conti was a trailblazer in every sense. The daughter of an Opera singer, with a background in performance and choreography, she recognised the need for professional, structured training for young performers at a time when such opportunities were limited.

Her philosophy combined discipline, technical skill, and creative freedom, a balance that remains central to the Academy today. Conti’s vision created an institution that values versatility, resilience, and artistic expression, producing performers who excel across stage, screen, and teaching.

Legacy and Modern Practice

Today, Italia Conti continues to evolve while honouring its rich history. We offer comprehensive programmes across acting, dance, and musical theatre, as well as innovative outreach and international opportunities.

Alumni success across theatre, film, and television stands are a testament to 11 decades of excellence. From classical foundations to contemporary performance, Italia Conti remains a dream for performers who aspire to professional versatility, creative expression, and lifelong growth in the performing arts.