Our research, which encompasses traditional and practice-based forms, addresses the past, present and future of performance, in history and in contemporary culture. It ranges from Shakespeare to applied performance and includes work in theatre history, contemporary dance, actor training, musical theatre, performance and cognitive science, mental health and disability arts, with a particular emphasis on pedagogic research.

Our current research projects, which are underpinned by the School’s commitment to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in training, the acting profession and beyond, include collaborations with the School of Psychology, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, the Institute of Education and the Centre for Translation Studies.

As a university conservatoire, we benefit from a close relationship between scholarship, performer training and the theatre industry.

Guildford School of Acting is home to the Surrey Shakespeare Centre.

We offer postgraduate research supervision in all of these areas. For more information visit our Postgraduate research page.                   

Professor Robert Shaughnessy Director of Research, GSA