GSA Industry Mentoring 2025: What's In It For You?

Location: Bellairs Theatre, Ivy Arts Centre

Dates and times: Tuesday 21st January at 19:30-21:00

Gather in Bellairs theatre to hear about GSA mentoring and why it might be just the thing you want in 2025.

2025 is GSA’s 90th year and our focus is ‘Past, Present & Future’. We’d like to offer you the chance to take up mentoring while you’re here with us, as you think about your future as a GSA graduate.

Mentoring can take different forms, be informal and more formal or structured. Mentors are industry professionals, many of whom are GSA alumni.

GSA would like to introduce you to some different options and encourage you to consider signing up to a mentoring scheme or seeking out your own mentor. There is no cost to coming along to hear more, or to having a mentor!

We will have guest speakers who will share information on mentoring and how it works.

SurreyConnects Mentoring Scheme

SurreyConnects is our online community for graduates and students to stay connected, develop a network and share tips and advice. The SurreyConnects mentoring scheme, is a short-term, informal, mentoring scheme allowing students to connect with a graduate mentor and get advice and networking opportunities related to your career goals. This simple programme will create meaningful connections for mentors and mentees alike.

Previous mentors include:

Freelance actors

Stage management professionals

Playwrights

Teachers

Journalists

Laura White’s Page One Project mentoring

Laura is a graduate of GSA and set up the Page One Project in 2020.

The Page One Project began as a mentorship programme supporting drama school students following the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement resurgence. Since then, it has grown to champion inclusivity across West End and Touring productions, striving to create a more equitable arts industry. It was designed to serve as a support system, recognising the vital role of representation and community for individuals from racially diverse backgrounds in the arts. Laura and the team: "We've dedicated our time to research, study and listening, honing our expertise so we can do just that. To support, guide, and empower."

The growing team of mentors brings together a diverse pool of individuals with experience both on and off stage.

Mentees are paired with a mentor who offers personalised guidance, drawing on their own experiences. The role of the mentors is there to provide:

Non-judgmental listening and support.

Insight and encouragement to help mentees work towards their goals.

Guidance on maintaining well-being while navigating the challenges of the industry.


Previous mentors include Danielle Fiyamanya and James Phoon (both GSA alumni) as well as Fejiro Emasiobi, Nicole Raquel Dennis and many more.