MTEA conference at GSA

The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) hosted the Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance from 23-25 July 2024.

Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance

‘MTEA is an international community of professional scholars and artists that are a primary resource for collaboration, camaraderie, information sharing, and support for the strengthening and development of musical theatre educators.

We are united by a love of musical theatre and encourage the development of, and commitment to, the highest current standards in education and training. We provide support to the musical theatre community by promoting discussion and dissemination of musical theatre pedagogy through an anti-racist and inclusive lens, across all aspects of identity.’

Delegates at Musical Theatre Educators Alliance conference, July 2024

Harmony across borders

With a theme of ‘Harmony across borders’, more than 60 delegates attended from around the globe, including from the USA, Australia, the UAE, and Rwanda at GSA for three days in July. Between them they delivered 30 presentations and panel sharing a rich reservoir of insight, knowledge and best practice and forging relationships that will lead to exciting future projects.

Fifteen GSA staff attended and four of them; Dance Lecturer Rachael Kerridge, BA Musical Theatre Programme Leader Stewart Nicholls, Singing Lecturer Rachael Owens, Head of Singing Kevin Michael Cripps presented papers or panels. Conference host and GSA Head of Musical Theatre, Dr Julian Woolford hosted panels, conversations and a cabaret.

This was my first time attending and also presenting at the MTEA conference. What a wonderful experience! It was so lovely to be surrounded by a like-minded 'family' of colleagues and now new friends. I felt so welcome, the range of discussions and information sharing was so useful and informative. I am looking forward to my next opportunity to be part of such an exciting and innovative collective. It is so important to learn from each other and find ways to keep musical theatre education relevant and forward thinking. Thank you all for making this happen.

Rachael Kerridge, GSA Dance Lecturer

Among many presentations were those on Training the United Arab Emirates, Diversifying Repertoire in the 21^st Century, Theatrical Intimacy for the Global Community and Digital Wellness. A group of GSA postgraduate students also attended and acted as ambassadors for the University of Surrey.

Keynote speakers

A diverse range of keynote speakers gave fascinating insights into training, performing and pedagogy.

The American actor Tori Scott, who is currently appearing in Guys and Dolls in the West End, spoke about her experiences on each side of the Atlantic as an actor in musical theatre.

It was an absolute pleasure to host this year’s MTEA conference at the Guildford School of Acting. The experience was nothing short of remarkable, as we gathered with educators and professionals from around the globe to engage in deep, meaningful exchanges. The atmosphere at GSA was incredibly welcoming, and the collaborative spirit among participants was truly inspiring. The energy, creativity, and passion shared throughout the conference reaffirmed our commitment to advancing musical theatre education on a global scale. We are deeply grateful to the GSA team for their exceptional hospitality and look forward to many more opportunities for collaboration.

Jessica Humphrey, President, Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance

Melanie Le Barrie, who created roles in Matilda and Mary Poppins in the West End, and whose creation of the role Angelique in &Juliet took her from Manchester to Broadway appeared in conversation with Julian Woolford with a hilarious and moving account of how, as a black performer, she has blazed a trail for Global Majority actors in musical theatre.

Doyenne vocal specialists Gillyanne Keyes and Mary Hammond gave presentations that prompted reflection in the sector. Gillyanne Keyes led breakout sessions discussing six major aspects of inclusionary practice in the conservatoire environment. Mary Hammond drew on her wealth of experience in working with everyone from West End performers to Coldplay and Rekha Dosaj gave a vitally interesting presentation on EDI issues in musical theatre today.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about all their individual experiences from teaching around the globe.

Libby Eve Taylor Welch, MA Musical Theatre student

New British musicals panel

Key players in the current new wave of British musical theatre appeared in a panel conversation talking about the phenomenon and the way in which the industry has changed in the last ten years. Julian Woolford hosted Matthew Floyd Jones, author of Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder; Jethro Compton, author and director of The Strange Case of Benjamin Button; Sarah Meadows, director of Ride and Marie Curie; James Pearson, casting director of Six and Operation Mincemeat; Grace Mouat, star of Six, &Juliet and currently appearing in Mean Girls and Dr Gus Gowland, author of Out of the Darkness: Contemporary British Musicals who gave fascinating insights into the industry, the creative process and the state of the art. This session can be viewed on YouTube.

What a privilege and honour to participate in this summer’s MTEA conference here in the UK. This was an invaluable opportunity to spend quality time in the company of fellow teachers from all over the world, sharing ideas, comparing notes, presenting research, and making connections. I was struck by the collaborative, supportive, and inclusive participation of everyone involved. I am very much looking forward to continuing my relationship with the MTEA and its wonderful members that I proudly call my global colleagues and friends. Thank you for joining us at GSA!

Kevin Michael Cripps, Head of Singing, Guildford School of Acting

Cabaret

GSA current students and alumni appeared in cabaret, with musical direction by Kevin Michael Cripps. Postgraduate students Carmen Zhu, Libby Eve Taylor Welch (MA Musical Theatre) appeared alongside recent graduates Giannine Tan (MFA Musical Theatre) and Andrew Maxwell (BA Musical Theatre). They were joined by two 2023 BA Musical Theatre alumni, Harry Lake and Rosie Church, who are both currently appearing in Les Misérables in the West End. It was a joyous musical celebration of the talent of GSA students.