Joel Wisti

Why did you choose to come to Surrey? What appealed to you?  

The first time I visited Surrey in person wasn’t until the day I moved into accommodation, so the only factor informing my decision came from researching online. I knew I wanted to study someplace where community and a sense of home and family was fundamental. When reading students impressions of the school, Guildford School of Acting seemed to match my desire. To study at one of the top drama schools in the country whilst simultaneously being part of a university seemed like a dream, and lo and behold, it was. You get to spend your days in the warm and friendly bubble that is GSA and then go out and enjoy all the amenities and communities that are available to you on campus. It truly is the best of both worlds.  

What was your first impression when you got here?  

The thing that really stood out to me when I started my training at GSA was a warm feeling of individuality and community. Staying true to who I am as an artist and a person has always been important to me. At GSA you really do get acknowledged as an individual, rather than a number. I find this to be a vital point in any training, especially when studying something as vulnerable as performing arts.  

Why are you passionate about your subject?  

Growing up I was the kid who wanted to do all things creative. Singing, dancing, acting, painting, even juggling. When I discovered there was an occupation that combined three of my favourite forms of expression, I instantly knew this was the right path for me. Exploring characters and situations through speech, song and movement is fun and light-hearted, but also deep and complex at the same time. By performing and playing you learn so much about yourself physically and emotionally. Without the arts I would be far from the person I am today.  

What do you like about your course and why? 

Something we were told from day one, which I think really represents the course, is that you are on your own individual journey during your time at GSA. Sure, you have the mutual support from your classmates and friends that you’re working with, but when it comes to your takeaway from the training it really is about you. We all come in with completely different skill sets. Someone might have been in tap class since they were three years old, and someone else might be a classically trained soprano. GSA is phenomenal in training you from the point you're at when you begin.  

Who are your favourite academics and why?  

What I found during my years at GSA is that all the tutors have their own valuable advice to give. The staff have all had widely varied careers and have their personal take on the industry. They’re all incredible at teaching the skills of their respective disciplines but will at the same time make sure you are prepared for the life of a performer and everything else that entails, which I think is equally important.  

What were the facilities like on your course? 

Given the fact that your training takes place on a university campus you have access to a wide variety of facilities. There’s cafes and shops, and the library has every book under the sun, including an impressive range of sheet music to print off. You can always book studios to practise, including weekends, which has been a great perk to keep on top of my studies these past few years.  

Are you part of any clubs or societies? 

I’m not part of any society on campus, but I have found that the international camaraderie at GSA is incredible. Moving from Sweden to another country to study at GSA was quite tough, and it can be terrifying knowing that you’re the only one in your year who speaks your native language. The culture is different, and all your classmates seem to be speaking in new British slang that you haven’t been taught yet. However, at GSA you will find students from all over the world who are in a similar situation, and it really helps to speak to another international who really understands and relates. GSA is such a tight-knit and welcoming family, and it doesn’t take long from the point you step through the doors until you feel completely at home. Great international community.  

What has been your best moment at Surrey so far?  

The best few weeks of GSA for me was rehearsing and performing our spring production 'High Spirits', the musical version of Noël Coward’s classic 'Blithe Spirit', where I got to play the role of Charles Condomine. Leading a show in not only my second language, but with an accent that was foreign to me, was not something I saw in the cards when I moved from my hometown in Sweden. It was the biggest challenge I have ever faced but ended up being a total dream. Working with such an incredible team really helped me find my character in the show, and it ignited my passion for musical theatre tenfold.  

How has your time at Surrey had an impact on you?  

I have learned so much about myself during my years at GSA, but there are two distinct things that I will carry with me forever. The first is to not take life too seriously. Sure, you need to take your studies seriously, but you won’t be able to do so if you don’t have fun at the same time. The second thing is to always BE BOLD! Make bold choices, and if it doesn’t happen to be the right choice at least then you know. That’s how we learn.