TESTIMONIALS
What past students have to say
Shannon Croker
Chichester University
BSA is the best place to go for gap year training in Musical Theatre and Acting. I loved my time at BSA and learned so many new skills, from how to analyse a piece of script and sing as part of an ensemble, to tap and stage combat. BSA also offers so many invaluable experiences such as meeting and working with industry professionals, and workshop visits to the top London drama schools such and Guildford School of Acting and Trinity Laban Conservatoire. With regular performance opportunities, both as a group and solo, you are able to grow and develop as a performer. I wouldn't have the confidence and skills that I have today if I hadn't have gone to BSA and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the industry.
Finley Hodges
Royal Holloway
Beginning the course in September, I was immediately able to make new friends and to discover ways to improve my performance. Our acting theory lessons were very informative and helpful, classes which incorporated the very relevant teachings of Stanislavski, and our repetoire lessons helped us a lot in learning about the dos and don’ts when attending auditions, which is a subject that Tristan has excellent knowledge on. Furthermore, the stage combat and music theory courses were both very interesting and fun to have, experiences I am glad BSA provided me with. BSA is a place which gives its students a deep understanding of the art of performance and is suitable for anyone interested in theatre and/or intending to pursue a career as an actor.
Emma Aspray
Trinity Laban
Thank you so much for everything you have done for us all this past year, it honestly has just been above and beyond and I will be forever thankful. I have seen so many changes in myself both performance wise and personally happen over this year and I am a much more confident person both in my performance and myself in general, it’s your tough love both in this and so many other things that is just so inspiring and beneficial. I don’t think I would have achieved anything that I have this year with auditions and schools everything if it hadn’t been for BSA so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Tim Cooper
Guildford School of Acting
I attended Guildford School of Acting between 2009-2012, a school I was first introduced to by Tristan Carter. Before GSA I attended Bath college, Tristan was teaching my year. Very quickly he identified that perhaps I was a little more invested then others and coached me for drama school auditioning. Before such time, I had no clue about schools, where was good/bad or even whether I was to do acting or MT. Tristan didn't just prepare me for the audition, but made me consider what was a smart decision for my skill set in the arts. A mantra I hold with me. I think my training started in Bath with Tristan. I'm lucky enough to say I make the majority of my living through acting, something I might not thought possible if it wasn't for people like Tristan.
Harry Ross
Royal Academy of Music
Tristan was Head of Drama in my final year at Downside School. In this year, we performed Phantom of the Opera, a production that would not have been possible without his expertise. Before this production I personally had not thought about going onto the stage but with his inspirational guidance I was able to do a performance I was proud of. Tristan guided me on how to portray the role of The Phantom -such a complicated character - convincingly, using a range of emotions. Since this production I have had the confidence to pursue a career in Opera. Tristan often went above and beyond such as organising extra rehearsals during evening prep, which we all really appreciated. I always looked forward to Tristan's rehearsals due to their enjoyable and productive atmosphere.
Allegra Marland
Mountview
I can't think of a better person to guide you through the beginning of a career in this industry.
Allegra trained at Mountview on the acting course. Since graduating she has work on Father Brown (BBC One), Goodbye Christopher Robin (Fox Searchlight), and has acquired several London based theatre credits including After October at The Finborough Theatre.
Sabrina Messer
Drama Centre London
Tristan was my acting teacher for almost four years and I can honestly say he is one of the main reasons I got accepted to The Drama Centre London.
I’ve found a lot of what I’ve learnt at Drama Centre - the foundation had already been built by Tristan! I still use the warm ups he used to lead me through! I also still refer to my repertoire folder - I’m spoiled for choice when I need audition material! He knows his stuff!
His knowledge of repertoire, both contemporary and classical is vast! He is always specific in the plays and pieces he choses for his pupils to explore, making sure it’s suitable and exciting for you. I also felt encouraged to find repertoire that I loved - it was a collaboration.
Having trained himself, his experience and honesty about the cut throat audition process and the industry itself never left me in the dark of what I was heading in to. Yet, I always felt encouraged and inspired!
I’m extremely and eternally grateful to Tristan for his guidance, support and brutal honesty! I’m a much better actor for it!
Charlotte Hill
Newcastle University
I am currently studying English and Creative Writing, but have always been and remain passionate about music. Before I moved away to uni, I attended a Curtain Up Theatre School and a Minuendoes. I was trained in singing by Liz at both and I also received private lessons from her as well. Singing consumed the majority of my teenage years and whilst I do not formally study music now it is still something I carry with me today. Liz always had faith in my ability, even when I did not, and her tuition massively improved not only my singing but also my confidence. Her technical abilities and understanding of music are phenomenal, and because she was able to strengthen my singing, I was able to believe I could strengthen my abilities in other areas on life. Without her support, I would not have the confidence I do now to push myself in any endeavour- whether it be applications to university, travelling or meeting new people.
David Emery
Tristan and Liz taught me for 3 years, when I first met them I was a very quiet and unconfident person but through the professional and personal training I received I slowly but surely came out of my shell and grew massively in confidence both as a performer and as a person.After leaving the school I went on to work on various holiday camps as an entertainer and honestly believe without Tristan's training and help I would never have done that. I can't recommend them highly enough and know fully that anyone who comes into contact with and receives training from them will be greatly enhanced both professionally and personally.
Rosie Morgan
Guildhall
Tristan's training helped me learn the fundamentals of acting and performance. The classes also allowed a real development in the understanding of your own individual interpretation of a character, which is essential for the Classical Voice course I'm studying at Guildhall.
Florence Grieve
University of Birmingham
My singing lessons with Liz have helped me become a much more confident person which has encouraged me take up more opportunities.
Guildford School of Acting
The key thing I took away from Tristan's classes was a sense of confidence. His well crafted technical exercises and mentoring enabled me to trust my instincts and explore the craft further. I would highly recommend him to any young emerging actor!
Jenny Lunness
Millennium Performing Arts
Being taught by Annette, Liz & Tristan was the foundation upon which I initially constructed the confidence to perform on stage. Prior to this I had only trained in dance, however Tristan offered me the opportunity to hone my skills in singing, dance and acting to become a triple threat performer. Over the three years in which Tristan has been teaching me, I have unlocked potential I never thought possible and without his experienced guidance I feel I would not have gained my place at MPA for next year. Tristan has been an inspiring role model for me and the ideal teacher, not only helping me to develop my skills inside his own company, but introducing me to the Performing Arts industry in ways which I would never have accomplished without his leadership. Beyond all else, Tristan is a professional, and he treats his students as such, helping to motivate us to achieve our own personal goals. The top-quality training Tristan has provided due to his own experience has been invaluable in my development as a performer, and has played a crucial role in helping me to achieve further education in Musical Theatre in London next year.
Jonathan Mallet
Oxford University - Medicine
I took lessons in piano and music theory from Liz for 9 years. Liz was the most kind and patient teacher I could have hoped for and inspired me to take my studies further to Grade 8 piano and A level Music, as well as doing lots of performing in concerts and musicals. I wouldn't have been able to do this without the performing skills that Liz has given me. Although I am not pursuing a career in music, it will be a lifelong passion for me - it has also helped my confidence and communication and given me plenty of other skills that I have been able to use and talk about in my university interviews.
University of York
After leaving Bath I went to study English and related literature at the University of York. I am still very passionate about singing and often think back to my lessons with Liz to help me when I sing in my spare time.
Liz is endlessly dedicated and patient with her students and always brings out the best in everyone, no matter what stage they are at. She helped me to gain confidence to tackle songs I never thought I could and the process of challenging myself at singing and performing has helped my confidence in a very significant way.
Alessia Watson
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance - BA Musical Theatre
Tristan was my first proper drama teacher and fully guided me as I realised I wanted to become a professional performer. He was the first teacher that helped me discover my love of Shakespeare and even now at Trinity Laban, due to his teaching I have been able to build on that love. Without Tristan’s help I wouldn’t be able to study what I do today. His encouragement and support helped my creativity grow and my confidence to increase. From taking Grade 8 Verse and Prose exams, to preparing my audition monologues I can not thank him enough for his guidance and expertise.
Izzy McKenty
Manchester School of Theatre
As an aspiring actor, I absolutely loved the 1 year vocational acting course I did with Tristan. Tristan really helped me understand the work ethic needed to train as an actor and always motivated me to believe in myself. This made me able to push myself even further than the potential I thought I had at the start of the course. He went above and beyond the training course, helping me on my audition techniques and monologues even after the course had finished. Tristan's training has given me such a good insight and broad practical knowledge of different skills you may need in the acting industry and I now feel very ready to embrace drama school.
Isla Brendon
Durham University
Having received piano and singing lessons from Liz for 7 years, I achieved both my grade 5 theory and piano. Whilst really enjoying my lessons I have also learnt to improve my singing technique and become more confident in my self. I'm now off to study Education and Psychology at Durham University in September and I already know I'm going to be very involved in the theatre and music there.
Camilla Watson
Academy of Live and Recorded Arts
Tristan Carter taught me in one to one LAMDA classes and was an invaluable support in giving me the confidence and training to apply for drama schools. He suggested I apply for the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in South London (where I ended up training in the BA acting degree) and tutored me through the audition. I can honestly say that without his help I wouldn't be where I am now!
Katie Dunn
Bath Spa University
I've been singing with Liz for just over 9 years, and throughout this time she has got me through grades, auditions for Bath Abbeys girls choir (which I got accepted for), awards at school and now, finally a place at Bath Spa University to study Music. Not only has she managed to help me with all of this, but inspired and encouraged me to carry on with music. I was never sure if it was a future I'd be good enough for. But with a lot of patience and encouragement she made me believe I could do it and now I'm about to start this 3 university year course. It's been hard work but the past 9 years have been a lot of fun, and I'd do them all again if given the chance!
Rachel Bewley
Oxford School of Drama
