The Garrick Academy

GAPA – Garrick Academy of Performing Arts

The Garrick Academy of Performing Arts, or GAPA as it is now affectionately known, continues to go from strength-to-strength. Formed in 2003 by the academy’s Principal, Peter Birch (BA Hons MA) and one of its lead tutors, Dean Sumner (BA Hons), it has developed from 60 students to more than twice that number today.

GAPA now has 3 teaching staff, 3 senior assistants – all of whom have been professionally trained in various disciplines within the performing arts – and 3 trainee assistants who have been brought up through the GAPA ranks, all working with our students to develop their drama knowledge and gain experience.

GAPA currently runs seven Saturday classes: Six on Saturday mornings for students aged 8 to 18 year olds, plus our 5 to 8 year old class on Saturday afternoons; in addition to our annual Summer School.

In October 2020 we developed our GAPA Dramathon week during the October half term and were able to have a fun filled brief return to drama, in between lockdowns. Due to the Dramathon’s success it will return for 2022 with the February half term week GAPA FEB-TASTIC.

Through all our courses and weekly classes we provide, train and develop the performance skills of our students and give them a theatre grounding; should they wish to just enjoy the fun of performing or should they eventually work professionally within the business. We focus on performance, inclusion and fun, and we ensure the students are constantly working towards the presentation of their work.

Our annual productions see students preparing for a full-length show which, depending upon the production chosen, may be performed on the Garrick main stage, with an auditorium seating 400, or, in the 50 seat Lauriston Studio, if the show or play is more suited.

We look forward to seeing you at the next GAPA production, when you can watch our next generation of performing talent.

For further details email academy@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk