Alma Studios. Training for stage and screen in Godalming, Guildford and the wider Surrey area.
Alma Studios, once known as Angels Theatre School, was established by Tracey Linegar who has been teaching drama in the Godalming area since 1994. She was a Groucho Club Maverick Award Finalist in 2013 for her work as an artistic director. Previous recipients include Danny Boyle. The school has a glowing alumni that includes actors, writers and directors, plus a whole raft of successful professionals, such as lawyers, journalists, medics and teachers, all of whom cite their drama training as fundamental to their career achievements. Tracey’s approach is rooted in classical acting and the needs of each individual. Her aim is to create professional people who succeed in any walk of life. Should they choose the stage or screen, she is clear that her students are not limited to just one string to their bow. They must be exposed to acting, writing, directing and producing. Children are welcome from 4 years and up, while teenagers and adults represent the bulk of our student body. Tracey is an expert LAMDA teacher whose average mark is Distinction, in all the disciplines that LAMDA offer, from grades Entry to Gold.
If you or your child have an interest in acting or training for stage and screen in the Godalming, Guildford and wider Surrey area call 01483 860972 or email tracey@wordpress-191066-567111.cloudwaysapps.com.
Trace graduated from St Catherine’s Drama Studio in Guildford in 1987 with a Diploma including special recognition for Acting, Directing and Theatre in Education.
For the next seven years Tracey worked as an actress, predominantly on stage and was known for her work both as a musical comedienne and for the writing of musical reviews.
During this period she also developed an abiding love for mentorship and teaching. The desire to devote more time to this, to her young family, to writing and to seek out opportunities to explore classical direction brought her back to Godalming, to launch her first venture into full time teaching. With a colleague, she established the first part-time theatre school in the town. In the midst of this, her first directorial opportunity arrived when she was invited by Louise Clare to direct her debut play, Peaches and Cream, for the Black Cat Theatre Company.
In 2000 Tracey established her own theatre school, Angels Theatre School, through which over fifteen years, she produced 38 separate shows and productions, most of which were written and directed by her, with support and assistance from a wide range of talented colleagues and associates. As well as teaching classes of up to 32 students aged from 4 to adult on a weekly basis, she has coached individuals for LAMDA exams, from Entry grade to Gold medals in Acting, Speaking of Verse Prose, Mime, Devised Performance, Reading for Performance and Musical Theatre for the Actor. Her students achieve astonishing results; Merits and Distinctions are the norm, with Gold medals regularly awarded marks in the high 90s. LAMDA paid her the compliment of inviting two of her Mime medal students to appear in training videos for examiners to demonstrate excellence in the discipline. Tracey is also proud to have enabled many of her students to obtain scholarship places offered for Drama at schools such as Farlington, Prior’s Field, Frensham Heights and Hurtwood House.
Tracey is also, on a voluntary basis, the Artistic Director of Squeaky Door Production Company, a registered charity established to support young performers and bring low cost theatre to her local community. It was in recognition of this work that she received her Maverick Award nomination for her part in creating, organising and facilitating a 30 strong company of actors and crew to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe for two consecutive years. Their production of The Tempest received glowing reviews, including one from Julian Sands, who said of it:
“Squeaky Door’s Tempest is ravishing, rich and original. The company of young actors pack it with energy, spectacle, intelligence and wit in this hilarious and savage production.”
Tracey’s latest project with Squeaky Door is the one woman show, Conversations with Barbara, an autobiographical bitter-sweet comedy, written with the assistance of her co-writer Marcus Belassie and directed by her, which performed to enthusiastic audiences at the Guildford Fringe and received the following review:
One-woman show a hit with festival crowd.
A STANDOUT performance at the Star Inn last night captivated the audience in a bittersweet comedy about an out-of-work actress…
when the sadness crept in, inevitable in a relationship with someone much older, it was clearly felt by those watching.
…the production’s strength was in its drama, which left you wanting to know more, rather than less, about its characters. — Andre Langlois, Surrey Advertiser
After 20 years of teaching in the local area Tracey is excited to launch the next stage of her teaching, directing, writing and mentoring career as the school matures into Alma Studios.
Currently, I’m working as an analyst for PREVENT – a Home Office Anti-Terrorism strategy set up to eradicate Radicalisation of all kinds within the UK. Angels gave me a family that offered a wealth of knowledge, helped me gain an identity, taught me how to focus and let me express creative freedom in a supportive and nurturing environment. But most of all, Angels taught me how to have fun, taught me how to be kind, and taught me how to laugh. Bennjamin Thomas Cain
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR “Squeaky Door’s Tempest is ravishing, rich and original. The company of young actors pack it with energy, spectacle, intelligence and wit in this hilarious and savage production.” Julian Sands
I can honestly say I would be a profoundly different person if I had never come to Angels, in my personal and professional life. The shows gave me my first opportunity to see pieces I had written be performed in front of an audience, and I was always encouraged to express myself and create by Tracey and the other brilliant teachers. I also felt loved, nurtured and recognised at at time when I was being bullied at school. Many of my lifelong friends come from my time there. I learnt things about performance and writing that have proved invaluable and were as good as any film school! Henrietta Ashworth, Screenwriter, Fresh Meat, Dixi, Screen Star of Tomorrow 2012, Broadcast Hotshot 2013
Having harbored a passion for theatre from a young age Angel’s Theatre School formed a vital part of my development as a budding actor, enabling me to experiment and release my creativity in a non-judgmental and nurturing environment. What is most special about the school is its unfaltering belief in the abilities of the students under its care. It has recently been a great help in the rebuilding of my own self confidence as I make the intrepid steps into training at drama school: something I had put off for too long! Florence Wright
When I first came to Angels, I was a shy and quiet child who would never dream of speaking in front of others. Over the many, many years of laughter, learning and lifelong friendships that followed, Angels helped me to grow beyond belief. I gained confidence I never could have imagined and skills that still now I use in my everyday life. Some people think that going to a theatre school is just for those that want to become an actor or actress, but as someone who is well on their way to now becoming an Occupational Therapist, I can assure you, that whatever your dream in life, Angels will give you the wings to soar towards it! Kat Scott
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR “Squeaky Door’s Tempest is ravishing, rich and original. The company of young actors pack it with energy, spectacle, intelligence and wit in this hilarious and savage production.” Julian Sands
“This is SO much more than a theatre school. From a mum of kids(!) (now 22 and 23) who have known Tracey since they were 4 – Tracey has helped them find their ways in life. My kids have become two amazing adults – both, great credits to themselves and to Tracey. She gives so much more than just acting tuition, providing life skills that support the individual through the ups and downs that growing up throws at kids these days. Alma Studios offers a nurturing environment supporting children and young adults, whether a flamboyant budding actor or a quiet nervous individual unsure of themselves in this mad and big old world we all live in. From experience – money very well spent!” Lou Wilson
“Angels was the best thing I ever did! It helped me grow my confidence so much and gave me so many amazing opportunities and memories. I joined Angels when I was 8 and carried on right through until I was 16, before moving on to help backstage in the make up department for shows and teaching dance classes. I am now working in beauty PR which my passion for grew from working in the make up department backstage! I have met some of my closest friends through Angels and I feel so lucky to be part of the Angels family!” Abi Tottenham-Smith
“I am currently in my final year at university, majoring in directing. I intend to pursue a career as a director. Angels was where it all began for me- not just by giving me a passion for theatre but also by providing a nurturing, community environment which showed me how great the industry can be. I will always look back fondly at my time at Angels and it taught me so much about drama, but also about friendship and what it means to be part of a hardworking, loving company.” Claire Hallybone
“I joined Alma Studios from the age of 7 and I can honestly say it was a highlight of my life and has definitely formed part of who I am today! The school was like a second family to me, there was laughter, fun, incredibly impressive performances and a lot of hard work completed throughout the years. I am currently working in PR and production and still use my acting skills within my job role today! I have Alma Studios to thank for making me a happy little girl and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.” Phoebe Irving
“I had the best fun and made great friends. Alma Studios gave me an appreciation for theatre and skills in public speaking, self-confidence and team-work. Thank you Alma!” Cecily Cox
“When I first entered the wonderful creative bubble that Tracey effortlessly creates, I was an awkward, nervous seven year old girl who would go out of her way to avoid eye contact with almost anyone. One class of improvising, tongue twisters, learning to click in time and hold a tune and I was hooked.
I went on to study Drama at college and made some of the best and craziest friends in the world, and now have a degree in Performing Arts – I have no doubt at all that none of this would have happened without the encouragement, support, and downright fun that Tracey inspires. If you have any hesitations about joining Alma Studios, forget them now, I promise you, it will be the best thing you ever do! I now work for a fashion company, which although is not directly connected with acting or performing arts, the skills I learnt and confidence I built with Angels have absolutely stayed with me – not to mention my ability to now do many different accents, which provides some entertainment in the office! I will never lose touch with the Angels family, and hope to help them with any wardrobe requirements for the future as well as doing more LAMDA exams.” Emily Denmark
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR “Squeaky Door’s Tempest is ravishing, rich and original. The company of young actors pack it with energy, spectacle, intelligence and wit in this hilarious and savage production.” Julian Sands
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR “An immensely talented and highly experienced company” Broadway Baby
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR “A timeless, flawless, beautiful production. Ariel drags us under the sea, lifts us in the azure blue air, lets us smell fertile earth and be burnt by passionate fire. An ever swirling, shifting, ever floating, bubbling moving performance of ‘The Tempest’ that sweeps us away.” THREEWEEKS.CO.UK
FOR SQUEAKY DOOR:
One-woman show a hit with festival crowd.
A STANDOUT performance at the Star Inn last night captivated the audience in a bittersweet comedy about and out-of-work actress…
when the sadness crept in, inevitable in a relationship with someone much older, it was clearly felt by those watching.
Although paced for laughs, the production’s strength was in its drama, which left you wanting to know more, rather than less, about its characters. — Andre Langlois, Surrey Advertiser
Alma Studios is amazing and Trace Linegar is such an inspiration. She has helped me many a time, especially when I was at a cross road in my life. Send your children here!! — Holly Thecake Baker
I cannot speak highly enough of Alma Studios (Angels Theatre School) and coach Tracey Linegar. As a theatre school they explore differing areas of creativity in a nurturing and caring environment, somewhere to learn and develop but also to have fun. Tracey is truely an amazing teacher, pouring huge amounts of energy and time in understanding and encouraging each student as an individual and gently allowing them to explore different areas of theatre/push themselves without feeling overwhelmed. She is a fair, kind and extremely hardworking teacher – never giving up on you and devoting her attention equally to each student, making sure they feel prepared and confident in their performance. I definitely value the opportunities, confidence and skills developed whilst attending Angels Theatre School and would recommend to anyone! — Hannah Robertson
Alma Studios is not your average drama school. 15 years of working with Tracey has tested me to the limit – physically and emotionally. Yet, I know I am better for it. In fact, not just better for it but grateful even for the relentless creative struggles, 16 hour days and seemingly endless parts that need filling regardless of the fact I’m already designing the set, focusing the lights and stage managing. Alma Studios is not your average drama school – it’s a family, a work ethic, a dream factory… you need to get this in your life – DO IT NOW. — James Fox Robinson
Alma Studios is a school like no other. The care and attention they provide to nurturing the talent of children and adults alike is next to none. Trace Linegar is a phenomenal, inspirational, honest and kind coach who sees talent and heart in everyone. If you or child want to have fun learning and get all the can out of acting then do contact about classes. You seriously will not regret it! Alma Studios also provides training for professional actors who want to work at their craft. Any queries please do get in touch! — Becci Anne Betty Denmark
Tracey Linegar is an inspiration as a human being and a drama coach. She has pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of doing, and has directed pieces of work which are truly outstanding. Some of the best moments of my life have been working with her on projects! Highly recommend Alma Studios. — Katie Fisk
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Janine Bailey
Glenn Harvey
David Kerfoot
Paul Seaby
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