In Conversation with Eddie Gower, the new Head of Guildhall Young Artists King's Cross

Eddie Gower has just been appointed as the new Head of Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) King's Cross, our performing arts centre that offers a range of classes and performance opportunities for all 5–18-year-olds, in drama, music and production arts (backstage skills), on Saturdays during term time. We caught up with Eddie to hear more about his background, and his ambitions in leading the centre.

Tell us your biography in a sentence.

Eddie: I have worked in the arts and education sector for the last 25 years and every day has been and remains a privilege, it has given me a job where I am constantly learning and developing.
Read Eddie's full biography here

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Head of GYA King's Cross?

I am hugely excited to collaborate with the GYA team and young people from King's Cross and wider areas. Guildhall is a world leader in arts education and young people are full of natural creativity and artistry – I am looking forward to working in an environment that will allow everyone to thrive!

What was your first experience within the performing arts? How did you know this was something that you wanted to pursue professionally? 

I joined a local amateur theatre group with a friend to try it out. It was here I realised performing and the arts was the only thing I really understood, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

You worked for many years as Head of Community Engagement at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. What makes you such a passionate advocate of access to arts & culture?

Training and working in the arts changed my life and continues to open my eyes allowing me to grow every day, but I was exceptionally lucky to find it – I was in the right place at the right time. To develop through arts and culture makes us better people and makes a better society. Talent and creativity are everywhere, but sadly opportunity is not, which is why programmes like GYA and ensuring they are accessible are so important. 

Could you tell us about one of the highlights of your career so far?

There have been many highlights – but one that sticks in the memory was a 'flash mob', with over 350 students in King's Cross train station.

What would your advice be to someone thinking about joining GYA King’s Cross, who might be feeling a bit nervous?

Starting something new can be nerve-wracking, but that is also hugely exciting! Remember why you are interested in coming – it may be your love for music, your passion for acting and storytelling, an instinct for sound, lighting and technical theatre, or a desire to try something new! If these sound like you, GYA King's Cross is the place for you. It's a place where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people with the same passions. 

Why do you think a centre like GYA King's Cross is important for young people in London?

The school education system doesn’t work for everyone and academic demands on a young person are strenuous. Places like GYA King's Cross are not schools, there is no ‘right or wrong answer’ in the arts. Yes, there will be techniques and skills to work on, but it is a place that will develop authenticity, individuality and your creative voice.

One final fun question! What would be your ideal way to spend a Saturday? (After classes at GYA King's Cross have finished, of course!)

Pop into Pizza Union on the way home (best Pizza in London… and amazing value…), get home and listen to some music (maybe dance around the kitchen), find ways to avoid the housework - and then a film night with the family.

Eddie is the new Head of GYA King's Cross, and will lead our drama, music and production arts centre along with Creative Director and Head of Music Spencer Down. 

With no auditions or experience required, and bursaries available, Guildhall Young Artists King’s Cross is a great way to access Guildhall School’s world-class performing and production arts training.