WHO'S WHO
Karl Gernert, Director
Karl gained a BA (Hons) in English and Drama in 2002, following which he worked for 2 years as Head of Drama at a theatre company. He then set up Act II Theatre Company in 2004. Karl holds Qualified Teacher Status and a post-graduate diploma in American History. He works in pit bands as a bass guitar player, double bass player, pianist and conductor and is the bass guitarist for function band Zebra.
Karl's research interests include 1920's and 30's horror films, blurring the boundaries between film and theatre, and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Karl's research interests include 1920's and 30's horror films, blurring the boundaries between film and theatre, and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Charlotte Gernert, Director
Charlotte worked for 2 years at the same Theatre Company as Karl, and then studied at Queen Mary's, University of London, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Drama (Applied). She was secretary for Queen Mary Theatre Company, with whom she worked as a director, actor and technical operator and toured to the Edinburgh Fringe. As a child, Charlotte gained the St. Cecelia Singing Award for choral singing.
Charlotte's research interests include the relationship between actor and audience, exploring the boundaries of where theatre starts and ends, the role of the curtain call in a performance and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Charlotte's research interests include the relationship between actor and audience, exploring the boundaries of where theatre starts and ends, the role of the curtain call in a performance and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Alice Haley, Director
Alice first became a student of Act II when she was a primary school. Once turning adult she interned with the company before heading to York St.John University to complete her BA (Hons) in Film Production. She now works full time for Act II and is responsible for our new and growing Early Years output. After a sabbatical to work as an au pair in Oregon, U.S.A. she is back at the studio and a valued member of the team!
Alice's research interests include animation, merging film and theatre and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Alice's research interests include animation, merging film and theatre and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Liz Hallissey, Administrator
Liz has been working with us since 2020 but has been a friend and supporter of the company for many years prior to that. Liz keeps the Act II ship sailing smoothly, managing finances, dealing with correspondence and generally being all-round essential. She is usually the first person our members see when they arrive at the studio and she always greets them with friendliness!
Olivia Black, Class and Parties Assistant
|
Olivia is an Act II alumna, having performed in countless Act II productions as a child. She gained a First degree honours in Acting for Film at the University of Chichester Conservatoire. Olivia is Assistant Director at our Music Theatre classes, but can often be found covering other classes and running parties too!
Olivia's research interests include the internal dialogue of a character, foreign language films and TV, and an actor's ability to alter the meaning and dynamic of a scene through their portrayal when using the same text. |
Barry Perkins, Stage Manager
Barry is our stage manager and has been with Act II since the company was founded. He leads our backstage team, and heads up the inclusion of the Act II parrot (our unofficial mascot) in all of our productions. If you come to see something, see if you can spot it!