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.
Emma Swords, Assistant director
Emma grew up performing, with a particular emphasis on dance. She started volunteering with Act II as part of our backstage team and quickly became an essential member of the Act II family. She began working for the company as Assistant Director in September 2019.
Emma's research interests include the use of choreography to enhance a story and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Emma's research interests include the use of choreography to enhance a story and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
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!
Joe Dickinson, Assistant Stage Manager
Joe grew up as a member of Act II, performing in a huge number of our productions (including Horton the Elephant in Seussical the Musical and Captain Walker in The Who's Tommy). Joe has since become an invaluable member of the backstage team, not only during shows but also building all of our sets.
Peter Graper, Exam Pianist
Peter is our exam pianist. All of our singing students are accompanied by him for their exams. In addition, he can sometimes be found accompanying our productions.
Peter is an retired teacher and church organist / choir master. As a child, he went to Llandaff Cathedral School, and sang at the Queen's Coronation!
Peter is an retired teacher and church organist / choir master. As a child, he went to Llandaff Cathedral School, and sang at the Queen's Coronation!
Kieran Watson, Technical Consultant
Kieran works for Act II in a variety of capacities (helping with classes, administration, building sets etc.) but mostly works on our productions as a technical manager and sometimes deputy stage manager. Kieran was previously a student at Act II and studied stage management at Central School of Speech and Drama, he now works in stage management in London.
Kieran's research interests include the use of multi-media in performance and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Kieran's research interests include the use of multi-media in performance and theatre in non-theatrical locations.
Sue Leachman, Backstage Costumes
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Sue runs Act II's sister company, Backstage Costumes, which also runs from our studio and supply costumes for all of Act II's productions.
Sue's research interests include Medieval and Tudor dress. |