About the team
The founders, facilitators, performers and administrators who make up the Empowerment Theatre Company.
Lucy Bray
Founder, creative director and lead facilitator of Empowerment Theatre
Lucy
has a BA in Performing Arts and Theatre Studies with Journalism from University
College of Chester. Whilst studying she had the opportunity of travelling
to Kenya and Uganda to learn more about the uses of theatre in those countries.
This experience had a profound effect on her understanding of performance
and the direction she wanted to take within theatre. She has gained extensive
grassroots experience of the voluntary and creative sectors.
After experiencing the varied affects of sexual violence at first hand she identified that theatre offers a unique experience for exploration and change.
Her goal is that people affected by rape and sexual abuse have the opportunity to produce a positive experience, educate others and help themselves through theatre and interactive techniques.
Andy Adam
Andy
is a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, where he studied
Drama with Music, and a fellow founder of Empowerment Theatre. His specialism
is the art of acting and performance styles. He has worked in Italy as
a part of a well known TiE company, and performed in some well received
plays at the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich, including I Am A Camera
and Sailor Beware.
Andy is an integral member of the team providing creative flair and administrative support as well setting a high standard of versatility, dramatic style and a professional, caring approach to survivors.
Etta Geras
Etta
is a driving force behind Empowerment Theatre. Her skills and experience,
acquired through years of teaching and performance experience, provide
a wealth of knowledge and experience. Etta has played a key role in the
initial success of the company, providing rehearsal space and ideas. She
is a skilled workshop leader as well as a formidable actress performing
in a variety of genres; an EDP review of the Maddermarket Theatre's production
of Snake in the Grass praised her for her "masterful"
performance.
Etta has a caring nature and much experience working with vulnerable people through her work as a SEN and support worker for adults and children with additional needs. She attended the Drama Studio London, and obtained a B.Ed (Hons) in Drama and Severe Learning Difficulties from City of Liverpool College of Higher Education (Lancaster University).
Cassie Tillett
Cassie
has a BA in Drama & Theatre Studies from Bretton Hall College (Leeds
University), and has been performing since childhood. Since moving to
Norfolk in 2005 she has become involved with the work of several local
theatre projects, including the Maddermarket
and the Sewell Barn.
Through these groups she has been delighted to meet and work with other
members of Empowerment Theatre Company.
Other key performers include:
- Alex Berridge
- David Blood
- Gemma Johnstone
- Suzy Gill
- Selwyn Tillett