Description
Interact have been at the forefront in promoting the use of creative arts in training, development, recruitment and assessment. With an ever-growing reputation as leaders in their field, Interact exercise a profound appreciation of business needs and development theories. This is coupled with the knowledge that realism and effectiveness in using theatre-skills only comes from understanding an organisation's language and culture.
With 1200 associate actors, writers, directors, designers, facilitators and consultants throughout Britain and Europe, Interact are able to provide the right solutions and people for each and every requirement.
To make training interactive, 3-dimensional and experiential through drama
To continuously seek to innovate
To work as a partner, not a supplier
To provide bespoke design and delivery of every workshop or event
To ensure outcomes always exceed client expectations
To gift aid its profits back into the arts
Interact was founded in 1996, by Ian Jessup and Derek Hollis, a director and an actor with substantial experience of the corporate sector. Its remit was to pioneer the use of theatre-skills in business, and explore new and diverse ways to bring the creative arts to the benefit of training, development and communication.
It has since built up a large client list drawn from many of the top 500 companies in the world, and reflecting a wide variety of business sectors. In 2001, Interact was listed among the top 100 fastest growing businesses in the UK over the last three years.
With some 1200 associate actors, writers, directors, designers and facilitators: and with bases in central London, Edinburgh and Frankfurt, the Interact Team comprises a rich mix of creative vision, market knowledge and training skills.
Anthony Blunn
Lynsay Clark
Deirdre Doherty
Magnus Eden
Verity Fletcher
Jeraint Hazan
Derek Hollis
Ian Jessup
Liz Strachan
Jamie Wright Operations Administrator
Anthony graduated from Middlesex University in 2003 with a degree in Performing Arts. During his time at university he gained experience working in the leisure industry and on graduation he moved into finance within Social Housing, focussed on helping under-privileged young adults. Here his work included financial administration and accountancy processes. With Interact’s Operations team, Anthony is responsible for all the project requirements for one of Interact’s major clients, as well as carrying out other administrative responsibilities. He volunteers within his community on a regular basis, continues with a keen interest in the theatre, as well as more exhilarating pursuits such as sky-diving!Operations Executive
Lynsay completed a Drama and Theatre Studies degree at Royal Holloway, University of London in 2003. During her study she worked as a hotel receptionist, and more recently in the housing department at her local council. Lynsay joined us in December 2003 as the Office Administrator. Following a three-month sabbatical from May during which she travelled the world, she rejoined the company with the Operations Team. She has undertaken the responsibility of aiding the smooth running of all client projects from booking actors to managing workshop venues.Operations Manager
Deirdre completed a degree in Drama and History of Art before undertaking a career in administration. She gained extensive administrative experience in a range of environments including local government, finance and training. She joined Interact in August 2000 and works closely with the Operations Director, managing projects and workshops and liaising between clients, actors and facilitators.European Business Developer
After completing a Liberal Arts Degree at the University of Massachusetts, Magnus started his career in the marketing department of a medical electronics company. He moved into the lighting industry and subsequently took a Graduate Course in Lighting in the Architecture Dept, University College London. After managing the German subsidiary of a Scandinavian company, he set up a European distribution network for the largest US lighting manufacturer. In 2004, Magnus joined Interact to develop the company’s business in Germany.Business Development
Verity studied acting at Arts Educational Schools and worked as an actress before retraining in journalism. After spending two years as a reporter on a regional newspaper, she moved into television, working as a researcher and producer. Verity then worked as a freelance journalist on many women’s magazines and gained experience in the world of training with Synectics. She joins Interact to develop and manage new business.Business Development Manager
Jeraint studied psychology at Stirling University before taking a Post Graduate Diploma in directing at The Drama Studio. He directed many plays across the UK forming his own production company before becoming a Lecturer in Communications and IT at Kingsway College, London. He founded his own IT consultancy and then set-up a web publishing company. He founded 'learnOnline' a joint venture with the TUC providing internet-based managed learning. He joined Interact to look after current client projects and generate new business across Europe.Operations Director & Co-Founder
Derek studied Drama and English at Warwick University and qualified as a teacher before becoming an actor. He spent a number of years with the National Theatre before founding his own touring company. Derek is a co-founder and director of Interact and manages the recruitment and selection of actors; by examining briefings and scripts and using the company's bespoke skills database, he ensures the most appropriate actor, writer or facilitator is attached to each project. By continuing to act and facilitate on selected programs, Derek maintains essential, ongoing contact with clients, participants and actors providing two-way feedback and quality control.Senior Partner & Co-Founder
After undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Ian became writer-in-residence in Hampshire. This was followed by a number of years as a professional theatre director and scriptwriter. He spent much of that time creating corporate work as a freelancer and then in 1996 he co-founded Interact with Derek Hollis. He continues to design, direct, facilitate and write scripts for a wide variety of projects. The rapid growth of the company has been based upon the success of many of Ian's designs for programmes for some of Britain and Europe's leading organisations and businesses.Business Development Manager
Liz's has six years experience as Marketing Manager in the media and communications sector. In her last position with an online media group, she strengthened their status as a market leader and technological innovator, developing a new company brand identity, generating new business opportunities and increasing sales. Having completed a Joint MA, Liz became a founder member and Director of award-winning multimedia performance group 'Moral Support'. Her roles spanned Artistic Director, producer and performer. At Interact, Liz is responsible for marketing and PR, as well as developing the company's business.Company Administrator
Jamie is an experienced office and accounts administrator, previously responsible for managing the finances and entire stock of a major national company. Other experience includes working in accounts, client services and administration for a number of companies and financial organisations, including the brokers Greig Middleton. Jamie has recently joined the company to manage the finances and day to day accounts and office administration.
|
