Our Purpose
Act Too welcomes performers and audiences of all ages. Whether you are a young person exploring theatre and performance for the first time or an experienced actor looking to take your discipline in a new direction, Act Too is an alternative home for performance development in Melton Mowbray. Our immersive workshops explore a range of themes and techniques. We explore writing, devising, and theatre making at every level - for education or entertainment. Our “Take up the Space” method is a brand-new theatre making technique. We have an open (stage) door policy, with opportunities for all abilities. We support and promote new work and creative collaborations.
Act Too for education, for entertainment, for fun.
Mark Frisby
Artistic Director
Mark Frisby
Artistic Director
Mark Frisby
Artistic Director
Mark is an accomplished theatre practitioner, creative visionary and experienced educator whose passion for the performing arts has inspired and empowered individuals from all walks of life. As Artistic Director of Act Too Theatre Company, he brings a wealth of professional expertise in theatre production, performance, creative education and personal development, championing the transformative power of drama to build confidence, unlock potential and inspire positive change.
Formerly Head of Theatre and Performance at Tresham Institute and Lead Tutor in Musical Theatre at Brooksby Melton College, Mark has extensive experience in developing and delivering innovative performing arts programmes. Throughout his career, he has combined artistic excellence with a strong commitment to education, inclusion and community engagement, creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover their talents and develop essential life skills.
Mark is also the author and creator of "Take Up the Space," a fully immersive drama-based development system designed to harness the power of theatre, creative expression and experiential learning. His innovative approach places participants at the heart of the creative process, using performance techniques to encourage self-discovery, emotional awareness, communication, resilience and personal growth.
With more than a decade of experience delivering Theatre in Education programmes, Mark has been instrumental in using drama as a powerful tool for improving employability, supporting personal development and engaging individuals who may face barriers to traditional education and employment.
His outstanding contribution to youth employment programmes through the innovative use of drama techniques received recognition from His Majesty King Charles III, reflecting his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for young people.
At Act Too, Mark's artistic leadership is driven by a belief that theatre is far more than performance. It is a powerful vehicle for education, wellbeing, inclusion and social change. Through his creativity, experience and dedication, he continues to develop inspiring productions, therapeutic theatre initiatives and innovative learning experiences that empower individuals, strengthen communities and demonstrate the extraordinary potential of the performing arts.
Mark is an accomplished theatre practitioner, creative visionary and experienced educator whose passion for the performing arts has inspired and empowered individuals from all walks of life. As Artistic Director of Act Too Theatre Company, he brings a wealth of professional expertise in theatre production, performance, creative education and personal development, championing the transformative power of drama to build confidence, unlock potential and inspire positive change. Formerly Head of Theatre and Performance at Tresham Institute and Lead Tutor in Musical Theatre at Brooksby Melton College, Mark has extensive experience in developing and delivering innovative performing arts programmes. Throughout his career, he has combined artistic excellence with a strong commitment to education, inclusion and community engagement, creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover their talents and develop essential life skills. Mark is also the author and creator of "Take Up the Space," a fully immersive drama-based development system designed to harness the power of theatre, creative expression and experiential learning. His innovative approach places participants at the heart of the creative process, using performance techniques to encourage self-discovery, emotional awareness, communication, resilience and personal growth. With more than a decade of experience delivering Theatre in Education programmes, Mark has been instrumental in using drama as a powerful tool for improving employability, supporting personal development and engaging individuals who may face barriers to traditional education and employment. His outstanding contribution to youth employment programmes through the innovative use of drama techniques received recognition from His Majesty King Charles III, reflecting his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for young people. At Act Too, Mark's artistic leadership is driven by a belief that theatre is far more than performance. It is a powerful vehicle for education, wellbeing, inclusion and social change. Through his creativity, experience and dedication, he continues to develop inspiring productions, therapeutic theatre initiatives and innovative learning experiences that empower individuals, strengthen communities and demonstrate the extraordinary potential of the performing arts.
.jpg)
Jacob Bilby
Technical Coordinator
.jpg)
Jacob Bilby
Technical Coordinator
Jacob is the creative and technical talent behind Act Too Theatre Company's digital presence and multimedia productions. As Technical Coordinator, he oversees website development, digital communications and the integration of innovative technology into our live performances, creative projects and development workshops.
Combining technical expertise with a passion for creativity and supporting others, Jacob plays an important role in bringing our productions and programmes to life through engaging multimedia experiences.
Beyond his technical responsibilities, Jacob is actively involved in facilitating our therapeutic and personal development workshops. With qualifications in counselling and peer mentoring, he brings a compassionate, person-centred approach to supporting participants, helping to create inclusive, welcoming and empowering learning environments.
Jacob's unique combination of technical innovation, creativity and interpersonal skills makes him a valued member of the Act Too team.
Helen Gardner
SEND, Inclusion & Youth Development Lead
Helen Gardner
SEND, Inclusion & Youth Development Lead
Helen brings over 35 years of experience working with children and young people, specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism, ADHD and additional learning needs.
Recognised as the team's in-house SEND specialist, Helen has successfully led numerous projects supporting individuals with disabilities and additional barriers, championing inclusion, confidence and personal development.
As a trained Mental Health First Aider, Helen brings a compassionate, person-centred approach to her work. She leads our Youth Service Offer, delivering engaging workshops for young people aged 17–24, focusing on building confidence, improving communication, developing self-esteem and supporting emotional wellbeing.
At Act Too, Helen plays an important role in ensuring our creative programmes and theatrical experiences are welcoming, accessible and inclusive, empowering everyone to discover their potential through the performing arts.
Outside of work, Helen loves spending time in nature with her two dogs, Monty and Bernie. An enthusiastic open-water swimmer, she's equally at home taking a refreshing dip in a lake, Scottish loch or the sea!
Volunteer with us!
We are dedicated to engaging with the local community and creating a positive impact through our drama programs, workshops, and are always looking for new members to help out.