Project leaders: Dr Tom Gorman, Dr Tiina Syrja & Dr Mikko Kanninen
- Dr Tom Gorman, Senior Lecturer in Theatre, Coventry University.Tom is an academic and theatre director currently based at Coventry University. Tom studied English Literature and Language at Queen’s University Belfast before going on to complete a PhD in Theatre at the University of Ulster researching the history of non-naturalistic dramaturgy especially the concept of the ‘play within a play’. In 1990, after working for some time as a freelance actor, Tom co-founded Sightlines Theatre Company, Belfast, working with them as Artistic Director for six years. During this period he also worked as a freelance actor, writer and director with numerous theatre companies throughout Northern Ireland and as a writer/performer for BBC Radio Ulster. From 1997 onwards he worked as Strand Leader in Drama at the University Of Birmingham, moving on to become Course Director of the BA Drama Studies degree at Bath Spa University. From 2007 onwards he has been working as Senior Lecturer on the BA Theatre and Professional Practice Degree at Coventry University.
- Dr Tiina Syrja, Senior Lecturer in Acting, University of Tampere.Tiina Syrjä is a DA (Doctor of Arts in Theatre and Drama), speech therapist, vocologist, yoga teacher and teacher of the Alexander Technique, who is working as a university lecturer in Voice and Speech in the School of Communication, Media and Theatre of Tampere University, Finland. She is also working as an actress and conductor in Tampere Playback Theatre. She has worked with stage voice almost 30 years and has given presentations and workshops in various universities and theatre schools in Finland and also e.g. in Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Her current research interests include Vocal Extremes, (Online) Acting in a Foreign Language and Representations of Female Sexuality in Voice.
- Dr Mikko Kanninen, Senior Lecturer in Theatre, University of Tampere. Mikko Kanninen is a Senior Lecturer of Acting at The University of Tampere, as well as Artistic Director of Tampere Theatre Festival. Doctor of Arts (Theatre and Drama). Tampere University The School of Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT). (NÄTY) 2012. Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama). Tampere University Department of acting (NÄTY) 1995-1999.
- Matias Palo is a 39-year old theatre technician from Tampere, Finland, with 20 years of experience in Theatre Stage Work and a Specialist Qualification in Theatre. During these years, he has gained a lot of knowledge and experience in sound, light, video and stage technology. He is inventive, hardworking and a quick learner in adapting new technologies and software skills. Works as a Studio Manager at University of Tampere – Faculty of Communication Sciences, mainly at the Degree Programme in Theatre Arts and at the Centre for Practise As Research In Theatre.