Gemma Lloyd, Founder, Owner and Creative Producer

My love of the arts was fostered through seven years at art school which included studying for a degree in Ceramics at Camberwell Art School. Combining my interests in art, film and television, I studied for an MA at Kingston University in Film and Television Design. After working in the film industry for a couple of years, in 1999 I founded act up. I have always passionately advocated for the arts to be open and accessible for everyone. act up’s working ethos has and will always be focused on enabling the many. By extension, this has been my long-standing vision for the other businesses I co-own and collaborate with.

I have connected with key charities such as Barnardos and St. Mungo’s working with them on a range of projects. I have collaborated with drama schools since 2005 to develop outreach programmes and support aspiring actors. My extensive experience in the arts and creative industries has seen me work in many roles; as a producer, casting agent and formerly as an acting agent of a successful boutique agency for over five years. I am at my best when I am working on many projects and multitasking.

Alongside act up, I co-founded and co-run Love Art and Meet & Make. Love Art is a perfectly formed gift shop and gallery in Tooting Market that hosts art classes for children and adults. Meet & Make is a social enterprise hosting workshops and meet-ups in creative spaces for the community in Tooting. In 2020, Meet & Make organised ‘A big fun day out, stays in’ to connect with the wider community. When I’m not pushing for the arts to be more accessible to everyone you can find me pushing a tyre around at Crossfit or attempting couch to 5k run. I have a flair for jewellery making, drawing and creating prints in my spare time. I enjoy meeting up with friends and also escaping for long walks with my partner and two brilliant children.

Laura Carey, Creative Content Partner

As a child I loved art, drama and singing and anything that allowed me to express myself creatively. This passion continued into my adult life and I knew I wanted to pursue a career within the performing arts; specifically acting. I read English and Drama at UWE and continued my professional training afterwards as I am a firm believer in continually learning and developing my craft.

I have a broad spectrum of skills and interests which often lead me to work in diverse environments but always with a focus on people and communication.

I’m an actor, co-producer, private tutor and sports massage therapist at a leading drama school. Whilst acting I have had the opportunity to work with Historic Royal Palaces, Young Vic and Tesco. I co-hosted and produced a radio show for OnFM, which combined my voice over skills and desire to work with the local community. My ability to support and forge connections with people and communities, whether through storytelling and acting or coaching as a private tutor, is one of my greatest strengths. I am driven to help enrich other people’s experiences through the arts and bolster their confidence. In my spare time I like going to yoga, playing the ukulele and spending time with my other half and our dog.

Gemma Lloyd and Laura Carey on collaborating together

We have worked as producers together for theatre projects including new writing, plays and contemporary dance. We have proudly worked with inspiring companies and both emerging and established artists.

Our working relationship was forged intially by our love of the arts and its power, our mutual appreciation of graphic novels, and the fact that we can have multiple conversations at the same time and never lose each other.

Do get in touch if you have any questions.