ABOUT US
We first ventured into the world of Theatre In Education in 1998 when we began working with the Irish company French Theatre for Schools. For over a decade, Xavier Hock performed as a native French speaker for this company while Christine Béziat organised their tours throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.
After seeing the phenomenal success of these plays in Irish schools the desire to take this kind of performance to France and Belgium was born. In 2007, Xavier and Christine created the Emerald Isle Theatre Company (EITC) and their first tour on the continent hit the road with performances in Brussels, Wallonia and the South of France.
Since 2010, the EITC has performed all over France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and Italy. Now creating and performing under the new name of Pickles by EITC,
we still love sharing our passion for theatre and language with our main message: learning is fun.
PRODUCTION TEAM
![Xavier – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xavier-400x400-1.png)
XAVIER
HOCK
Artistic director – Writer
XAVIER HOCK • Artistic director - Writer
Co-founder of Pickles by EITC with Christine Beziat.
Trained social worker (Cardijn, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium).
After having travelled all across Ireland from 1998 to 2008 as an actor in school tours for students learning French, Xavier decided to share his knowledge and experience on the continent. And so, as a writer and director, he now creates english speaking shows for students learning english as a foreign language.
“In my role as a director, it’s a joy to be able to follow our teams of actors daily, having pushed them so hard during the rehearsals :) and what a joy it is to see your reactions, our dear audience! What else? Oh yes, I love a good beer, perfectly chilled, after a long day of walking or snowboarding. I also love swimming in ice cold water (from the beaches of Donegal to the Saint Lawrence river) but, some things that I can’t stand are flat tyres, sweetbread (even if they are nothing alike, I still don’t like them) and not being able to control the situation.
Dreams, I’ve got plenty… but I never remember them when I wake up in the morning.”
![Christine – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Christine-400x400-1.png)
CHRISTINE BÉZIAT
Tour coordinator – Writer
CHRISTINE BÉZIAT • Tour coordinator - Writer
Co-founder of Pickles by EITC with Xavier Hock.
Trained trilingual secretary assistant (Ozenne, Toulouse, France)
She’s the one who organises the tour’s planning for our actors, an impossible puzzle that only she knows the answer to. She’s in charge of the tour, our communication…
Originally from Toulouse, Christine lived in Dublin between 2002 and 2009. She’s worked in banks, as a riding teacher before finally dipping her toe into the world of Theatre in Education. Her first experience was with FTFS and then in 2008, she created Pickles by EITC with Xavier.
“My dream would be to travel the world and to be able to speak multiple rare languages. I love the sun, a Bach prelude, a galop in a field, Ludwig von 88, a good book, time with friends, blueberries… Injustice drives me mad, disrespect makes my hair stand on end and as for meat, I’ve been disgusted by it forever.”
KARINE
BÉZIAT
Administration – Accountancy
KARINE BÉZIAT • Administration - Accountancy
In 2010, when my little sister (Christine) asked me if I was able to help out for a few hours here and there with the accounts or to send a few mails… I answered “of course! I’ve got time to do that”. Well, now I have a lot less time because I’m working full time in this great adventure and what a joy that is!!!
I may be a part of the less artistic side of the company, the one who keeps everyone grounded, but it takes all sorts to keep a team running!
But don’t worry, I leave my office from time to time in order to take part in my passion: handball. After travelling all across France as a player, I’m now involved as a referee.
Dreams? Surely! But just like Xavier, I don’t remember them in the morning. A philosophy? Never regret the past, don’t speculate about the future and live fully in the present!
![janepaul](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/janepaul.png)
JANE
PAUL
Pedagogical production – English teacher
JANE PAUL • Pedagogical production - English teacher
![Arnaud Cramoisan – English Theatre for secondary school – Pickles Company](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Arnaud-Cramoisan-English-Theatre-for-secondary-school-Pickles-Company.jpg)
ARNAUD CRAMOISAN
Artistic Director – Writer
ARNAUD CRAMOISAN • Director - Writer
I love it when a plan comes together. I love packing my back, it’s always the promise of new adventures, new encounters. I love Monty Python and a cold beer, even if these two have nothing to do with each other.
I hate the smell of body spray in a rehearsal room, “endives cuites” and I hate it when actors ask me “what’s that?” when talking about “endives cuites” it’s impossible to translate!! Try and see what happens, all you need is a native english speaker and a plate of “endives cuites”. Let it rest for 5 minutes and serve hot.
My dream: To travel the world on skates. Or without.
![molliekeane](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/molliekeane.jpg)
MOLLIE
KEANE
Facilitator – Acting coach – Assistant director
MOLLIE KEANE • Facilitator - Acting coach - Assistant director
Starting my journey in the East of London in a place known as Walthamstow, passing by East 15 acting school, across Europe and ending up in Paris where I now live, I have always loved the way that theatre crosses borders. Whether that be through language, culture, class or generation. Theatre has a power like no other. And that is what I love about working with Pickles, they explore this power to its full extent!
Having worked with Pickles at 21 as an actress, I have now been working with and training the new actors since 2016. Here’s to more adventures!
![Loïc- 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Loic-400x400-1.png)
LOÏC
PETIT
Artistic Director – Writer
LOÏC PETIT • Artistic director - Writer
An actor at heart, I loved the idea of hitting the road and showing our beautiful country to our Irish friends.
To go on an adventure together, for better or for worse. And so we happily shout at the cars in front of us that aren’t moving, we sing old classics that come on the radio and we let ourselves be swept away by the countryside that passes beside us. Well… we do all that when we’re not late, otherwise, we race down the motorway!
Along with all that, I love old french films and playing cards, but I don’t tell the actors that when we play poker and the winner gets to choose the time when they can use the bathroom!
I made a deal with the actors, they teach me the secrets of Shakespeare and I reveal the wonders of Molière to them. And who knows, maybe one day it’ll be me hitting Irish roads to share a bit of French culture with the Irish.
![cHARLENRY](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-decran-2023-04-27-a-11.45.06.png)
CHARLENRY TRICOIRE
Artistic Director
CHARLENRY TRICOIRE • Artistic director
French actor for the last 10 years, I’ve already traveled almost all the french roads, from north to south and east to west but always for shows in french.
From now on I would like to expand my career internationally. Thus, the idea of practicing the English language on a daily basis with the PICKLES Company immediately appealed to me.
I am always eager to live new experiences and I am looking forward to being on the road with these young English speaking native actors.
![MARTIN MAGUIRE](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MARTIN-MAGUIRE.jpg)
MARTIN MAGUIRE
Casting Director
MARTIN MAGUIRE • Casting Director
Martin Maguire is a leading Irish playwright and actor. He has taught for the Gaiety School of Acting since 1995. As an actor he has worked in most of Ireland’s main theatres as well as on film and television productions broadcast nationally and internationally. He has written extensively for stage, television and radio as well as directing several theatre productions in Ireland and abroad.
TOUR MANAGERS
![francoisjaulin](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/francoisjaulin.png)
FRANÇOIS JAULIN
Tour manager
FRANÇOIS JAULIN • Tour manager
Actor, director… and now Tour manager… meeting Pickles is very important in my career…
Accompanying the actors, setting up the stage technically and resolving last minute problems is a stimulating and fulfilling job…
Now, I am no stranger to the Belgian and French roads… nor am I a stranger to all their different beers…
![Capture d’écran 2023-04-27 à 16.05.50](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-decran-2023-04-27-a-16.05.50.png)
LEA HOSTACHY
Tour manager
LEA HOSTACHY • Tour manager
French actor for the last 10 years, I’ve already traveled almost all the French roads, from north to south and east to west but always for shows in French.
From now on I would like to expand my career internationally. Thus, the idea of practicing the English language on a daily basis with the PICKLES Company immediately appealed to me.
I am always eager to live new experiences and I am looking forward to being on the road with these young English speaking native actors.
![MARION](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-decran-2023-04-27-a-16.07.26.png)
MARION BRUYERE
Tour manager
MARION BRUYERE • Tour manager
French actor for the last 10 years, I’ve already traveled almost all the French roads, from north to south and east to west but always for shows in French.
From now on I would like to expand my career internationally. Thus, the idea of practicing the English language on a daily basis with the PICKLES Company immediately appealed to me.
I am always eager to live new experiences and I am looking forward to being on the road with these young English speaking native actors.
NICOLAS BEAUDRY
Tour manager
NICOLAS BEAUDRY • Tour manager
Hi, my name’s Nicolas I’m a tour manager from Paris, I’ve been on the road for different shows as stagehands / stage manager since 2013.
I love meeting new people and cultures, practicing languages so Pickles is a great opportunity for me.
As a beekeeper in my spare time, I’m very close to nature.
CHARLENRY TRICOIRE
Tour Manager
CHARLENRY TRICOIRE • Tour manager
French actor for the last 10 years, I’ve already traveled almost all the french roads, from north to south and east to west but always for shows in french.
From now on I would like to expand my career internationally. Thus, the idea of practicing the English language on a daily basis with the PICKLES Company immediately appealed to me.
I am always eager to live new experiences and I am looking forward to being on the road with these young English speaking native actors.
Lucile
Richem
Tour Manager
LUCILE RICHEM • Tour Manager
I’m delighted to get to know and accompany new actors in the Pickles adventure!
I myself am a circus performer, physical theater actress and stage manager. So.. let’s hit the road together !
ACTORS
![Nathalie – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nathalie-400x400-1.png)
Nathalie PARENT
Actress
Nathalie PARENT
Hi there! I’m Nathalie, an actress and generally creative human who proudly hails from beautiful Saskatchewan, Canada. After earning a Bachelor of Music in 2020 and studying poetry part-time, I moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland and studied theatre at the Lyric Theatre’s Drama Studio.
I believe that art is an integral tool for connecting people, building community, and having fun! I’m so excited to be part of the Pickles team, sharing language and theatre with my fellow actors and our young audiences.
![Karina – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Karina-400x400-1.png)
Karina SHORT
Actress
Karina SHORT
Karina is an American actress who was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Conservatory of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.
Karina has never been out of the country and is excited to put her passport to good use and begin working with The Pickles Company. When she isn’t traveling for performances, she spends most of her time with her dog, Friday the 13th or relaxing with a good puzzle!
![Lou – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lou-400x400-1.png)
Lou RASSE
Actress
LOU RASSE
Lou is a Belgian-American actor, theatre maker, and poet who has been performing since seeing a production of The Wizard of Oz at the age of three. Lou currently lives in Brooklyn and is a recent graduate of the Acting BFA at Emerson College where she studied Action Theatre, Linklater technique, and devising, among other things.
As both a native French and English speaker, Lou could not be more excited to spend the next few months bringing theatre to students across France and Belgium. When not acting or creating theatre, you can find Lou riding her bike, cooking, and spending time with her two cats, Jo and Goose. See you on tour!
![Isabella – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Isabella-400x400-1.png)
Isabella FOX
Actress
Isabella FOX
Isabella is originally from Oregon, but currently resides in Minnesota where she graduated with her BFA in Acting from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has been involved with the theatre since her primary years and is thrilled to be able to make something she loves into a career.
Traveling is her second love and having the opportunity to travel the world while performing theatre with Pickles by EITC will be something she is forever grateful for. In her free time on tour she hopes to eat as much as possible and experience everything each town has to offer!
![Joe (400 × 400 px)](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Joe-400-×-400-px.jpg)
Joe BURKE
Actor
Joe BURKE
Hi! My name’s James and I’m a British actor, writer and theatremaker from Salisbury, Wiltshire, but currently living in Glasgow. I love theatre performance, but I also love travelling around, meeting new people, practicing languages and learning from/teaching others, so Pickles is the perfect place! If you catch me on my downtime, I’ll probably be enjoying the great outdoors.
![Sissi – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sissi-400x400-1.png)
Seraphine “SISSI” Terryberry
Actress
Seraphine (Sissi for short) is an actor out of Chicago and is beyond excited to be joining the Pickles Company!
Whether it be theater, film, backstage, onstage, Sissi loves to make fun things with fun people! Her background in theater and certification at Second City Film School has only intensified this passion (which she exercises by making her own comedy content and teaching adults and kids at Second City Chicago).
Sissi can’t wait for this next adventurous chapter in her career!
![Luke Mcguire (400 × 400 px)](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Luke-Mcguire-400-×-400-px.jpg)
Luke MCGUIRE
Actor
Luke MCGUIRE
Luke McGuire is a British actor based in London. Growing up with a passion for the stage, he first gained experience performing at his local theatre company, the Bromley Little Theatre. During his time there, he took part in productions such as Joe Ortans Loot and James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter. He furthered his career by studying Drama at the University of Winchester, during which he spent a semester studying American theatre at Shenandoah University, Virginia. This is Luke’s first tour with Pickles and he is excited to get on the road and start his adventure!
![Brady – 400×400](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Brady-400x400-1.png)
Brady MADSEN
Actor
Brady MADSEN
Brady Madsen is a Canadian theatre artist. He received a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor. Since then, his work has taken him across Canada and Italy as an actor, director, educator, writer, and producer. He is thrilled to be joining the Pickles team.
![](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pickles-show-for-your-students.jpg)
Our plays have been specially created for pupils learning English as a foreign language. The actors speak clearly and the plays are written to include a lot of repetition to make it easy for students to understand what is happening.
![](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pickles-act-on-stage.jpg)
For each show we create a few small roles for students to perform. There are also other moments of interaction during the play that the whole audience can take part in. Language level isn’t a block for students to participate.
![](https://www.picklescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pickles3.jpeg)
Each workshop is an exploration led by native English-speaking actors and fuelled by the dynamics of the group: exploration is encouraged, the language barrier is broken and everything becomes a reason to play and to improvise. Pure fun!