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 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 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.”
ARNAUD CRAMOISAN
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.
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 PETIT
Tour Manager – Music assistant
LOÏC PETIT • Tour Manager - Music assistant
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.
EDITH MICLO
Tour Manager – Facilitator – Acting coach – Assistant director
EDITH MICLO • Tour Manager - Facilitator - Acting coach - Assistant director
Queen of the Brittany crepe, I’ve travelled all around Ireland from pub to pub, creperie to creperie, from the east to the west, guided by a pint of Guinness and Irish music. Active in the voluntary sector, I had the chance to travel all around the world and to have multiple exciting encounters in my role as a youth camp director, facilitator or simply as an adventurer. All these moments and stories have led me to wanting to tell them in films, creating characters, to…
Hang on! It’s not over yet! The adventure continues with EITC! My essence? To travel into the heart of people. I’m on the right track.
MARIANNE SPINEWINE
Pedagogical production – English teacher
MARIANNE SPINEWINE • Pedagogical production - English teacher
In 2015, after 10 years of being an English teacher, in my 30s, I wanted to set myself new challenges. I rediscovered theatre and performing that I had left behind as a teenager and I fell in love with it all over again. It became obvious to me: what I dreamed was to combine all my passions: teaching, theatre and English. After EITC performed at my school, I asked Xavier if the company were hiring. That’s what you call being in the right place at the right time… and the adventure began.
Today, I’m in charge of the pedagogical documents (Classroom Pack). I have the chance to read the plays before they hit the road and I think up activities that allow the students and teachers to get the most out of the shows. What can you expect? Vocabulary, comprehension exercises, speaking and writing exercises, cultural exercises…
A quote to sum up this encounter?
“Let your dream devour your life, not your life devour your dream” Antoine de Saint Exupéry
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.
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!
TOUR MANAGERS
LOÏC PETIT
Tour Manager – Music assistant
LOÏC PETIT • Tour Manager - Music assistant
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.
EDITH MICLO
Tour Manager – Facilitator – Acting coach – Assistant director
EDITH MICLO • Tour Manager - Facilitator - Acting coach - Assistant director
Queen of the Brittany crepe, I’ve travelled all around Ireland from pub to pub, creperie to creperie, from the east to the west, guided by a pint of Guinness and Irish music. Active in the voluntary sector, I had the chance to travel all around the world and to have multiple exciting encounters in my role as a youth camp director, facilitator or simply as an adventurer. All these moments and stories have led me to wanting to tell them in films, creating characters, to…
Hang on! It’s not over yet! The adventure continues with EITC! My essence? To travel into the heart of people. I’m on the right track.
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…
CLEMENT LEFRAIS
Tour manager
CLEMENT LEFRAIS • Tour manager
A versatile actor, I started my life with a desire to be an artist.
Naturally curious and heterogeneous, I work and explore different areas, such as theatre and music.
Actor? Yes, but above all an actor in life.
With an adventurous attitude, I never say no to a new experience! To travel on a tour van with little irish lambs, to travel around the world with them, who could want anything more :) ?
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.
Eric Lafosse
Tour Manager
ERIC LAFOSSE • Tour Manager
Curious, adventurous and definitely in love with art, travel and human being, I started as a hip-hop/contemporary dancer and choreographer, and became actor and director a few years ago… and now I’m a Tour manager with Pickles !
Like a dream comes true, to take care and drive the actors all over Belgium and France to meet their audience, and be sure everything will be ok before, during and after the show. As a sugar daddy would do for his kids, and as people did for me all along my life… What else !
LEA HOSTACHY
Tour manager
LEA HOSTACHY• Tour manager
A versatile actor, I started my life with a desire to be an artist.
Naturally curious and heterogeneous, I work and explore different areas, such as theatre and music.
Actor? Yes, but above all an actor in life.
With an adventurous attitude, I never say no to a new experience! To travel on a tour van with little irish lambs, to travel around the world with them, who could want anything more :) ?
LEA LAMY
Tour Manager
LEA LAMY • 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 BRUYERE
Tour Manager
MARIO 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.
ACTORS
Katie HALLS
Actress
Katie HALLS
Katie is an American actress from Northern California with 15 years of experience in plays, musicals, and a few recent film projects. She received her Bachelor of Arts in both Theatre and English at UC Davis in 2021 and is excited to further her career with the Pickles Company this touring season!
Some of her hobbies include improv comedy, swing dancing, nature photography, traveling, and geeking out over Star Trek. She can't wait to get on tour and share her love of theatre with the students.
Gigi CAMMAROTO
Actress
Gigi CAMMAROTO
Gigi is very excited to be making art & friends in new places! When she's not teaching or creating theater, Gigi enjoys connecting with nature, deepening her yoga practice, and singing to herself.
She is an advocate for the wellbeing of actors, and hopes to expand the field of therapeutic performance. You can find her on Instagram and YouTube at @maggmoves.
Nathan TROCHET
Actor
Nathan TROCHET
Kendall MASON
Actress
Kendall MASON
My name is Kendall Mason. I hail from North Carolina where I attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for theatre, business, and screenwriting. I started performing at a young age through competitive dance, which quickly transformed into my love for physical theatre, comedy, and clown.
I am so excited to be a part of the Pickles company and to explore Europe!
Matthew FLOYD
Actor
Matthew FLOYD
Hey there! My name is Matthew and I am an American based actor. I recently graduated from Harding University with a degree in acting. I am a Shakespeare loving, coffee drinking self-proclaimed comedian that loves to go on adventures. Can't wait to meet you on the road!
Nina AGATHOU
Actress
Nina AGATHOU
Hello! My name is Nina and I am a Greek actress living in London. Graduated from Bournemouth Film School at Arts University Bournemouth with a degree in Acting and plenty of experience in film, tv, and musical theatre. I have a couple of professional credits under my belt and my biggest dream is to sing on a West End stage! I have also recently been doing some film crew work for major productions alongside with auditioning for various projects, so you can say I am a jack of all trades and ready to tackle all challenges! I was a physical theatre facilitator last year, which gave me an amazing view on constructing workshops and working with students and am very excited to be back in that environment!
This is my first time touring Europe and I am so excited for all the places, people and amazing experiences (and the chance to practice my French!) Enjoy our show!
Rachel HARRIS
Actress
Rachel HARRIS
Rachel has just graduated with her BFA in musical theatre from Samford University and could not be more excited to be spending much of her first year post-grad acting and traveling around Europe! In her spare time you may find her obsessing over ocean documentaries, serving in her church, exploring a hiking spot, or making something new in the kitchen. She thrives off of new experiences and is sure that this opportunity will bring plenty of them! See you on tour!
Rachel JOHNSON
Actress
Rachel JOHNSON
Originally from California, Rachel Claire began her training at Orange County High School of the Arts. In 2022 she graduated from Tisch Drama at New York University. There, she studied at Stella Adler, Strasberg and Stonestreet. In addition to acting, Rachel enjoys painting portraits, singing and playing the piano. She can't wait to get started at Pickles and spread the love of theater!
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.
Rebekah JARVIS
Actress
Rebekah JARVIS
Hi there! I’m Rebekah, an actor from the South West of England. I trained in theatre and screen acting. I also have a big love for Shakespeare, physical theatre and singing. Performing and working with artistic people improved my confidence and creativity from a young age. I look forward to being able to pass on this experience as we visit different schools!
Roxanne SEVEN
Actress
Roxanne SEVEN
Roxy comes from California where she performs and teaches drama up and down the golden state in her handmade tricked out van. She loves camping, traveling, reading, and making music with friends. Some of her favorite productions include The Moors, Threepenny Opera, Spring Awakening, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She's inspired daily by children's confidence and wit, and hopes to continue learning from their wisdom with Pickles Theatre Company.
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!
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.
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.
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!