Gerald hails from Salzburg (Austria), where he served on the faculty of the renowned Mozarteum University (1989-1998). Since then he has resided in Hampton Roads with his wife and two children. In 2000 he and Jim Turner founded the Elizabeth River Theatre Company and shared the artistic direction. Jim's recent move to New England has thrust  Gerald to the fore as sole Artistic Director.

Since 1981 Gerald has directed over 50 professional, college, and amateur theatrical productions in his native German language, as well as in French and English. Productions for ERT have included Black Battles with Dogs (2007), Die Fledermaus (2000), The Sandbox (2001), Nathan the Wise (2002), 100 (2004), Let's Do It! and Don Quixote (both 2005). He was also on stage (albeit briefly) in The Underpants (2005). His dramaturgical work has included adaptations and translations, theatre criticism for numerous Austrian publications, and guest stints at the Juilliard School and the Classic Stage Company (both in New York) and the Mark Taper Forum (Los Angeles).

If the preceding were not enough, Gerald also finds or makes the time to teach Theatre History, Theatre Experience, and Dramaturgy as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University.

e-mail: gschwarz@elizabethrivertheatre.com

Carol's involvement with theatre dates from 1976 when she helped with costuming for musicals produced by the Little Theatre of Iowa City, IA. When the Navy sent her family overseas, she costumed and stage-managed the NATO Little Theatre (Naples) and eventually ended up in front of the footlights for several productions. On returning stateside, she enrolled at Tidewater Community Community where, under the guidance of Jack Hollinger, she honed the skills she has subsequently employed on behalf of the Hampton Roads theatre community.

Carol's theatre relationships in the local area include the Little Theatres of Norfolk (since 1985), Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, as well as the Generic Theatre. Among her directorial credits are The Sisters Rosenzweig, Tea and Sympathy, Lend Me a Tenor and Jake's Women. As an actor she particularly enjoyed playing the lead in Dearly Departed for both the Actor's Theatre and Little Theatre of Portsmouth.

Carol is happy to be a part of ERT and looks forward to contributing to its success.