Genette Harrison

Genette Harrison is a highly skilled theatre professional, currently serving as Lead Tutor for the Fundamentals Year. She holds a BA (HONS) in Acting from Blackpool School of Arts, where she developed a strong foundation in classical and contemporary theatre techniques. Her training encompassed not only performance but also directing, devising, script analysis, and ensemble work, with a focus on genres ranging from avant-garde and comedy to modern performance techniques.

In addition to her formal education, Genette is committed to ongoing professional development, regularly attending workshops and masterclasses to stay current with advancements in performance theory and practice. Recently, she achieved Fellow status (FHEA), recognizing her commitment to teaching excellence in higher education.

Genette’s qualifications include a BA (HONS) in Acting, a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE - Post Compulsory), and her FHEA accreditation. Her areas of expertise and teaching interests span comedy performance, modern performance techniques, avant-garde theatre, commercial theatre performance, and devised theatre. She has a passion for pushing boundaries, challenging students to explore new performance methodologies, and bridging the gap between artistic exploration and commercial theatre demands.

Throughout her tenure at Blackpool School of Arts, Genette directed and taught in productions that brought her specialisms to life. These included Consensual by Evan Placey, Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale, and Angels in America by Tony Kushner, where students gained hands-on experience translating theory into performance.

Genette has received numerous accolades for her work as an actress, including consecutive Best Actress awards in Dubai for her roles as Evelyn in The Shape of Things and in the short film Elpida’s World. Her stage performances in the UAE have been equally notable, with standout roles such as Scarecrow in Woman and Scarecrow at Theatre Mall of Emirates, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Junction Theatre Dubai, and playing all female characters in Two at the Theatre of Digital Art, Madinat Jumeirah.

One of Genette’s key projects was her work as a Theatre Curriculum Specialist for the UAE's Ministry of Education, where she played an integral role in designing a 4-year theatre and drama curriculum for public schools. This initiative revolutionized arts education in the UAE, fostering creativity and critical thinking among students and paving the way for future theatre-makers.

Beyond her achievements in performance and education, Genette is a passionate advocate for the meaningful representation of minority groups in theatre and media. She is particularly focused on the portrayal of ethnic diversity and MENA actors and encourages her students to challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices in their work.

Genette Harrison,

Lead Tutor - Fundamentals Year