Gemma Crooks is an actor trainer, artist and researcher. She works as an acting practitioner on the MA Theatre Lab programme at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. As a freelance acting practitioner, she works within UK drama schools and universities teaching and directing contemporary and classical texts. Gemma is part of a two-woman collaborative research practice that looks at the creation of new works and Black British narratives. Her collaborative practice-based research led to the exploration of reframing actor training through her co-created model S.P.H.E.R.E. Gemma holds a BA in Acting from Birmingham Conservatoire 2002, an MFA in Actor Training and Coaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama 2022, and Foundation Studies in Laban from Laban Guild International Studies 2021. She holds joy and celebration at the centre of her life and her work.