The Impulse Company faculty comprises Artistic Director Scott Williams, Mike Bernardin, Britta Gartner, Kate Maravan,
Lindsay Mohun and Jacqui-Lee Pryce. With the exception of Scott, all are also actors, moving between teaching and performance,
and some also teach elsewhere. Check our schedule of classes to see who is currently teaching with us.
Michael trained with New York based teacher Paul Bardier in the Meisner Technique through the late 80s. He subsequently trained in Decroux technique and impro theatre with Desmond Jones.
Michael has served time in the West End productions of "Blood Brothers", "The Patsy Cline Story" and "The Beautiful Game". Other musicals include the revivals of "Pump Boys and Dinettes" (Wimbledon) and "Forever Plaid" (Gatehouse and national tour). Acting credits include a variety of classical and modern roles. For the Royal National Theatre "The Duchess of Malfi" directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and Edward Bond's "Lear" directed by Tim Stark. Elsewhere,"The Merchant of Venice"; "Of Mice and Men"; Justin Butcher's buffo-inspired "Passion" (all national tours); "Romeo and Juliet" (Bracknell), "Dial M for Murder" (London), "The Trojan Women" (Cheltenham). Two appearances with the Original Shakespeare Company: as Angelo in "Measure for Measure" (Cambridge) and as Bertram in "All's Well that Ends Well" (London).
Most recent directing credits are for Gateway (now Fer'vent) Theatre Company: Shakespeare's "12th Night", Stephen Sondheim's "Company"; Tom Kempinski's "Duet for One"; David Mamet's "Oleanna" and Patrick Marber's "Closer" at the Broadway Studio. Michael co-produces all of the company's shows. Other recent productions include Edward Albee's "The Zoo Story" Tristan Bates Theatre; Solo show of C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters"; Springs Dance Company national tour, "Journey of the Magi"; Professional actor showcases at Jermyn Street and at Soho House; Co-director with Aurelia Nolin on a British premiere, "Chroniques" at the Tristan Bates Theatre and World premiere of "Coming From a different Place" for the International Institute of Performing Arts, in Paris.
Michael has taught at The Actors Centre, London, since 1999, where he is Vice Chair on the Board of Directors. He teaches acting at a number of London's Drama Schools, as well as for the City Lit. He is a long-term associate to Scott Williams and The Impulse Company, whose work has dramatically raised the profile of the Meisner technique among London's professional actors. In recent years Michael has also been a frequent visitor to mainland Europe, where his Meisner workshops are increasingly in demand.
