Theatre has long been more than just an art form—it is a mirror for society, a space to entertain, teach, and connect people. Its appeal lies in its ability to hold attention, evoke emotion, and bring people together through performance. Whether acting, directing, or writing, theatre integrates creativity, collaboration, and storytelling.
At the heart of this mission is Candice Desmet, French actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Act’in Theatre in London. Her vision: create a safe, welcoming, and bilingual environment for people of all backgrounds to learn, perform, and enjoy theatre as a creative outlet and personal growth experience.
The Journey to Act’in Theatre
Candice Desmet began her career with a dual passion—science and performance. While studying biology in France, she also pursued acting, eventually joining Guenal Morin’s troupe in Nantes in 2011. Her career expanded internationally when she moved to London in 2012, performing improv in France, Morocco, and the UK.
Her first film role in Naboru further solidified her career path, but she also saw a gap in London’s bilingual theatre community. In 2015, she launched Act’in Theatre, determined to build a space for both French- and English-speaking performers to train, collaborate, and perform.
As Managing Director, Candice wears many hats: managing operations, directing productions, coaching students, teaching improv, and even handling finances. Her work changes daily—something she believes is both the challenge and the excitement of entrepreneurship.
Building Act’in Theatre
What began as a modest project has grown organically with student demand. Today, Act’in Theatre offers drama, improv, and film workshops in both French and English. Located in the heart of London, the school has earned a reputation for its high-quality instruction and welcoming, judgement-free atmosphere.
Students range from complete beginners to experienced performers. Candice and her team design workshops that allow each person to progress at their own pace, helping them push creative boundaries and gain confidence. Many students have been with the theatre since its founding—a sign of its strong community spirit.
A Distinctive Presence in London’s Entertainment Scene
Act’in Theatre isn’t just a training school—it’s a performance hub. Candice has created two resident troupes: Les Gueules de Bois (drama) and Les Improzacs (improvisation).
To showcase their work, Candice developed Entre Act, a recurring performance staged every 5–6 weeks in an intimate venue. The first half features scripted theatre in French (Les Gueules de Bois), while the second half is an improv show (Les Improzacs)—all performed in French with English subtitles.
Recognizing the need for English-language performances, Candice also launched In’terval, a new format performed in English with French subtitles. This broadened the theatre’s reach, making its performances accessible to more diverse audiences.
Since launching, Candice has written over 50 sketches and 9 plays for workshops and end-of-year shows, while also partnering with organizations for corporate training and creative projects.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many creative ventures, Act’in Theatre faced significant obstacles during Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. With venues closed and uncertainty in the arts sector, Candice adapted by exploring digital theatre to keep students engaged and the community connected.
Each live performance still comes with its own unique challenges: coordinating actors, direction, production, and technical elements. But Candice views the pressure as part of the magic—when it all comes together on stage, the result is worth the effort.
Continuous Growth and Innovation
Candice is always looking for ways to improve. She is working on strengthening Act’in Theatre’s structure, introducing new systems to save time, and developing the theatre’s brand. Future plans include creative trips and group experiences outside of class, helping students explore theatre as a tool for self-expression and confidence-building.
In her words:
“Theatre lets us step outside society’s expectations and be fully ourselves—free of judgement, free of constraints, and open to true expression.”
Balancing Work and Life
As a founder, Candice’s schedule is demanding, but she values flexibility. Her personal and professional lives often blend, but she ensures she makes time for herself, even if it’s in small increments.
Her energy comes from seeing students grow, enjoying the creative process, and sharing moments of achievement as a community.
Advice for Future Leaders
Candice encourages aspiring leaders to:
- Know yourself – Understand your values, strengths, and limits.
- Embrace fear – It’s natural, but don’t let it control your decisions.
- Celebrate failure – Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.
She sees entrepreneurship as a lifelong school—one where challenges become lessons, and lessons become stepping stones to both professional and personal growth.
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