Rate My Professor Jacqui Somerville

Jacqui Somerville serves as the Program Director of the Bachelor of Acting and Head of Acting at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University in Brisbane. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice (Dramaturgy). Somerville relocated from the United Kingdom to Australia in 2018 specifically to establish and direct the new Bachelor of Acting program at QCGU. Under her leadership, the program has developed into a successful actor training initiative, with numerous alumni securing professional roles in the performing arts industry. Her academic positions at Griffith include Senior Lecturer in Acting within the Arts, Education and Law group.

Prior to joining Griffith University, Somerville was Head of Postgraduate Studies, Head of Acting and Musical Theatre, and Head of Postgraduate Programs at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London from 2013 to 2018. Before transitioning into actor training education, she maintained a professional career spanning more than 25 years as an actor, theatre director, writer, dramaturg, producer, and intimacy coordinator in the UK theatre and film sectors. Notable directorial credits include The House of Blue Leaves (2008) and Loveplay (2007) at Manchester School of Theatre. At QCGU, she directs student productions such as Nell Gwynn (2026), Three Sisters (2022), The Seagull (2020), Anon(ymous) (2020), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (2023), and co-directed the Class of 2023 Acting and Musical Theatre Showcase. Somerville emphasizes creative collaboration and practical training to prepare students for professional careers, contributing to QCGU's reputation for shaping emerging performers.