Jo Beveridge – Chairman
chairman@gaos.ch
Jo - short for Joanne, although I have been called Jo since school... I have lived in Geneva for 29 years and have 2 daughters and 2 step sons. GAOS is very much a family affair, with all of the family involved one way or another for the last 26 years. Back in 2004 I spent a year on the Committee as Membership Secretary in the early days of very clunky computer data bases, but always up until recently, I was in the dark backstage. My previous actual employment was as Director and Head Coach of the most successful Swiss Junior Netball Club, coaching girls aged between 7-19 years old and managing their parents! Between all my GAOS work, I continue to coach adults, but sadly I no longer play as the "springs" in my knees seem to have sprung their last.
Gisela Schmidt-Martin, Vice-Chair
vicechair@gaos.ch
I am delighted to be Vice Chair of the GAOS Committee! If any members have ideas for social events, they should get in touch. I moved to Geneva in 2014 and joined GAOS just a few years ago in 2021, performing in several shows and pantos since then. I’m a humanitarian advocate, which can be quite serious, so being involved with GAOS is a great way to get creative and have fun!
David Ball, Treasurer
treasurer@gaos.ch
GAOS quite literally is my family. That I’m still involved after 45 years is curious as I can’t act, dance or sing. More remarkable is surviving 70’s and early 80’s lighting box special effects: dense smoke came courtesy of Gauloise and Marlborough chain smokers, while using the lighting and sound consoles as large beer coasters occasionally produced a spark, bang and burnt electric smell.
So, when asked to take on the role of Treasurer some 3 years ago, I thought it would be a safer way of giving something back to GAOS, and it mostly is. Nonetheless, our homegrown accounting database has been no bed of roses, and our move upstairs no pleasure cruise… (Keith, is this already a musical copyright breach?). In addition to paying the bills and keeping our finances in check, my other GAOS pastimes are set design/construction/painting and helping backstage.
Alongside GAOS, I’m proud to work for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that has helped vaccinate more than half the world’s children against deadly and debilitating infectious diseases. We’re the backstage of public health. I also very much enjoy playing tennis, cycling, hiking and skiing.
Bindu Kapur, Secretary
secretary@gaos.ch
I’ve been with GAOS on and off for 25+ years. Initially, I was on-stage, usually in dancing roles, but occasionally singing and acting as well. These days I much prefer being behind the scenes choreographing, sometimes directing, and supporting GAOS as a committee member. Having served as Business Manager in 2018, I’m delighted to be back on the committee as Secretary. In my real life I split my time between Vienna and Geneva, depending on where my family and cats (and GAOS) need me. In 2024, after many years in the corporate and international organization world, I started my own business.
Helen Weir, Business Manager
business@gaos.ch
I've been in Geneva on and off since 1996 and have been involved with GAOS since 2001 when I was pulling curtains for panto. Since then I took to treading the boards and am now enjoying my role on the Committee. Outside of GAOS I'm the Senior Executive Assistant to the Director General OF the IFPMA, an NGO which works alongside pharmaceutical industries to promote and support innovation and access to medicines and vaccines worldwide.
Frou-Frou, Publicity Manager
publicity@gaos.ch
Curious to know where my name comes from? GAOS’ 1998 summer show, I'm on stage, belting out an old French cabaret song about the delightful "swish-swish" of women’s dresses. Le joli froufrou! Très chic, right? The name stuck and I love it.
As for my GAOS adventures? I’ve done it all: on stage, behind the scenes, sets, props, lights, sound, costumes, front of house, you name it. I had the privilege of co-directing the Millennium Pantomime Beauty and the Beast, for which I wrote the script, and recently wrote and directed Twenty, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Youth Group of which I had the joy of leading the founding team. I served on the Committee for about 20 years, working alongside five different Chairmen. Pure joy… well, almost. During this time, I also had the honour of serving as Chairman myself for four years.
Outside of GAOS, I’ve been fortunate to achieve a lot, but I’ll keep it short—I'm a very proud mother! Thanks to GAOS, my daughter grew up immersed in every rehearsal and performance from the age of 18 months to 10 years, gaining an incredible knowledge of Music Hall and musicals. Back then, she was known as "the GAOS mascot". Now, she sings to her 3-month-old son, who, unbelievably, already has a remarkable tenor voice!
Derek Mathieson, Technical Manager
technical@gaos.ch
I first came to the area in as a student 1989, joining GAOS a few years later. I was working the bar at the (in)famous Mikado 'stage dive' performance, and later played a roman soldier in The Ice Maiden before leaving the area to work in the USA. After returning to the area, I rejoined GAOS in 2019, helping with lighting in Wind in the Willows. Since then, I have been on the lighting team for nearly every GAOS show. Outside of GAOS, I work at CERN managing a group of software engineers.
Cheryl Ball, Membership Secretary
membership@gaos.ch
From finally being allowed to join my Dad on stage in '79 (aged 6) to proudly seeing my daughter follow the family trend for a number of shows, GAOS has always played an important role in my life. Who knows, in a few years time, we may have 4 generations involved!
When my family situation allowed, it was a natural progression to join the Committee as Membership secretary a few years ago. I also love helping teach the children's choreography and my more recent role, following my Mum's footsteps, working on ticket sales.
When not GAOSing, I'm a paediatric nurse in a busy medical practice and a senior trainer of CPR and First aid. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, Pilates, line dancing, baton twirling and am currently learning how to crochet (all advice accepted)!
Lauren Stocker, Assistant Business Manager
assistantbusiness@gaos.ch
At two years old I first performed in my first ballet recital and apparently did not want to leave the stage after the dance (literally my teacher had to walk on stage and lift me off)! And I have participated in different musicals and dance shows ever since!
I moved to Geneva from London two years ago with my husband, and I am so excited that I can continue my love of performing at GAOS and now be a part of the committee!
I work in marketing and strategy and hopefully can use some of these skills as the business manager assistant for GAOS!
Katerina Akulich, Assistant Publicity Manager
assistantpublicity@gaos.ch
Originally from Siberia, I’ve spent the past 10 years in Geneva, working in marketing for international businesses and NGOs. I discovered GAOS two years ago when an enthusiastic association member (whose name I can’t recall!) approached me at a karaoke club and encouraged me to audition for an upcoming show. Taking a chance, I was thrilled to join the cast of Sister Act and RENT. Now, I’m excited to bring my marketing expertise to help even more people experience the magic that the GAOS community creates on stage and beyond.
