About Us
The Artist Collective Troupe is a nonprofit theater company created to serve the community through theatrical and music performances, artistic events, education opportunities, workshops, and more. Founded in 2021, ACT's goal is to provide educational, collaborative, and creative opportunities for artists and performers of all ages throughout the greater Ocean and Monmouth County area while putting on high-quality productions the whole community can enjoy. Past performances have included productions of "Mary Poppins," "Elf: The Musical," "Godspell Jr.," "Into the Woods," and more, ACT's annual musical revue, "Wish Upon a Song," holiday caroling with the Collective Carolers, a children's summer musical theater program, and more. ACT further strives to serve the community by partnering with other local nonprofits and worthy causes to make a difference by fundraising and spreading awareness at all our performances. Charities we have worked with before include Make-A-Wish New Jersey, the Ashley Lauren Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rescue Ridge, and more.
"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others."
- Salvador Dali
Eric M. Pertgen
Eric has an associates in the Arts as well as a Bachelors in Theater with a concentration in Acting & Directing/Stage Management. Credits include stage, film, and direction. Eric has over 25 years experience; favorite stage roles include Peter in Prelude to a Kiss, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Picasso in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Gordon in Where There's a Will, Ferdinand in The Tempest, Bob Cratchit in Scrooge, and Lucien P. Smith in The Boys Next Door. You can also find Eric on camera in a number of award-winning short films and commercials. Additional TV/film credits include: Amazon Prime: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 3/4/5, Showtime:Billions Season 5, and HBO: The Gilded Age Season 2. Accolades include a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play - NJ Perry Awards 2018.
Artistic Director
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Chelsea Carlson
Director of Music & Media​
Chelsea is a music teacher, award-winning musician, and alumnus of Berklee College of Music. Some of her favorite past stage roles include Linda (The Wedding Singer), Maid Marian (NJ Renaissance Faire), and Miss Carter (It's a Wonderful Life), as well as roles in short films. Chelsea has musical directed several musical revues and concerts, and is currently the musical director for the NJ Renaissance Faire. As a singer/songwriter, Chelsea has performed at over 100 venues in the tri-state area and had her debut album premiere in Songwriting Magazine. She was awarded Top New Female Act at the 2013 JAM Awards, and in 2022 was given the Legion of Honor Award for her volunteer work and humanitarian efforts. Chelsea teaches the Pop Performance Class at Red House Music Studio as well as private music and voice lessons.
