Ian and Annie are the founders and directors of Act 1. They are responsible for all aspects of the business, including the creation of innovative itineraries and travel experiences, whether for privately-commissioned parties of arts patrons or for the individuals who choose to travel together to the world's greatest opera and cultural destinations. As the primary contacts for inquiries and with their highly personalized approach, Ian & Annie take good care of guests and guarantee enjoyment and satisfaction from start to finish. British-born Ian's background includes an M.A. from Cambridge University, followed by a professional career in public accounting and senior financial positions with two Fortune 500 companies. Annie has filled leadership roles in both the public and independent high school sectors in England, Canada and the USA, specializing in science education, college entrance counseling and administration. From time to time Annie and Ian host tours to some of Act 1's European destinations.

Desirée has been involved with the world of opera all her life. With extensive experience leading opera tours in the USA and Europe, Desirée delights in hosting groups at the best opera venues around the world. She helps with the planning and stays in close contact with the guests before, during and after each trip. Lectures are a high point of Desirée's tours, particularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York where she is invited to speak on a regular basis. She is the resident pre-performance lecturer at The Santa Fe Opera and presents at several opera companies across the country each year. Desirée is the author of the Opera Unveiled series of books and producer of CenterStage, an arts interview radio show in Santa Fe where she lives. A reviewer wrote "Desirée Mays takes you on paths of history, music, human nature, and myth to the very heart of the operatic experience."

Iain is also a widely respected tour planner and host and one of Canada's best-known and most popular opera educators. He is a regular and frequent guest on CBC Radio's "Saturday Afternoon at the Opera," and for many years was a guest panelist on the "Texaco Opera Quiz" from The Metropolitan, New York. Iain is in great demand as a writer of program notes and lecturer for opera companies, guilds and societies across North America, including the Smithsonian Institute and Opera America.

From her base in New York, Jacqueline manages group visits to the city and specializes in Act 1's private tailor-made tours to several destinations. She coordinates distribution of itineraries and follow up mailings as well as acting in a general research capacity. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre-Dance degree and has significant experience in performance, the hospitality industry and international travel.

Pieter retired from his administrative and database management position in October 2007 and continues in a key support and advisory role for Act 1's Santa Fe operations.