What has been your journey into theatre ?

I started acting in high school and was a part of the Public Schools State Drama Company for my final years. Being a part of this program was really the moment for me where I knew I had found something I truly wanted to be a part of. I spent the next few years doing all the courses and classes I could as well as working with companies in the indie scene and doing student theatre. I then studied at Actors Centre Australia for three years and have to continued to act and hone my craft and artistic voice since.

Tell me about your experience of developing Dumb Kids

Dumb Kids is a new work by Jacob Parker. He is just such a wonderful writer and has had several works already on Sydney stages. He’s been developing this work for several years with this creative team and the play has continued to develop during this rehearsal period, which has been really exciting. Jacob’s writing is really fresh and pacey and we’ve weaved through a lot of surreal movement sequences which have been such a joy to create. It’s a beautiful blend of practices.

What is the one message you want every person who sees Dumb Kids to take with them out of the theatre?

You never have to have it all figured out, especially when you’re young. We can spend so much of our energy trying to find the perfect words for our experiences or labels for who we are or trying to emulate the path we think we should be on, but just allowing yourself to live, even without solid answers is okay.

What do you enjoy about the Aussie theatre scene, and what needs to change?

I love seeing new writing in Aussie theatre and seeing works that speak to specific experiences. There are so many wonderful new writers coming through right now and it’s so exciting to think about the new works yet to be created.

I think while there has been a stronger focus on having diverse stories on stage we also need to implement diversity in all aspects of the creative process, particularly in positions of power. Including people from diverse backgrounds in programming and directing, in production roles and development processes means we are providing employment and deconstructing who has access and power within the arts.

What type of wine would you pair with Dumb Kids, and why?

I think I’ll have to forgo wine and pair the play with a watermelon Vodka Cruiser, in honour of those teenage years.

Purchase your ticket to Dumb Kids here.