"I fell in love with a costume box of dress ups and added Actress to the wish list. I’ve ended up doing versions of all those things but just not in the way I ever imagined as a child - which is the most wonderful thing!"
W.A born and bred Carla has worked extensively as a Performer and Teaching Artist for over 10 years across Australia the U.K and Italy. Her work and training have been vast exploring many aspects of performance from Circus, Physical Theatre and Commedia Dell’Arte to Acting for Stage and Screen as well as writing and producing. Carla has worked with young people from across the globe teaching workshops and creating theatre-based creative learning experiences that focus not only on developing creative skills but social and emotional awareness and efficacy.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Tenacious, Creative, Enthusiastic
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I remember very clearly articulating at 7 years old that I wanted to be a journalist and photographer and travel around the world taking photographs and writing stories. I drew a picture in my workbook of me holding a big camera looking out a window. A few years after that I fell in love with a costume box of dress ups and added Actress to the wish list. I’ve ended up doing versions of all those things but just not in the way I ever imagined as a child - which is the most wonderful thing!
Favourite drama game?
It’s a close tie between “Banana Custard” and “You Silly, Silly Man!” but I think the latter wins. It’s a very unofficial title given to a crazy improvisation/repetition game I created to help young performers find new ways of exploring text and action/physical choices. I couldn’t think of a title for it, so my students and colleagues christened the game “You Silly, Silly Man!” which was one of their favourite lines used in the game. I’m sure it’ll be making an appearance in a workshop or during ensemble classes so look out!
Why do you like theatre?
That’s like asking a Chef why they like food! Impossible to answer concisely but I’ll try! (I could give you a list as long as my arm) For me, good theatre transports us outside of ourselves and allows us to explore the world from every perspective possible in ways that would otherwise be considered impossible or unimaginable. It allows us to feel, explore, express, understand and contemplate ourselves, others and the world around us. It’s also just A LOT of fun and one of the few things that keeps me connected to that beautiful child-like awe and wonder no matter how old I get.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Everything! Mostly I’m looking forward to meeting and working with more wonderful, creative young people and continuing to develop that beautiful and important exchange of creativity, and personal growth with them. I’m also really looking forward to working with the amazing and inspiring team at BG to develop new creative skills and ideas as a creative educator and artist. Being in an environment with like-minded professionals who have a shared passion is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to have. I have always wanted to work for a Children’s Theatre Company so I just can’t wait to be part of it all!
This role has been made possible through the support of Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries'.