What do you do? Circus, sideshow, and I’m a producer.
When did you get into it? I got started through Warehouse Circus, which I joined when I was 17. I realised when I was 19 that I might just be able to make a career out of it, and have been doing it ever since!
Who or what influences you as an artist? Some of the Australian contemporary companies that are around at the moment are doing some amazing work, and I am very inspired by that – The Candy Butchers, The Burlesque Hour and Circus Oz. But I love drawing from the older styles as well, in particular old style sideshows really fascinate me, and a lot of the work I've created over the last few years has had a lot of throwbacks to that style, and that era.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? My proudest moments are when I throw myself into something that scares the hell out of me. When I did my first street show in Europe I sat for an hour talking myself into it. I sang onstage last year for The Blue Marquessa at the Street Theatre, which I wasn't sure I'd be able to do. I like jumping headfirst into things that freak me out – it's how I learn the most and move forward as a performer.
What are your plans for the future? So many plans! The Gadjo Family, which will be premiering at You Are Here on March 17, is a project I've been trying to get off the ground for years, so I'm excited to see where that will go. I've got an act that I am developing with a Melbourne circus performer at the moment, and I am planning to put together a tour for The Bally for 2012 as well.
What makes you laugh? Anecdotal comedy. Performers who combine their comedy with an element of sweetness and quirkiness.
What pisses you off? When performers make lazy work.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? I think Canberra's arts scene is so vibrant and unique, I work so much in Melbourne and interstate, and I love coming back to Canberra. The artists here are driven so much by the passion for what they're doing rather than focussing on creating mainstream or corporate friendly work, that what comes out is very unique and creative. It just deserves to be matched by the same level of passion by audiences!
What are your upcoming projects? Back to Melbourne after this for some street shows, then in Canberra for the National Folk Festival where I'll be doing a trio street show as well as hosting the circus cabaret show and late night 'Not For Kids Kids Show'.
Contact info: , 0407 267 239
