The Head | Thorax | Abdomen performer on freedom to inhabit, to play, to be vulnerable.
1. How do you know when something is “finished”?
I don’t know any artist who ever feels like their work is truly finished. Please send them my way if you do. But I love reaching the point where I stop thinking about the dialogue or the action and can simply enjoy inhabiting the character. There’s a real sense of freedom in that.
2. What’s your favourite way to work?
I love starting with creative play on the floor. I learn best by getting up and trying things, seeing what comes out, rather than deciding everything in advance.
3. Who and/or what inspires you?
So many things. A great script, an exciting yet flawed character. But if I had to narrow it down, I’m inspired by actors who are brave and willing to be vulnerable on stage. There’s an openness to their work that makes it exciting to watch.
Emily Carr is a Melbourne-based actor and writer. She is thrilled to be working with James Hazelden again and has recently performed with a range of exciting, award-winning theatre companies. Highlights include writing and performing in Pride & Prejudice with Bloomshed, returning to Malthouse in May, as well as acting in productions for Australian Shakespeare Company, bold new Australian work Ripening with Citizen Theatre, Duck Duck Goose with That Production Company, and the boundary-pushing Truthmachine with techno-troublemakers Counterpilot.
Emily is also the creator and performer of two acclaimed solo shows, Beige Bitch and Beauty Queen which captivated audiences with their sharp humour, honesty, and inventive storytelling.
A graduate of QUT Drama, she has further honed her craft in performance, clowning, improvisation, and puppetry with leading coaches, including The Groundlings, NIDA, ATYP, Dead Puppet Society, Hayden Spencer, and Deanna Fleysher, driven by a love of play, comedy, sketch, and improv.
Image Sarah Clarke
LA MAMA PRESENTS Head | Thorax | Abdomen
8-26 April 2026