Australia’s leading creator and exporter of contemporary circus, and arTour, the centre of contemporary touring knowledge which specialises in touring arts companies and projects to regional Queensland. I literally breathe my job - it’s the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of before I go to sleep. In my spare time, I play the cello, sing with a group called The Australian Voices, am learning French and am studying my Masters part–time in Creative Industries (Creative Production and Arts Management).
Why do you do it?
Circus is an art form that profoundly moves me, and Circa continually refreshes and inspires me. People at Circa are literally insane – fuelled by a level of passion and dedication that I’ve never been around before. Being around passionate people really makes you want to try harder and go higher than you’ve ever gone before. I can’t imagine ever working in a job which didn’t have a creative aspect to it.
What do you love about the city you live in right now?
What's the best thing about being a part of the LGBT+ community?
The talent. Working with creative people means that I’m surrounded by a lot of incredible talent – my favourite thing is that if I start singing a song, it’s pretty likely I’ll have a partner of a chorus of people to join in. Who doesn’t love joining in and yelling ‘Be a Man’ from Mulan?
In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the community?
There is no gay agenda, and there is no standard lifestyle that gay people live by. We are different people with different jobs, aspirations, mannerisms and interests. If someone out there has a gay agenda can you please show it to me.
Do you have an LGBT+ icon/spokesperson that you look up to and if so, what do you love about them?
Is it very cliched to say Lady Gaga? I remember in 2009 National Equality March she spoke – or should I say HOLLERED – a very passionate sentiment on the need for equality and that being given a stage to speak to the people of her generation was the most important part of her career. And then in a very throaty voice screamed “OBAMAA ARRRRE YOUUUU LISTENINGGGG?!?!!?". That has stuck with me for years – I was very moved and appreciative to have someone believe in the normality of our community.
How do you define happiness?
I think having a lot of little things to look forward to is my definition of happiness. So, dreaming up a trip somewhere, waiting out for your favourite artist’s next project, going to an opening night or even planning a date night with friends or your partner gives you lots of things to be appreciative and looking forward to. Engaging with things that make memories or make you smile after are the best.
Are you happy with your work/life balance?
Haha - are my bosses reading this?! The two worlds collide – I finish work, and often then go off to circus class or to see a show, or catch up with friends where we usually end up talking about work at some point! People in the creative industries are so passionate about work it seems to overlap into personal life and even vice-versa.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I’m going to think of something better after this is posted – but right now I wish I could go back to the opening night of La Vertià from Brisbane Festival 2015. I wish I could experience the absolute wonder of living that for the first time again.
What is the best lesson you've ever learned?
What is your spirit animal?
