On the Couch with Emma Caldwell

Emma Caldwell oncWho is Emma Caldwell?
My name is Emma Caldwell. I’m a Melbourne-based actress who loves to travel, play music and has an unhealthy relationship with cheese.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Be less cautious. I have a tendency to hold myself back when I should just jump in and get things done.

Who inspires you and why?
Wendy Ward – because she is the most fearless, ferocious and passionate acting teacher I’ve ever encountered. Laura Marling – because her music seems to know how to express the way I feel better than I do. My Mum – because she is the most patient, loving and kind person I know.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Speak out and fight against injustice in any capacity. Gandhi said “be the change you want to see in the world”. That still rings true to me.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
One of the best things I’ve ever done was visit Jordan. There’s so much stigma about the Middle East, but the people are the most welcoming of anywhere I’ve ever been. People on the street would literally just invite you into their houses for tea without wanting anything in return.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Bar/café hopping down Sydney Road. I’m not really a tourist attraction kind of gal. I much prefer to sit down with a beer, some good food and catch up properly.

What are you currently reading?
Creating Encores by Sally Arnold. Sally gave me her book when I performed in The Vagina Monologues with her in March this year – it’s a wealth of knowledge and advice on forging out a successful career in the arts for women.

What are you currently listening to?
FKA Twigs – LP1. She’s a goddess.

Happiness is?
A giant plate of cheese, red wine, and all the people I love around me.

What does the future hold for you?
Next up this year I’ll be playing Abigail Williams in the Australian Premiere of Abigail/1702 for Boutique Theatre. It’s a huge challenge and a fantastic new piece of theatre. Other than that I plan to travel a lot more, meet lots of wonderful people and live a happy, successful life.

Emma Caldwell trained as an actor at the Ward Acting Studio in the Meisner approach, and is a co-founder of the independent theatre company Boutique Theatre.

Her performance highlights include performing in the sold out Australian premiere of I Wish You A Boat (Ward Theatre Company), The Journey Girl at fortyfivedownstairs (NEO), Luisa Contini in Nine (Four Letter Word), Eve/Mama Noah in Children of Eden (PEP Productions), Lucy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Melbourne Musicals), Live Acts on Stage (Four Letter Word) and The Vagina Monologues at The Cooper’s Malthouse for the V-Day One Billion Rising campaign.

Emma’s film and TV credits include The Pacific (Channel 7), Whatever Happened to That Guy (Comedy Channel), Our Melbourne (Channel 31), Arcade Reboot (Deakin), Soon She Will Be Gone (Harry Aronsten), Wild Woman (Out Of Time Productions), Being A Good Bloke (RMIT graduate film) and French Lessons in Love (Open Channel). Emma also featured in the music video for Damian Howard’s song Once In A While.

Emma will be appearing in Boutique Theatre’s production of Tigers Be Still at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute from 21 April. For more information, visit: www.boutiquetheatre.com.au for details.

Image: Emma Caldwell