My Story

It must have been the on-the-job experience I received writing, directing, and coordinating my siblings in the annual Christmas pageants in the loungeroom of my parents' house in Jervis Bay (NSW) that made me believe that a creative future was for me. Forging forward along that path after graduating high school, I gained a BCA in theatre performance at the University of Wollongong, then traveled to the UK where I lived and played in Glasgow, training in David Mamet’s Practical Aesthetics technique at ACS (Acting Coach Scotland). I wrote, produced, and performed in two new shows for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010, marking the first of my shows to be produced outside of my parents' loungeroom. Since then, my work has been seen in the UK, New York, Beijing, and Australia. I have worked on various TV and film roles, and continue to write for stage and screen. Balancing my creative life with playing, wrangling, and adventuring with my husband and two young boys is my happy place. Trail running, bush walks, weekend sports, and aerial acrobatics (silks) all feature on the weekly planner, and a camping trip in our van, ARVI (full name, Arvi-there-yet), is never too far away.

  • Kind Words

    'Between her back-to-back performances in my films Public Eye and The Switchblade Sisterhood, Karli has firmly demonstrated the trademarks of a solid and dependable performer. She brings subtle nuances and intuitive depth to her characters, while remaining receptive to new ideas. Not only is Karli a quick study, but her grace under pressure is second to none; from prompt arrival at inconvenient filming locations to handling unexpected schedule shuffles with great poise. Karli is a generous, down-to-earth and personable actor, making her an absolute pleasure to work with.' Davo Hardy - Director / Writer / Producer at Davo Hardy Films
    'Karli is a force of nature. Her enthusiasm and energy for the art is undeniable. We created and performed a new piece of theatre within weeks of Karli giving birth to her first child. With all that goes with being a parent to a newborn, she would still turn up each planning day, each rehearsal and each performance with the same energy. Performing and creating art for Karli is clearly a path on which she thrives.' Laura Whalen - Actor/ Writer

  • Kind Words

    'Karli is an amazing raw and truthful actor. Working with Karli makes me and everyone around her feel good – such an open and generous artist – I love her very much.' Kevin Berry - Writer / Producer at Black Ghost Films and The Odd Tribe
    'Karli is a dream to collaborate with. She is creative and yet constructive, ambitious and yet logical. To be included in her process is both an education and an adventure.' Kerrie Simon Lawrence - Editor, Writer & Commentator

  • Kind Words

    'Karli has been a student of mine, an assistant coach and I have directed her in numerous plays. On every occasion I have found Karli to be reliable, dedicated, professional and capable. I had the pleasure of being an outside eye on two of her own works, which she staged at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010, and watched her produce the shows with great success.' Mark Westbrook - Studio Director at Acting Coach Scotland
    'Karli is an extremely talented actor and writer. She is a joy to collaborate with. Her positivity, passion and discipline allow her to create very special work.' Mel Dodge - Actor / Writer at Brave Theatre Co.