“Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller, waiting to be released.”

-- Robin Moore, author

Hey there! Thanks for dropping by.

I am a lover of stories and inciter of feelings using the mediums of acting, song & dance.

As an artist and storyteller, I aim to create a space for others to discover richer or alternate versions of themselves so they can live a more meaningful and authentic life. In particular, stories for and about women.

I have spent the last ten years building a sustainable career interpreting stories for others and for the past 3 years I have also been developing and creating stories of my own that I believe align with my storytelling philosophy.

Basically, it brings me the most joy to help make you laugh, cry and feel all the feels when you see my work

But don’t just take my word for it here’s what some other folks have said…,

What they said…

SEX, LIES AND BETRAYAL

“Karla Hillam is every inch the fading star retelling tales of sexual conquests, erotic liaisons and the Movie Moguls who controlled the scene…She has a voice that copes well with the different genres, equally at home with the soft tone and the more modern belt. This glimpse into the 40’s world of the movie elite is saucy and engrossing. Hillam is a consummate performer and blends well into the film-noir style of this production.” Fran Edwards - Glam Adelaide

“But Hillam’s captivating energy and stage presence makes it feel like a whole cast could be performing…Hillam filled all corners of the room with her powerful voice, transitioning smoothly between song and dialogue…The combination of Hillam’s silky voice and comfortable characterisation made Miss Nightingale a pleasure to spend the evening with.” Dani Bozoski - On the record

THE MEMORY OF WATER

“As the youngest sister Karla Hillam renders a truthfully written character with such selfless honesty, her performance can barely be judged. It simply must be believed.” Max Davine - Good Reads

“Hillam was a riot playing Catherine, whose best moments include accidentally kissing her brother-in-law Frank and her downward spiral when her boyfriend breaks up with her over the phone.” Ross Battaglia - Milk Bar Mag

UGLY DUCKLING

"Hillam’s energy spilled into the audience like sparkles."
"Ugly Duckling takes a wicked and wild spin on a Hans Christian Anderson classic and bejazzles and botoxes it up to be a #instafabulous production. " Joana Simmons - Milk Bar Mag

"On the Grand Theatrical Venn Diagram, the circles labelled “Dolly Parton references” and “Exceptional show” completely overlap each other. Here is no exception – writer and director, Spanky, crafting a beautiful tale from Andrew’s playing and Karla’s fantastic performance." David Collins - Arts Review

"It is strange in all the ways a Fringe festival should be; like Hillam had a train of thought that went right off the rails and landed upright, grew some caterpillar treads, and bulldozed right on through the landscape." Max Davine - Good Vibes Melbourne

THE EXONERATED

“The denouement of “Sunny”s story is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. But it is the production itself that makes this stunning theatre….Karla Hillam as the hippy who nonetheless forgives and tries to give something back in her husband’s name (his is perhaps the most horrific execution in history) – just marvellous. “ Coral Drouyn - Stage Whispers

“Karla Hillam radiates as a hippie mother who is resolutely bullish despite 16 years behind bars.” Rebecca Harkins-Cross - The Age

“Other stand out performances of the night was Karla Hillam’s gentle, moving and heartfelt depiction of Sunny Jacobs…From start to finish, The Exonerated is a rollercoaster of emotions. Sharp exhales, laughter, goosebumps and sheer shock. It will leave you reflecting for days.” Janus Santos and Mardi Grivas - The Australian Times