The Brutal Truth About Making It as an Actor

Louisa Mignone joined the Showtime podcast to share her journey from growing up in a lively household of five siblings to becoming one of Australia’s most versatile actors in theatre, film, and television. With a career spanning acclaimed theatre productions and standout screen roles, Louisa spoke about what it takes to sustain a creative career, navigating the challenges of the industry, and staying true to storytelling that resonates. Growing up inventing worlds with her siblings and a cupboard full of dress-up clothes, Louisa discovered her love for performance early. After exploring arts and cinematography at Flinders University, she stumbled into drama school — a decision that set her on a path of theatre company creation, bold stage roles, and screen performances that challenge her and expand her craft. She reflected on the realities of being a performer in Australia today: financial instability, creative risk-taking, and the changing patterns of audiences post-COVID. Louisa shared her experiences balancing stage and screen, discussing how live theatre offers immediate feedback and evolving performances, while screen work requires precision, collaboration with directors, and trust in the editing process. Currently, Louisa appears in Melbourne Theatre Company’s bold new adaptation of Rebecca, a limited season running until 5 November at Southbank Theatre’s The Sumner. She shared insights into the development process, working with a small cast in multiple roles, and exploring the complex moral and psychological themes of the story, which remain strikingly modern. 🎭 Rebecca 🗓️ 30 September to 5 November 📍 Southbank Theatre, The Sumner 🎟️ https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/rebecca/ Rebecca, a reimagined stage adaptation of the classic 1938 novel, follows a woman navigating obsession, secrecy, and identity in a morally complex world. With only four actors portraying multiple roles, audiences are taken on a thrilling journey through a story of desire, power, and choice — as relevant today as it was decades ago. 🤠 For the latest theatre updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram https://instagram.com/AndrewGShowtime LOUISA MIGNONE is a Melbourne Theatre Company debut alumna with credits including The Almighty Sometimes, Death of a Salesman (GWB Entertainment/Red Line Productions), The Fence (Darebin Arts/29 Scenes), Anna K (Malthouse Theatre), Mortido (Belvoir), The Club (State Theatre Company South Australia), Antigone (Sport For Jove), The Pork Stiletto (The Old Fitzroy), The Boys (Griffin Theatre Company), and Fugitive, Boom Bah! (Windmill Theatre). She is a founding member of Adelaide-based theatre company isthisyours?, whose original works have toured nationally and received numerous awards. Her television and film credits include The Mongoose, Fake, The Twelve (S1), Scrublands, Australian Gangster, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (S1–2), Wentworth (S8–9), Halifax Retribution, Secret City: Under the Eagle, Rake (S2–4), How to Stay Married (S2), Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Fat Tony & Co, My Place, East West 101, Infini, Two Fists One Heart, and Latte e Miele, which she also created.