Who is she?

Clare is an actor, writer and comedian from Sydney. She has performed in the most exciting and glamorous of locations, from New York City to Newcastle (NSW). Closer to home, you might have seen Clare at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Film Festival, Queer Screen, or maybe geeing you up before a TV show taping.

She stars in the brand new indie feature, EVICTED! A MODERN ROMANCE, which premiered at the 2022 Sydney Film Festival and won the Best Narrative Feature Audience Award. Clare has written for and appeared on ABC Comedy’s TONIGHTLY WITH TOM BALLARD, stars in ABC ME’s PRANK YOU VERY MUCH and was writer-producer and audience warm-up for THE SET. Her web-series HOW TO BE QUEER won Melbourne Queer Film Festival’s 2020 Pitch Pleez competition, which funded production of the pilot episode. HOW TO BE QUEER opened the 2021 Melbourne Queer Film Festival and had its international premiere at Outfest LA. Her writing has been shortlisted for a number of other awards, including ATYP’s Rebel Wilson Comedy Commission and Queer Screen’s Pitch Off.

Clare is the improv director and ensemble member of Osher Günsberg’s NTNNNNN, a satirical improvised news show. She worked with Osher to develop, cast and produce the show, which enjoyed successful seasons at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023 and 2024, and is currently in development as a television pilot.

Clare made her Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut in 2019 with her solo show LITERALLY, and followed it up in 2023 with BIG FEELINGS. In 2018, her solo show, THRILLED YOU’RE HERE, was selected to be part of Sydney Comedy Festival’s FRESH Program, which highlights the most exciting up and coming talent.

A sought-after improviser and improv teacher, Clare performs improv regularly all over Sydney. She is also a founding member of improv troupe Confetti Gun, who have twice been invited to perform in NYC for UCB’s Del Close Marathon. Clare used to run Sydney University’s Theatresports program, currently teaches for Improv Theatre Sydney, Impro Australia and at a number of different high schools. She has trained at NYC’s Upright Citizens Brigade, Chicago’s Second City, Improv Theatre Sydney and Sydney Actors Collective.

But all of this pales in comparison to her greatest achievement to date: appearing in the pilot episode of Channel Seven’s HARRY’S PRACTICE in 1997.

“Cavanagh performs with an infectious energy which leaves the room buzzing. Bookmark Cavanagh because she is one to watch.” ★★★★ - Funny Tonne

“Cavanagh really shone. The portrayal of her characters had nuance and depth.” - Squirrel Comedy

“Cavanagh kept the audience captivated with her vibrant energy…her creations were crafted to perfection” - Pop Culture-y

“Cavanagh’s versatility as a performer knows no boundaries” - Weekend Notes

"Funny, enthusiastic, and a crackin' good laugh. Definitely one to keep an eye out for in the future." ★★★★ - This is Radelaide