Q&A with Emma Khamis

This year marks a special milestone for Emma Khamis, who celebrates 10 years with Monkey Baa and has just stepped into her new role as Senior Producer.

Emma first joined the company through work experience and has since become a much-loved part of the Monkey Baa team, helping bring joyful, imaginative theatre to young audiences across Australia.

In this Q&A, Emma reflects on her journey with Monkey Baa, the magic of creating theatre for young people, and what she’s looking forward to in this exciting new chapter.

You’ve been part of Monkey Baa for 10 years. What first brought you to the company?
Emma: I actually started with the company by completing my work experience for my degree! I was captivated by the people and the work, and knew I wanted to be a part of it. I then worked in administration and wrangled my way into producing. The company has always been so supportive of providing pathways for me to produce. I worked freelance for a number of years too, but the people who make up Monkey Baa, and the work itself, always drew me back.

What has changed the most at Monkey Baa, or in children’s theatre more broadly, over the past decade?
I think, more broadly, the amount of amazing theatre for young people in Australia has changed. There are so many wonderful options for different age ranges. The high quality of work showcased by Australian artists is really special.

What do you think makes producing theatre for young audiences different?
Emma: The audience and their honesty. A young audience will always tell you the truth about the work, often while watching it, and this is so special. I love nothing more than sitting in an audience of young people and listening to them.

Looking back, what is one of your favourite Monkey Baa memories?
I’ve had the privilege of being present as our Artistic Director, Eva, and creative teams work with young people, often at Bankstown West Public School, in the initial stages of a production. It’s been a privilege to watch this creative process and to see these young people inform the work from such an early stage. A really special memory for me is the last time I was at Bankstown West, as the students recorded the voiceover for Where is the Green Sheep?

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Senior Producer?

I’m so excited about what 2027 and 2028 hold for us. Yes, I’m already working on 2028! We will be able to tour our work to places we haven’t been before, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and the delight of new audiences seeing our work.