Carmen O’Connell is a Brisbane-based actress with an array of theatre, short film, and television credits to her name. Carmen spent a majority of her young life performing theatre through her school. And after graduating high school, she looked to further her acting knowledge and moved away to study Acting for Film at the New York Film Academy Australia.

Since returning home, she has been performing in a number of local theatre productions. Some of these credits include, Gold Coast Little Theatre’s production of ‘Lord of the Flies’ (Robert, 2024), Growl Theatre’s production of ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ (Beatrice, 2025), Villanova Players’ production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Hippolyta/Faery, 2025), and, most recently, she performed as lead role Matilda in the premiere of a new Australian play called ‘Bin Night’ at PIP Theatre (2025).

Having recently tackled a Shakespearean classic with Villanova Players, Carmen is excited to be back on the Ron Hurley Theatre stage to help bring this beautiful vignette of love stories to life with such an incredible team!

"I love being able to see an array of different love stories."

Isabella Kirkwood (she/her) is a Meanjiin/Brisbane based artist who studied a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. She has performed in numerous productions including the Matilda-nominated “Crow’s Nest” (2025), and the Anywhere Award-winning “GUILTY” (2024). Other credits include: for Vena Cava “Love and Information” (2024), “Grand Guignol” (2025), “Game Night” (2025), for Underground Theatre Company “Cheque-Mate” (2025), for QCGU “Vernon God Little” (2024), “Tartuffe” (2024), “Common Ground” (2023), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2023), “The Cherry Orchard” (2022), for Griffith Film School “Born To Be Sceptical” (2025), “Density” (2024), “Unfinished Business” (2023). Isabella is starring in Blush and Bruise Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “Dravika”, which will debut in October 2026.

"I love the genuine connection between each of the characters, and how none of them are the same. These characters read, sound and feel like real-life people, and it’s a joy to be able to bring them to life."

I have been screen writer, directed and produced my own student led play called “Thank Goodness You’re Here”.

I have also acted in Peter Pan as Curly, Star Stars: The Franchise Awakens as Jee Dealio, and We Will Rock You as David Bowie.

My favourite thing about Almost, Maine is that it portrays a mix of everyday relationships that people can relate to in the past. I love how each scene is different but is all interwoven and connected with each other. It’s been beautifully directed by Isabella and Ella.

This is Kyle’s community theatre debut, and he is excited to be part of Almost, Maine. Although new to the stage, Kyle has always enjoyed the arts and has spent many years playing a variety of musical instruments. He is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in local theatre and would like to thank the cast, crew, and his family and friends for their support.

"The best thing about Almost, Maine is the realness of it."

Graduated from JMC Academy in 2025 with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting). She is a multi-disciplinary artist that trains in Physical Theatre, Acting, Sing & Dancing and she has been accepted as a Zen Zen Zo Intern for 2026.
Previous shows: You Have 45 Minutes (Fresh blood Festival, 2025), Spying on the Faeries (Zen Zen Zo Internship Creative Development, 2025).

"I love the nuances in each relationship/scene that is brought to life by the actors."

Ronan first stepped into the world of theatre at school with the Queensland Theatre’s Scene Project and has been chasing that creative high ever since. He loves the variety that theatre has to offer, from joyful stories to the important and dark pieces. Alongside the joy of theatre, Ronan has found the welcoming community that theatre provides as a potent fuel to flame of his creativity. Mate’s Theatre Genesis’ production of Summer Wonderland in 2022 as Foster was his first community theatre production. He has since worked on many other productions including The SpongeBob Musical as ensemble/Squidward Cover in 2022 with Pheonix Ensemble, Co-Director of Brisbane Arts theatre’s Cosi in 2023, Donny in The X-Collectives production of Tonight with Donny Stixx in 2024 and Zack in Phoenix Ensembles 2025 production of Bare.

Ronan’s favourite thing about Almost, Maine is its celebration of love and the different ways it can be experienced.

Shelby is delighted to be doing her first production with Villanova Players, some of her prior credits include Lydia Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (St Luke’s Theatre Society), Mama Bear in Shrek the Musical, Jr. (BJT) and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr (BJT). When not onstage she can be found dancing, sewing and watching an excessive amount of theatre. She has had such a fun time working with this amazing cast and crew and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

The best thing about Almost, Maine are the dynamics between the characters and the amount of different stories being told throughout…also trickin’ it.

After graduating QUT with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama) Sophie is excited to be performing in her first show with Villanova Players Theatre. Sophie’s recent projects include writing and directing her original works Affair Enough for Vena Cava’s Freshblood Festival and Fart in Front of Me for QUT Potentia Showcase Festival. 

Outside of the theatre, Sophie somehow finds herself surrounded by children at each of her four jobs. They mustn’t be too bad though because she hopes to pursue a career in children’s theatre.

The best thing about Almost, Maine is the people! There’s truly something to love about each unique and quirky character (and the real life team is pretty cool too!)