actor, writer, director, producer
hi, I’m rachel cairns
Welcome! Thanks for being curious about me and what I’m up to.
This is where I share info about my projects, insights into my creation process, and practical tips I’ve learned about navigating a multi-disciplined artistic career.
"One of the country’s most original actors." - The Globe and Mail
“Sharp and witty writing, and a nuanced exploration of wider social issues.” - She Does The City (Artist of the Month)
You may have listened to Aborsh, my podcast about abortion in Canada. Well, the podcast grew from this play. I describe the podcast as the journalistic exploration of the subject, and Hypothetical Baby is its diary entry counterpart.
An unintended pregnancy, followed by an unhelpful doctor's appointment, leads to a Christmas Eve abortion and one woman’s reckoning with the practical and existential considerations in deciding to become a parent… or not. Set against the backdrop of late-stage capitalism and a looming climate crisis, Hypothetical Baby grapples with the personal and societal factors that shape our reproductive lives and the intricate relationship between choice, change, and loss. From the creator of the award-winning Aborsh podcast, Rachel Cairns mixes data and drama in this autobiographical work to publicly talk about abortion the way we do privately — with neurotic vulnerability, unflinching honesty, and frank irreverence.
about me
about me
Yes. I’m one of those multi-hyphenate people who can’t decide what I love the most, although my first love was acting. It’s something I’ve done on stage and screen since I was a teenager and informs how I write and direct.
As an artist, I believe in staying curious and following your bliss. My favourite stories are the kind that encompass the duality of life and remind us of a universal spirit that connects us all.
My most recent crush is podcasting. Season One of Aborsh won a Planned Parenthood Choice Award for excellence in sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy, and the second season is currently in the works.
Join my newsletter if you’d like to keep in touch. I write about my work, and share occasional boosts of inspiration and musings on personal finance (my unprofessional passion).
Tune into ABORSH
A podcast about abortion in Canada
work
work
acting
directing
writing
acting
directing
writing
let’s stay in touch
Emails go out when I have news to share or something to say.
email me connect@rachelcairns.ca
slide into my DMs @its.rachel.cairns