Dax Carnay-Hanrahan (DAXIE) is an award-winning Filipina-Australian trans actress and playwright based in Melbourne, available in Sydney. BroadwayWorld Best Performer in a Play winner. Screen: Fake (Paramount+), Spooky Files (ABC TV). Founding artistic director of Tayo Tayo Collective.
About Dax
(she/they)
Naarm/Melbourne
Dax Carnay-Hanrahan: Award-Winning Transwoman Artist
Dax Carnay-Hanrahan is an award-winning transwoman artist, actor, writer, and in-demand speaker. Their rich heritage in the arts is rooted in an academic journey at the University of the Philippines.
Since 2003, Dax has been an active member of the University of the Philippines Repertory Company, contributing as an actor, director, marketing consultant, and producer. They have collaborated extensively with esteemed organizations across the Philippines, including Metro Manila Pride Organization, Repertory Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association, ABS-CBN, GMA, Dulaang UP, The Virgin Labfest, Cinemalaya, Cinefilipino, CinemaOne Originals, Tanghalang Pilipino, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Goethe Institute, and the International Theater Institute.
Melbourne and Creative Excellence
In 2020, Dax brought their talents to Melbourne, a city whose vibrant cultural diversity inspired them to further their craft. Dax underwent advanced training in the Meisner technique at Meisner Studio Manila, Screen Acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, and the National Actors Intensive at The Australian Film & Television Academy.
In Australia, Dax has built a formidable presence as an artist, writer, and inspirational speaker, collaborating with leading groups and festivals including Malthouse Theatre, Performance Space, PACT, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, SBS, ABC, Theatreworks, and La Mama Theatre.
Dax's innovative storytelling and dedication to centering marginalized voices have garnered significant industry recognition:
2025 Transgender Victoria Trans Visibility Award: Dax was honoured with the Creative Excellence award for their bold commitment to centering trans, immigrant, and POC voices.
BroadwayWorld’s Best Performer in a Play (2023) for Melbourne.
Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor by The Dionysus Awards (2024).
Further solidifying their status as a key figure in Melbourne’s thriving arts scene, Dax became the first commissioned playwright for the inaugural Festival of Australian Queer Theatre in 2024, debuting sold-out shows.
Who is Dax Carnay-Hanrahan?
Dax Carnay-Hanrahan (they/she) is a Melbourne-based Filipina-Australian playwright, actor, director, dramaturg, and facilitator. Known for sharp comedic timing, emotional resonance, and community-centered storytelling, Dax works across independent theatre, screen, and voiceover. Dax is also the founder and artistic director of Melbourne's TayoTayo Collective.
Is DAXIE the same person?
Yes. DAXIE is Dax's widely recognized moniker across Melbourne's independent theatre, queer arts, and creative communities. Whether credited as Dax Carnay, Dax Carnay-Hanrahan, or DAXIE, it is the same artist.
What pronouns does Dax use?
Dax uses they/she pronouns.
Who represents Dax?
Dax is represented for acting and performance by Smith and Macdonald Creative Management (primary agents: David Smith and Natalia Hughes). Professional acting inquiries, casting calls, and audition requests should be directed through the agency.
What plays has Dax written?
Dax is the playwright and creator behind several critically acclaimed stage works:
6 Guys: A sharp, heartfelt, and hilariously unhinged show about love, lust, chaos, and the messy pursuit of connection. The play centers on D, a trans Filipina navigating Melbourne's dating landscape where every match feels like a new genre of disaster. From ghosting and gaslighting to the myth of Prince Charming, 6 Guys charts a wild ride through men, dates, sex, and the radical act of still believing in love. First staged at La Mama HQ for the 2023 Midsumma Festival (earning Dax the BroadwayWorld Melbourne Award for Best Performer in a Play) and directed by Beng Oh, the production returned for an expanded season at The Motley Bauhaus in July 2025.
Transwoman Kills Influencer: A smart, snappy satirical comedy interrogating viral media culture, digital notoriety, and trans representation. When famous "pro-man" advocate Alejandro Mate goes missing, suspicion lands squarely on his rumoured lover, known trans businesswoman and LGBTQIA+ advocate Denise Catacutan. Reliving the day of the disappearance through the shifting accounts of those who were there, the play unravels public perception to ask: Did the trans woman kill the influencer? Premiering at La Mama Courthouse as part of the 2024 Midsumma Festival (directed by Emmanuelle Mattana), the production earned Dax the award for Best Actor in a Lead Role at the 2024 Dionysus Awards.
MR BIG: A comedy-drama exploring cross-cultural family relationships, grief, diaspora life, and 1990s rock music motifs. Developed through a public staged reading at Malthouse Theatre's The Tower, MR BIG made its world premiere season with a six-actor cast at fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne.
Chasing Dick: A Love Story: A fast-paced romantic comedy co-written and performed by Dax, staged to enthusiastic houses at Theatre Works (Melbourne) and Qtopia Sydney.
What other theatrical and creative work does Dax do?
Beyond writing and acting, Dax works across several creative disciplines:
Dramaturgy & Directing: Directing independent stage productions (such as Louisa Panucci's Thank You, Mistress) and providing dramaturgical development on new works (including Alistair Ward's No Longer Friends with Pansy Productions).
Workshops & Facilitation: Designing and leading creative masterclasses, including the four-day Trans/Form intensive series and comedic storytelling intensives like "You Know What's Funny...", focusing on satire, camp aesthetics, and safe creative expression.
Voice Acting: English-language dubbing for Southeast Asian feature films streaming globally on platforms such as Netflix.
Methodology: Formal performance training rooted in the Meisner technique (Meisner Studio Manila) and screen acting (NIDA), anchoring both rehearsal rooms and performances in raw, responsive presence.
What is TayoTayo Collective?
Founded and led by Dax, TayoTayo Collective is an independent Melbourne theatre company dedicated to producing boundary-pushing, culturally rich, and innovative performance work rooted in diaspora experiences and radical community storytelling.
How can I get in touch for collaborations, directing, or writing commissions?
Acting, Screen, and Stage Roles: Contact Smith and Macdonald Creative Management.
Playwriting Commissions, Directing, Dramaturgy, and Workshops: Inquiries can be submitted directly via this website's contact form or official email.
Press & Critical Acclaim
Selected reviews, features, and broadcast interviews covering the stage works, performance, and cultural commentary of Dax Carnay-Hanrahan.
Major National & Metro Press
The Age: Awarded a four-star (★★★★) review for the world premiere season of MR BIG at fortyfivedownstairs, praising the production's emotional depth, tight ensemble, and comedic execution.
The Sydney Morning Herald / Nine Publishing: Syndicates and hosts Nine Entertainment's metro theatre coverage, spotlighting Dax's independent stage works and Melbourne cultural highlights.
SBS Filipino (Feature Article): Published the dedicated feature "A Pinay transwoman's complicated relationship with her dead father features in a dark comedy stageplay in Melbourne", exploring the cultural nuance and family themes behind MR BIG.
SBS Filipino (Broadcast & Studio Interviews): Multiple studio interviews covering major creative milestones, including an in-depth conversation at Federation Square for MR BIG and dedicated coverage of Transwoman Kills Influencer.
ABC Arts & ABC Online: Explored Dax's work within contemporary Asian-Australian diaspora narratives, examining how trans joy, resilience, and complex migrant family relationships are staged in independent theatre.
Broadcast & Radio Features
ABC Radio National (Critics Corner): Live in-studio interview and discussion exploring the world premiere run of MR BIG, independent theatre production, and contemporary diaspora storytelling.
JOY 94.9 (Sunday Arts): Long-form Sunday arts feature discussing Dax's career trajectory, queer Asian representation, and the development process behind new Australian writing.
JOY 94.9 (JOY Drive): Drive-time interview spotlighting the debut season of MR BIG at fortyfivedownstairs and its community reception.
3MBS Fine Music 103.5FM (Arts Weekly): Arts broadcast segment detailing the musical motifs, direction, and cultural dramaturgy embedded in Dax's stage works.
3WBC 94.1 FM (Big Life Conversation): Feature interview tracing Dax's journey from corporate advertising leadership to professional playwright and performer.
Dedicated Arts & Theatre Outlets
Australian Arts Review (On the Couch Profile): In-depth artist profile on Dax's creative philosophies, transition from corporate leadership to independent theatre, and founding TayoTayo Collective.
Australian Arts Review (6 Guys Review): Named the show a "highlight of the theatrical year," hailing the text as "immaculate, sharp, and heartfelt... a masterclass in storytelling."
Australian Arts Review (MR BIG Premiere Feature): In-depth preview spotlighting the six-actor ensemble, 1990s rock music motifs, and generational grief.
Australian Arts Review (Chasing Dick: A Love Story Feature): Spotlighted the Theatre Works and Qtopia Sydney seasons, focusing on the subversion of heteronormative romantic comedy tropes.
Alex First / The First Word: Opening-weekend critical review praising the comedic vitality, staging, and vulnerability of MR BIG at fortyfivedownstairs.
Stage Whispers: Commended MR BIG for its strong ensemble chemistry, lively direction, and sharp balance between grief and broad comedy.
Time Out Melbourne: Highlighted Dax's works as key independent theatre recommendations across Melbourne's festival calendar.
Suzy Goes See: Critical coverage spotlighting Dax's work bringing unapologetic, culturally rich queer storytelling to Sydney and Melbourne stages.
Theatre Matters: Critical coverage celebrating Dax's fresh comedic tone, sharp character development, and strong directorial choices.
Queer & Independent Review Publications
QNews (Victorian Pride Awards Feature): Profiled Dax's selection as a finalist for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts at the 12th Victorian Pride Awards for TayoTayo Collective's community impact.
QNews (Chasing Dick Rom-Com Spotlight): Celebrated the production for its energetic celebration of queer dating culture, playful wit, and Asian-Australian stage representation.
Archer Magazine: Published Dax's original image essay "Filipino mythology and the severed bride: 'Manananggal in Makati'", examining folklore, gender, and post-colonial identity.
The Dialog (6 Guys Review): Described the production as "a bombastic success... simply outstanding... a consummately written and performed play."
Theatre Travels (6 Guys Review): Praised the production as "a truly modern feminist fairy-tale" navigating modern intimacy and trans experience.
What Did She Think? (Transwoman Kills Influencer Review): Commended the writing as an "intriguing piece of writing... it ends with real people and that is what makes it magnificent."
The Blurb (Transwoman Kills Influencer Review): Hailed the Midsumma production as a "smart and snappy comedy" that fully delivers on its provocative premise.
Stun Magazine: Published coverage and review of MR BIG, spotlighting its queer Filipino perspective and high-energy stage presence.
BroadwayWorld Melbourne: Recognized Dax as the winner of Best Performer in a Play (2023) for 6 Guys at La Mama HQ.
Dionysus Awards: Awarded Dax the 2024 Dionysus Award for Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor for Transwoman Kills Influencer.