Has done extensive work on theatre and even Wentworth cast members were amazed with how well she took on the role of Joan "The Freak" Ferguson as it was a once in a lifetime role.
Good friends with Maggie Kirkpatrick as the two worked together in theatre productions, and Kirkpatrick even told Rabe to go for the role of Joan Ferguson in Wentworth (2013).
Once performed a solo eight hour performance in the Sydney Theatre Company run of 'Woman Bomb'.
Rabe was awarded an AM for services to the arts in 2023.