18 February 2010
Seeking a dynamic Artistic Director
We are currently seeking a dynamic Artistic Director. This is the role of a lifetime to artistically lead a company of professionals devoted to creating extraordinary theatre to ignite young imaginations. For more information see Barking Gecko Jobs
25 January 2010
Ashburton Regional Residency
Emily Taylor and Fleur Hockey have just got back from our Ashburton Regional Residency. They had a great time providing a series of mask making workshops for the local kids in Pannawonica and Onslow as well as checking out the unique landscape.
The workshop series ran over 3 days and involved mask making, and theatre games, culminating in a performance where the kids demonstrated their new skills in performing with masks.
In Pannawonica the parents got involved and had a great time working creatively with the community. The kids loved experiencing a new art form and they hope to see the Barking Gecko team again.
20 January 2010
New Marketing and Audience Development Manager
We are excited to announce the appointment of Sarah Dalziel as our new Marketing and Audience Development Manager.
Originally from Invercargill, New Zealand Sarah has enjoyed the warmth of Australia since 2003 and the intense heat of Perth for the last 4 years.
Starting work in media agencies in Sydney and progressing to a full service advertising agency in Perth, Sarah began working with arts organisations last year. Sarah is a member of Made on the Left who promote WA designers. She looks forward to using her broad experience at Barking Gecko.
We are delighted to have Sarah as part of our Gecko team.
Back to Top04 November 2009
Position vacant: Marketing and Audience Development Manager
Barking Gecko Theatre Company, WA's leading professional theatre company for young audiences is looking for a passionate and meticulous person to fill the role of Marketing and Audience Development Manager to complement a small and progressive team.
The Marketing and Audience Development Manager is integral to the continuing success of Barking Gecko and is primarily responsible for:
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Imaginative, efficient and timely promotions, communications and marketing across all of Barking Gecko's areas of operations
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Strategic development and implementation of marketing and audience development initiatives
Download full position description
Applications are due COB Thursday 3rd December 2009
Please address applications to:
Katherine McLean
General Manager
Barking Gecko Theatre Company
katherine @ barkinggecko.com.au
180 Hamersley Rd, Subiaco, WA, 6008
Back to Top03 November 2009
2010 Education Program Launched!
On Monday 26 October Barking Gecko launched it's 2010 Education Program. Teachers and students are in for a season of magic, spontaneity and surprise with the return of Improvilicious for High Schools, a new play from Sudanese playwright Afeif Ismail called The African Magician for Primary Schools, as well as Works In Development promoting up and coming artists and the continuation of our Specialist Workshop Program. For more information check out the 'For Teachers' section of our website or contact Barking Gecko's Education & Touring Coordinator, Kate Hancock on 9380 3085/ kateh@barkinggecko.com.au
Back to Top29 September 2009
Fatty Wombat off to a great start
See the review by Ali Taulbut in the 28 September edition of The West Australian:
Young audience laps up words of wisdom
Three misfit, iconic Aussie marsupials must face their innermost fears and take on the challenges set by the unscrupulous organisers of a TV reality show. Either that, or face the mysterious “vicious beast” which is prowling outside the electric security fence and threatens to savage them.
In the relative safety of the Pouch Potato Wildlife Park, Pat the Quokka, Bunji’ Roo and Fatty Wombat, relax, watch TV and make jokes at the expense of one another’s little neuroses. Their apple cart is upset when they notice they are the only animals left at the park, which has closed down for lack of money. Faced with the responsibility of digging a tunnel to escape, Fatty Wombat - Sean Walsh maximising the laughs with his portrayal of the chubby, exercise-averse, junk-food addict - opts to enter Team Marsupial in the reality TV show Natural Selection for a chance to win the habitat and food of their choice.
Benj D’Addario is delightful as the anxious little Quokka, Pat. Haunted by a distressing incident of quokka soccer, which has left him with a phobia of being touched, Pat nevertheless is the motivator for the group willing to sacrifice himself for his furry friends.
Bunji’ Roo lost her mother in a car accident, she clings for comfort to the sack she was brought up in and suffers occasional lapses in mental faculties because of a bump on the head. Ella Hetherington employs ample necessary bounce and pathos in bringing Bunji to life.
This charming and funny piece from veteran children’s theatre writer Justin Cheek and director Jeremy Rice contains words of wisdom for its young audiences about healthy exercise and the dangers of a poor diet. For those immune to work-outs and mung beans the message is served with a side of witty gags, slapstick clowning and catchy tunes.
The young audience was lapping up the slightly risqué gags. “I think I just poo’d my pants,” brought screams of delight and the adults appreciated the more sophisticated comic morsels thrown their way. The pace, length, tone and style were faultless from start to finish.
The script remained focused on the moral objective, narrative embellishments served as concise character builders and all threads were neatly tied up. The whole target audience – five to 12-year- olds – will have something worthwhile to take away from this excellent, lively and energetic production.
14 September 2009
Fatty Wombat Workshops
The City of Subiaco is excited to present children with a unique opportunity to participate in a fun, physical workshop on Wednesday 30th of September as a prelude to Barking Gecko's new Fatty Wombat production. The free workshop aims to encourage children to creatively explore health and fitness in the lead up to the World Obesity Awareness Week in mid October. Tickets to the Fatty Wombat production must be purchased at the parents/caregivers own cost.
Workshop Details
Wednesday 30th of September
9.30 am - 10.30 am workshop (ages five to eight) - prior to the 11 am show
Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco
Show Details
Fatty Wombat is running throughout the October school holidays, for more information visit our Shows page here.
Workshop places are limited and expected to fill up fast, to book contact the City of Subiaco on 9237 9222. You must advice the date of the Fatty Wombat production your children are attending when booking places for the workshop.
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11 September 2009
Fatty Wombat Colouring Contest
Get out your crayons and coloured pencils and start creating your masterpiece.
Download the colouring contest and terms here
All entries will be on display at the Subiaco Arts Centre during the October school holiday Fatty Wombat season. The winning entry will receive a Barking Gecko Prize Pack, including four tickets to the show.
Entries close 18 September 2009.
Good luck and have fun!
Back to Top08 July 2009
Gecko wins an award
Barking Gecko was recently announced as the winner of the Auslan Interpreter Awards 2008 Western Australian Organisation of the Year. ASLIA WA (Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association) in conjunction with Curtin University hosted the Auslan Interpreter Awards 2008 on Wednesday 24th June.
Barking Gecko Theatre Company was honoured to receive this prestigious award, reflecting the company’s commitment to make theatre accessible to the broadest range of young people.
Barking Gecko General Manager Katherine McLean said, “Barking Gecko is enabling hearing impaired young people to partake in a wider range of entertainment activities. Imagine not being able to fully experience the magic of live theatre. Barking Gecko aims to remove this barrier and open up the world of theatre and imagination to even more children.”
In 2008, Barking Gecko had several Auslan interpreted performances and hosted large integrated school workshops. Gecko was lucky to work with several amazing Interpreters through the Deaf Interpreting Service. Barking Gecko’s activities were supported through the Disability and the Arts Inclusion Initiatives project, a joint initiative by the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Disability Services Commission of Western Australia.
In 2009, Barking Gecko is excited to continue the new tradition of Auslan interpreted performances. Barking Gecko will be providing Auslan interpreters for a public performance of Fatty Wombat, playing at the Subiaco Arts Centre in the October school holidays. Interpreters will be present for the 11am show on 3 October. Tickets are available through BOCS on 9484 1133.
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25 May 2009
Hoods at the Cockburn Youth Centre
Thanks to St John of God Health Care, families from the Cockburn area enjoyed a free performance of the award-winning and thought provoking play Hoods on 22 May.
The initiative is part of St John of God Health Care’s ongoing Social Outreach and Advocacy program, which works to establish and build holistic health care initiatives helping to strengthen communities and to help individuals who are disadvantaged. The program focuses on key areas, including Aboriginal health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, international health, rural health, youth services and disability services.
St John of God Health Care, Cockburn Youth Centre and Barking Gecko Theatre Company worked together to put on the performance in the Cockburn Youth Centre’s custom-built theatre space. Hoods was presented to an audience of 250 of local youth aged 13 and over and their families on Friday night.
18 May 2009
Hoods on the road
Following a four-week Perth metro season, Hoods headed up North. With 41 metro school performances and 2 public shows already under their belt, the cast and crew were ready to take on the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. On the road were actors Sam Longley and Andrea Gibbs along with tour manager Craig Williams and workshop tutor Fish Gill. In total, the team performed 12 Hoods shows and provided 8 workshops. Gecko was able to reach 1044 students across 13 regional schools through the performances and workshops on this tour. Additional highlights included Craig's 40 birthday and a stopover in Karijini National Park. Thank you to all the regional schools and communities who welcomed the Gecko team on their northern adventure.
Back to Top06 April 2009
Smarter than Smoking Competition Answer
During the public season of Hoods on 2 - 3 April, Barking Gecko asked patrons to answer a Smarter than Smoking question. Those who answered correctly will be entered in a draw to win a $50 gift voucher from Angus & Robertson.
The question: Approximately how many trees are destroyed each year worldwide to dry tobacco?
Answer: 600 million
Good luck to all those who participated. The winner will be notified my mail by 13 April 2009.
Back to Top25 February 2009
Too Solid at The Nargun and the Stars
Barking Gecko Theatre Company and Perth International Arts Festival were able to provide 45 family passes to The Nargun and the Stars for Aboriginal families thanks to Healthway.
Invited families are part of the Telethon Institute for Child Research’s Too Solid program. This program focuses on restor(y)ing aboriginal parenting to help kids grow strong and be proud of who they are.
The Nargun and the Stars production is an adaptation of Patricia Wrightson’s book by the same name and features creatures from Aboriginal folklore.
There will be participants of the program attending the show each night this week.
Offering tickets to these families would not have been feasible without the generous support of Healthway - Thank you!
09 February 2009
New Education and Touring Coordinator at Barking Gecko
We are excited to announce the appointment of Kate Hancock as our new Education and Touring Coordinator. Kate has recently made the move to Perth having lived in bonnie Scotland for the past year and a half.
Originally from Adelaide, her passion for theatre grew from her involvement with leading youth theatre company Urban Myth. Kate has worked with various theatre ensembles in Adelaide including Restless Dance and in 2006 co-established Maiden theatre collective performing Claire McIntyre’s Low Level Panic as part of the Adelaide Fringe.
In Scotland Kate worked for international touring theatre company Vanishing Point and was fortunate to be involved in some amazing collaborations with artists from the UK and throughout Europe.
We are excited to have Kate as part of our Gecko team.
02 February 2009
Hoods
We welcome Leticia Cáceres, Sam Longley and Andrea Gibbs to the Gecko home as rehearsals begin for Hoods. Exploring issues of poverty and family violence, Hoods is a suburban tale of survival and solidarity against the odds. The play has won both an AWGIE award for Theatre for Young Audiences and the Richard Wherett Award for Excellence in Playwriting. Barking Gecko is excited to present RealTV's Hoods, touring both metro and regional WA high schools in early 2009. Teachers should contact Education and Touring Coordinator Kate Hancock on 9380 3085 or kateh@barkinggecko.com.au for booking information. Tickets to the public season will be on sale Feb 10th through BOCS ticketing - get in early to purchase your tickets as there are only 2 shows at the Subiaco Arts Centre (April 2nd and 3rd).
Back to Top19 November 2008
Job Opening at Barking Gecko
Barking Gecko is currently accepting applications for the position of Education and Touring Coordinator. Join the Gecko team. Click here to visit the job section of our site for all the details.
Back to Top20 October 2008
Professional Development Day for Teachers
Barking Gecko hosted more than 50 teachers for a professional development afternoon gecko style. Damon Lockwood presented The Art of Improvisation while Artistic Director Jeremy Rice presented Theatre for Young People in Australia. Snacks and drinks concluded a great afternoon with friends and colleagues. Thanks to all the teachers who participated.
Back to Top30 September 2008
Gogo Fish returns from the Pilbara for public season
The cast of Gogo Fish have returned from the Pilbara, and are now ready to take on public season at the Subiaco Arts Centre Studio.
Gogo Fish runs from September 30 through to 11 October, Tuesdays to Saturdays, with 11am and 1pm performances.
Bookings through BOCS Ticketing on 9484 1133.
Back to Top19 September 2008
Castle Rascals in Clarkson
Barking Gecko Theatre Company will be performing at the City of Wanneroo's family fun day on Sunday 21 September from 12 to 4pm.
Castle Rascals will be performing at 1pm and 2.30pm, with workshop performances at 12.30pm for the 5 to 7 year olds class, and 2pm for the 8 to 12 year olds class.
Anthony Waring Park, corner Aldersea Circle and Victorsen Parade, Clarkson
Back to Top02 September 2008
Improvilicious - Father's day special!
Sunday 7 September Improvilicious performs for Sunday at Subi. This is a free concert presented by the City of Subiaco at the Subiaco Arts Centre. The show runs from 2 - 3.30 and unreserved tickets are available at the door from 1.15pm.
Back to Top18 August 2008
Gogo on the road
Jimmy and Cass have hit the road today for Gogo Fish, with the first show at ECU Mt Lawley. Keep an eye out when you're on the road for our Gogo actors, in our eye-catching gecko truck, which has recently been given a splash of vibrant colour thanks to Working With Children Check and Smarter than Smoking.
Back to Top12 August 2008
New General Manager at Barking Gecko
We are excited to announce the appointment of Katherine McLean as our new General Manager.
Originally from Newcastle NSW, Katherine has called Perth home for the past 15 months. Having the role of Manager for the Million Puppet Project as part of UNIMA 2008, she is already familiar with the thriving West Australian and Perth arts scene.
Throughout her career Katherine has worked extensively, managing arts projects and community development initiatives. Through leadership roles with Abbotsford Convent Foundation, the Sustainable Living Festival and a host of additional festivals and artistic projects, Katherine brings a wide range of experiences to the role. Loving nothing better than a challenge, Katherine looks forward to sinking her teeth into the role of General Manager at Barking Gecko.
Katherine is member of the Community Cultural Development Advisory Panel for the City of Melbourne, a Director of Surfrider Foundation Australia and on the Board of Management for Community Arts Television (VIC).
A new General Manager brings new enthusiasm and excitement for the future of Western Australia's leading professional theatre company performing for young people.
07 August 2008
Our new website launches
Gecko sends out a big thank you to our friends at Clarity for our newly designed website.
We are very excited for this launch and all the updated information we are able to share through this new site. Take a browse through our show calendar and stay tuned as we continue to add past season information and photos in the show archives. Why not sign up for our e-news and be sure to vote in the poll question on our homepage.
The site has taken months of hard work from many people, specials thanks go out to Gecko staff Eleri Evans and Alex Melville and in particular the internet team at Clarity led by Director Angie Cocks, Stephen Walker and Neil Campbell for their design and implementation.
Back to Top28 July 2008
Gogo Fish begins rehearsals
Today Gecko welcomes Jimmy James Eaton and Cassandra Vagliviello to rehearsals for Damon Lockwood’s Gogo Fish. We wait with baited breath to see the final product!
Back to Top25 July 2008
DAII Workshop
On Friday 25 July, students from Rosalie, Hollywood and Mosman Park Primary Schools, together with students from Mosman Park School for Deaf Children, took part in a special workshop, which is part of Barking Gecko’s contribution to the Disability and the Arts Inclusion Initiatives project (DAII). The DAII Project is a joint initiative by the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Disability Services Commission of WA. This project is in line with Barking Gecko’s mission to make theatre accessible to the broadest range of young people.
The workshop, inspired by Barking Gecko’s next show Gogo Fish, showcased elaborate prop and costume designs by designer Bryan Woltjen. Students were given the opportunity to make their very own sea creatures, with the support of tutors, Analisa Bell, Rhoda Lopez, Stevie Cruz-Martin and Caitlin Wills to create a fun performance using their creations.
Interpreters from the WA Deaf Society were also present on the day, making the entire experience valuable and enriching for all students involved.
Back to Top25 July 2008
Improvilicious is (clap clap) outta here!
After six weeks of schools touring and 2 weeks of public season at the Subiaco Arts Centre, Improvilicious 2008 has come to an end. Sam, Jimmy, Sean, Kerry, Andrea and Michelle had a blast travelling to various metro schools such as Churchlands SHS and Cannington Community College.
Back to Top03 June 2008
Improvilicious begins metro school tour
After two weeks of intensive rehearsals, Improvilicious begins the 2008 school tour today. With multiple shows at Nedlands Primary on day one, the season is off to a busy start. After such a successful school touring season in 2007, the Improvilicious school schedule is jam packed this year. For education bookings or related questions contact our Education Manager, Analisa Bell on 9380 3085.
Back to Top30 May 2008
Improvilicious performance for Drama teachers
A lucky group of about 75 Perth Drama teachers were given a sneak peak at the 2008 edition of Improvilicious. Thanks to Marguerite Flynn and Willeton Senior High School for inviting us to participate in the Drama Teachers Planning Day.
Back to Top26 May 2008
Welcome back Emily
After eight months maternity leave, Emily rejoins the Barking Gecko team in a new role. As Participation Coordinator, Emily will be the new contact for workshops. Welcome back Emily.
Back to Top19 May 2008
Improvilicious rehearsals begin
With Term 2 underway, the touring season of Improvilicious is right around the corner. We welcome back some familiar faces as rehearsals for Improvilicious begin. Three of your favourite performers from last year’s Improvilicious show are back and they have brought with them a new cast member and a new theme. Amazing inventions are in the spotlight this time as our two improv teams, Hearts and Bones, prepare to battle it out for the championship title “Mothers of Invention”. Strange sounds and echoing laughter can already be heard from the rehearsal room. Tickets on sale through BOCS ticketing on 9484 1111 or http://www.bocsticketing.com.au/
Back to Top16 May 2008
Goodbye to our Skylab cast
After several months of rehearsals and performances, we said goodbye to the cast of Skylab (Rebecca Davis, David O’Donnell and Attila Ozsdolay) on their last day of performance.
Back to Top06 May 2008
Term 2 workshops begin
Interested in afterschool drama classes? Barking Gecko offers a wide range of drama workshops for young people. Term 2 classes run for nine weeks and are held at the Subiaco Arts Centre. Check out the workshop section of the website for our timetable and detailed description of each class.
Back to Top30 April 2008
There is floor space in the workroom!
Thanks to Cameron and Craig’s efforts this afternoon, our Gecko workroom at the Subiaco Arts Centre has had a major makeover. It’s amazing how much space can be created from a little reorganisation, and a lot of recycling!
Back to Top28 April 2008
Jeremy is off to Broome
This was our Barking Gecko Artistic Director’s last day in the office before heading up to Broome for a ten week sabbatical. Jeremy will be directing a children’s television series over the next couple of months. Jeremy, we all wish you a fabulous time up north and look forward to your return.
Back to Top24 April 2008
Run Kitty Run performs at the Pilbara Rolling Spinifex Youth Arts Festival
A group of 10 Barking Gecko staff and artists headed up north to take part in the Pilbara Rolling Spinifex Youth Arts Festival - organised by Michael Leslie and supported by Rio Tinto Pilbara to be held in association with the Shire of Roebourne’s 2008 Youth Festival.
Two performances of Run Kitty Run were showcased at the Walkington Theatre. The cast included Summer Williams and Brendan Ewing, from the 2007 premier, as well as Jesse Phillips and Skye Sobejko. Barking Gecko also led several specialized drama workshops, featuring our participation coordinator Anna Paterson, and Run Kitty Run writer Tiffany Barton, as tutors. Artistic Director Jeremy Rice also got involved in the participation activities, offering open audition sessions and giving young people valuable experience and insight into the professional acting world.
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