19 August 2010
Our Friends get Great Seats
We offer all our enews , Facebook and Twitter friends discounts and great seats to our shows.
If you want to be Barking Gecko front row royalty in 2011 sign up to our enews or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
12 August 2010
Mid West Tour
The African Magician is touring the Mid West. Starting in the Geraldton they travel through Pindar, Three Springs, Karalundi, Meekatharra and conclude in Mt Magnet on the 26th of August. They have been getting a fantastic response from schools who are captivated by the show. They even made the front page of the Geraldton Guardian!
09 August 2010
Barking Gecko appoints new Artistic Director
Barking Gecko Theatre Company is delighted to annouce the appointment of John Sheedy as Artistic Director after an extensive national search.
John has developed a notable directing career over the last seven years working with some of Australia's most respected theatre companies such as Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Theatre Company, Company B Belvior and Black Swan State Theatre Company.
With Barking Gecko he will focus his creative passion to quality storytelling through theatre to ignite young imaginations. John Sheedy believes "There is a huge responsibility attached to creating theatre for young audiences. The marks we leave are deeper; we are addressing a value system that is in development. Young audiences are the near future of our society. They have the power to know the world and transform it. I look forward to creating theatre that allows children to imagine, full of laughter, anger, sadness, fear and joy!"
John has spent the past few weeks in Japan attending the Kijimuna Festival in Okinawa and the TACT Festival in Osaka on behalf of Barking Gecko Theatre Company and commences at Barking Gecko's Subiaco premises on 10 August 2010. The Festivals feature content from around the world and are regarded as two of the most prestigious and popular theatre festivals for children and young audiences in the Asian region.
In confirming John's appointment, Barking Gecko Theatre Company's Chair, Michael Mitchell said, "John is a hugely talented director and we are very pleased to have secured a professional of his standing to Western Australia. As Barking Gecko enters its third decade creating theatre for young West Australians and audiences throughout the region, we view our future with great enthusiasm and confidence."
Barking Gecko is ideally placed to continue to advance theatre for young people to new levels of performance and professionalism, and further reinforcing theatre as an inventive means of challenging and inspiring young minds. We will bring our audiences an exciting new theatrical feast in 2011, which includes the return of our highly popular and greatly missed workshop program. Having been actively involved in the very successful NIDA Open Program, John Sheedy is intending to inject Barking Gecko's workshop program with a professional edge, looking at 'skilling up' Perth's artistic youth with a focus on building practical knowledge of the arts industry.
For more information, Please contact Katherine McLean, General Manager on (08) 9380 3080.
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06 August 2010
Tom Price Nameless Festival
We sent Damon Lockwood, Natalie Rees and Cameron Clark off to the Tom Price Nameless Festival to perform Castle Rascals. West Trac sponsored the performance that took place in the local playground. Approx 2,500 families attending the Festival which had a sideshow alley and a variety of entertainment including bands and markets. Castle rascals was well received by the locals who were surprised to be caught up in the performance.
Back to Top29 July 2010
Amber Talks Sensory Theatre
The Center for Intensive Schooling (CIS) approached Barking Gecko to speak during their conference at the Subiaco Arts Centre. CIS provides support to WA schools to improve the educational outcomes for students with disabilities and special needs.
Amber Onat Gregory who was part of The Generation Project spoke about sensory theatre at the conference. The Sensory Project was an innovative and unique sensory performance for young people experiencing mild to profound disabilities.
Amber moved to Perth from the UK in 2009 after graduating with a Masters in Applied Performance (UK). She is a workshop facilitator in prisons, detention centres, nursing homes and schools. To hear a clip from Amber’s speech click here .
The Sensory Project received a brilliant response from special needs teachers and there is significant interest in continuing this work.
09 July 2010
Aesop and His Fables
Tickets are on sale now for our October School Holiday Show - Aesop and His Fables. Written by Ingle Knight and Directed by Marisa Garreffa.
Tickets through BOCS 9484 1133 or bocsticketing.com.au
08 July 2010
The African Magician a delight for all the senses
We had a fantastic opening night, which was a lot of fun thanks to our friends from Kulcha or organised Spirit of Africa to perform at our post show function.
To read the review from The West Australian click here .
Back to Top23 June 2010
Teachers Professional Development Workshop
We had great fun making a rainstorm using body percussion at the teachers’ professional development workshop. Emily Taylor presented a range of activities from the education resource which is provided to schools that book The African Magician. See how the teachers went creating a tableux here. Activity 5 in the resource is to create 8 frozen images depicting a cultural event in the students’ life. If you can guess what this event is email sarah@barkinggecko.com.au and you’ll win a double pass to opening night of The African Magician.
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15 June 2010
Pretty up your desktop
We’ve had a lot of comments about our poster artwork for The African Magician. In conjunction with our friends at Bevin Design House we have made this into a wallpaper for your computer. To download your free wallpaper click here.
Back to Top04 June 2010
Magical Moments
Our friends at Kulcha have been organising some art to display in the Subiaco Arts Centre foyer during The African Magician public season. To win tickets to The African Magician and Kulcha’s Asante with the Burundian Children's Choir visit mymagicalmoment.net and tell us about your most magical moment.
Back to Top01 June 2010
Designing a set for a play
Our visual concept, design and construction artist Sandy McKendrick’s work has been of great interest to our audiences. We’ve been posting behind the scenes photos on our website and Facebook so you can follow her progress developing the set and puppets. This week Sandy talked to The West Australian about her processes to read the article click here.
Back to Top31 May 2010
The African Magician
We welcome the creative team back to the Subiaco Arts Centre. We’re in the final stage of rehearsals before we begin touring Perth primary schools on 21st of June. After the public season in the July school holidays we have more local school performances before we head off to the Mid West.
Back to Top20 May 2010
The Generation Project
We’ve just held two work-in-development performances for The Generation Project. We invited students from Subiaco Primary and Carson Street School to tell us what they thought.
DIY Project
Developed by Arielle Gray, Tim Watts, Michelle Anderson and Shane Adamczak this piece explored the theme of conquering fears in young people with the philosophy that once you know how something works there is less to fear. The performance revolved around a boy packing boxes as if he was moving house when strange things start happening to the boxes. At the end there was a very cool surprise that the kids loved!!!
Sensory Project
Developed by artists Amber Onat Gregory, Francis Italiano, Rebecca Bradley and Sarah Nelson. This piece was an innovative and unique sensory performance for young people experiencing learning difficulties, which told the story of the Jub Jub Tree. The audience were invited to join the performers on stage and throughout the performance they were offered objects that aligned with the narrative to touch, taste, hear and smell.
10 May 2010
Colouring in competition
Congratulations to Tessa and Sawyer who won tickets to The African Magician by entering our colouring in competition run through Fremantle, Town of Vincent and Subiaco Libraries. To see a selection of the entries click here.
Back to Top08 May 2010
The African Magician Work-in-development
We’ve just held two work-in-development performances for The African Magician, one at the Subiaco Arts Centre and the other with the City of Stirling. The performance held at Dianella Scout Hall was a fun day that included lunch and post show workshops to see pictures click here.
Back to Top30 April 2010
Excursion Providers Expo
It was great to speak to Perth teachers at the Education Providers Expo held at Scitech. Congratulations to Danielle who won tickets to The African Magician by telling us her magical moment.
“My most magical moment was on a beach holiday with my family. I went shell hunting and stuck my arm between two rocks to get a shell when a huge octopus grabbed my arm! My Dad pulled me out but I am stunned at the whole experience to this day.”
Back to Top24 March 2010
Improvilicious
Damon Lockwood, Sam Longley, Jimmy James Eaton, Ben Russell and Sean Walsh entertained and educated Perth and Bunbury High School students on the History of Theatre. Adapted for young audiences from the format of Perth comedy sensation The Big Hoo-Haa! actors use audience suggestions to create fast, funny and physical theatre on the spot. To read the article for the Donnybrook Bridgetown Mail click here.
Back to Top23 March 2010
The Generation Project
The Generation Project is a creative development opportunity to support the creation of new and original works for young audiences. We’re on the look out for artists who want to be involved. For more information download the submission form or contact gecko@barkinggecko.com.au
Back to Top19 March 2010
Afeif reading at library
As part of Harmony Week, Afeif Ismail spoke about his experiences at the Subiaco Library. To hear Afeif’s interview on RTRFM click here. The Barking Gecko team joined him to read an extract from The African Magician.
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.
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