STELLARPHANT by James Foley
A Barking Gecko Arts Production in 2026
About the Production
Stella the elephant is fighting interstellar discrimination one pachyderm at a time! Stella wants to be an astronaut. There is only one problem: Stella is an elephant.
Every time she applies to Space Command, they come up with a new reason she can’t join. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Stella is determined to reach for the stars.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking female-identifying performers aged in their 20s-40s who can bring multiple characters to life with strong comedic timing.
Performers will need to be comfortable with movement-based work.
Experience engaging with young audiences is highly valued.
We strongly encourage performers from diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. If you have any access needs, please let us know.
Production Dates
(as of 21 March 2025)
Rehearsals: Monday 9 March – Thursday 2 April 2026
Production Week: Tuesday 7 April – Saturday 11 April 2026
Season: Monday 13 April – Friday 22 May 2026
Audition Details
Dates: Monday, 7 & Wednesday, 9 April 2025 (Call-backs on Friday, 11 April 2025)
Times: Between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (each audition slot will be approximately 20 minutes).
Location: Rehearsal Room, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, SUBIACO.
Audition Requirements
- We are auditioning for two roles, who will play multiple characters.
- Please prepare The Man plus one of the following: King, Professor, or Panthera. You will perform readings alongside another performer.
- You are required to embody the characters and be off-script.
- You will only be required to attend one audition date.
- In-person auditions only - self-tapes will not be accepted.
The play is set in a world where animals and humans coexist, with animals possessing the ability to walk, talk, and think as humans do. However, a strict hierarchy exists, with only one species reigning at the top. Characters should embody subtle animal traits without allowing them to overshadow the dialogue. In this world, animals are just as capable as humans, navigating society with intelligence and agency.
Character Briefs
- The Man (a man): He is a symbol of all that is wrong with institutions. Stuffy, inflexible and looking down on anyone who isn’t one of them. Loves his coffee.
- King Napoleon (an emperor penguin): A featherweight boxing champion. Sees the potential in everyone. Physically surprising.
- Professor Arboreous (a giant sloth): He moves slower than most and speaks at roughly 0.8 normal speed. He is warm, smart, and supportive of all his students. Has a gentle sense of humour.
- Panthera Tigre (a Siberian Tiger): She has a black cloud of ferociousness around her. She is blunt in her communications and does not suffer fools. Her ferociousness may be masking a degree of loneliness. She has been overlooked her entire career.
If you have the opportunity, we recommend reading the book.
How to Apply
To be considered for an audition, please send your CV and headshot to:
Natalie Di Risio, Senior Producer
natalie.dirisio@barkinggecko.com.au
Deadline: 12 pm, 28 March 2025
Please note:
- Audition places are limited. Pieces will be provided upon confirmation of placement.
- If you have not received an audition placement by COB Monday 31 March, you have unfortunately not been selected on this occasion.
- Due to the anticipated number of applications, we will not be able to provide individual feedback.
- Performers must be Perth-based.
