Audition call out for premiere season of 'Robert the Octopus'

Show Description

‘Robert the Octopus’ is a highly physical farce about a lonely queer woman called Sadie, who wants to attract the attention of her co-worker Georgia - so she buys a pet octopus to make herself interesting. Unfortunately, it turns out looking after an octopus is not a walk in the park, especially when it starts talking. This ridiculous comedy of errors reunites the creative team from acclaimed Melbourne Fringe show Rakali - and sees Lily Fish once again using their physical theatre prowess to play an animal; this time, the titular Robert the Octopus.

What we’re looking for x2 performers:

Women (trans inclusive) and AFAB NB folks

Age range: 27 - 37 (approx)

• High level of physical comedy skills
• High level of embodied articulation and fixed point
• Has vocal training, good vocal projection and is highly articulate in text delivery
• Trained in or familiar with the Lecoq Methodology of Mask, Mime and Movement Theatre
• Can work on stage in a fast-paced performance style similar to farce
• Comedic skills: hyper responsivity, sensitive to audience and stage partners, can maintain character rhythm as well as show rhythms
• Can work with a high level of naivety (clown skills). Can maintain breath and presence in comedic chaos
• Can play heightened emotions (melodrama)
• Ability to incorporate playful thematic/comedic crescendo (Commedia Dell Arte)
• Someone with strength, understanding of acrobatics/weight bearing between partners is also useful
• Someone comfortable with making offers and playing, as well as adhering to strict directorial decisions
• Is a professional collaborator who has strong self supports/internal processes/personal frameworks to allow them to communicate well in the workplace

Requisites

5 years minimum of stage performing practice

Must be available for the full dates

Confirmed team

Director - Kimberley Twiner

Playwright - Alex Duncan

Performer/Producer - Lily Fish

Season Dates

27 Jan - 8 Feb 2026

Rehearsal Dates

Tuesdays (9am-5pm) and Wednesdays (9am-1.30pm), 9 Sept - 8 Oct 2025

Mondays and Tuesdays (9am-5pm), 21 Oct - 16 Dec 2025

Monday to Friday (9am-5pm), 12 - 23 Jan 2026

Audition Date/Time

12-3pm, 23rd July 2025

Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre

It will be a group workshop audition, no preparation needed.

Fee

Profit share

Locations

Season and rehearsals to happen in inner north Melbourne

To APPLY please send:

• An arts CV listing your previous roles/projects/trainings
• A maximum 1 page cover letter that addresses the points we are looking for
• Please provide a paragraph about your favorite comedy theatre show of all time and why you love it

Send to Kimberley Twiner ktwiner@gmail.com by 5pm Saturday 5 July

Please note: We are fierce resistors of AI. Please do not use AI to generate your application. Consider your application as your first poetic and creative impression on us.