Bark Theatre Company

We are an enthusiastic not-for-profit company focused on youth theatre. Through workshops, productions and experiences we provide learning opportunities that are safe, accessible and inclusive.

Our Team

A quick introduction to the amazing people that make up our little theatre company

Co-President

Katy Newell
(She/Her)

Katy has returned to the role of Co-President for a second year with Bark Theatre Company.

Katy has always been drawn to the creative arts, from acting, to music, to writing and everything in between. Katy’s love of the creative arts has allowed her to perform and write with Somebody’s Daughter Theatre Company and inspired her to undertake a Bachelor of Drama at Deakin University. In her role as Co-President of Bark Theatre Company she hopes to show the power of the arts to form friendships, nurture empathy and give people a voice.

Co-President

Ashleigh Janky
(She/Her)

Ashleigh has returned for a second year at Bark Theatre Company, this year as one of our Co-Presidents.

She has completed a Bachelor of Arts and is currently studying her Master of Teaching at Deakin University. Ashleigh is excited to continue her Theatre experience she has gained in amateur theatre companies over the last five years by shining a light on the importance of inclusive learning and representation within the arts. Ashleigh is excited to work alongside Katy this year to lead this amazing team in celebrating diverse voices within the theatre community through the art of performance.

Secretary

Harrison Barr
(He/Him)

Harry is thrilled to be on the Bark Theatre Company committee for another year, this time taking on the role of Secretary. 

Harry has recently completed his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Visual and Performing Arts at Deakin University, and is currently completing a Master of Secondary Teaching. Harry is excited for another great year, with an awesome group and great ideas in the works, he cannot wait to get cracking on to this next season with some new and old faces around!

Treasurer/Equity Officer

Rhymney Mazza
(She/Her)

This season, Bark Theatre Company welcomes Rhymney Mazza to the role of Treasurer.

Rhymney is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) with a minor in journalism to pursue a career in Media Coaching. Rhymney has previous work experience with the Mount Players Theatre Company and is excited to share her creative background both on and off stage in this new role. It is her mission for theatre to be a place where one can freely express their creative identity.

Production Manager

Laura Ozzimo
(She/Her)

This is Laura’s second year as Bark Theatre Company’s Production Manager. 

Laura is currently completing her Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Drama at Deakin University. Throughout the years Laura has worked in both live theatre and film and is currently working as an Assistant Director under Verdict Film Group. Laura cannot wait to jumpstart 2021 and hopes to see you there!

Public Relations Manager/Equity Officer

Brodi Purtill
(She/Her)

Brodi has taken on the roles of Public Relations Manager and returning Equity Officer this season.

Brodi is a proud Muti-Muti woman who grew up in Swan Hill. She is currently studying a Master of Teaching after completing her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Sociology at Deakin University. Upon finishing her degree Brodi hopes to continue her work within the education department of the Melbourne Theatre Company. She cannot wait to see all the amazing opportunities planned spring to life.

Social Media Officer

Nioka Mellick-Cooper (She/Her)

Nioka has taken on the role of Social Media Officer this season.

Nioka is a 19-year-old actor, singer/songwriter, musician, environmentalist, activist and vegetarian. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University, majoring in Drama and Criminology and minoring in Film and Television. Nioka has had experience with multiple theatre companies including La Mama and has been performing for her whole life. After university, Nioka hopes to pursue a career in the movie industry. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for the performing arts through her role with Bark Theatre Company.

Marketing and Education

Nicholas Krizmanic (He/Him)

Nick is looking forward to joining the Bark Theatre team as a part of the Marketing Team. 

Having recently completed his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Media Studies, Nick is currently completing his Masters in Secondary Teaching at Deakin University. With a large amount of experience in the amateur theatre community, Nick is excited to bring his knowledge to the Bark team!

Production

Owen Gonsalves
(He/Him)

Owen is excited to join the Production Team this season. 

Owen is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Drama at Deakin University. He also achieved a Diploma of Theatre Arts in 2018 at Melbourne Polytechnic. He has been practicing theatre and performing at an academic level for almost 10 years. In addition to joining Bark Theatre Company in 2020, he is also a member of the Burwood Student Theatre Company (BustCo) as a General Representative, with hopes of expanding his role in theatre from performer and actor to creator and practitioner.

Equity Officer

Talisa Bell
(She/Her)

Talisa has joined the Equity Team this season as an Equity Officer. 

Talisa is currently undertaking a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama at Deakin University. With training in Latin and Ballroom dancing as well as drama, Talisa cannot wait to display her passion for the creative and performative arts with the knowledge she has combined over the years.

Production

Alex Tyndall
(He/Him)

Alex has joined the Bark Theatre Company Committee this season working as part of the Production Team.

He is a transgender man passionate about inclusivity in the drama and media industries. He has experience working with St Martin’s Youth Arts Centre and is currently studying Drama and Media Studies at Deakin University. Alex is excited to bring his insights to BTC throughout 2021.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us via your preferred method of contact and be sure to like and/or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
+61 432 124 506
barktheatrecompany@gmail.com