Stray Cats Theatre Company is the accumalation of years of work in theatre for Artistic Director and Company Owner Karen Francis.

At 21 yrs of age theatre was a hobby that grew in to an never ending obsession for the truth behind what makes a great actor.

Starting on the stage with various and quite numerous acting parts, Karen moved on to teaching youth about the stage, and continued with this until she had her daughter. After taking a short break, it was directing that took her interest next and continued to be the area that Karen moved in to.

Karen has completed studies in Creative Arts, Drama, Acting, Directing and Production, she is also a qualified Trainer, which is put to good use with Stray Cats new training programme ADAPT.

Getting a play on to the stage with the audience transfixed with what is about to be peformed in front of them, has been all the accolades that Karen has ever wanted.

Theatre for her is a lifestyle, and in her words  "the people, the excitement, the work and the challenges along the way, are all part of what makes this life spontaneous and worth getting up for, I wouldnt want to be doing anything else".

Stray Cats Theatre Company has a huge future and strong potential for growth within the Performing Arts.

State Festival:  Best Director for Letter Opener and Sanctuary

State Festival:  Most innovative Production for Letter Opener

Below is just a sample of the work that Karen has completed in the last few years, if you wish to further discuss her areas of expertise then please feel free to make an appointment.

Indigo Blue (Theatre and Art)

Cinderella   (Lakelands, Peet and Co)

Frog Prince (Lakelands, Peet and Co)

Morning Melodies (Koorliny Arts Centre)

MPAC Youth Theatre (Workshops, Theatre)

Koorliny Theatre Theatre (Workshops, Theatre)

The Bridge (Director)

Estuary Dream (Workshop, Theatre)

Closer Sky (Director)

After School Theatre (MHS)

Communication and Team Skills (Employment Agencies, Tafe)

Role Play (Mission Australia)

Footloose (Director)

Grease (Director)

Last Train to Freo (Director, Producer)

Dusty the Original Pop Diva (Director, Producer)

High School Musical (Director, producer)

Presentation Techniques (Tafe)

Three Bullets (Festival, Director)