Who knew geology was so sexy with terminology like “cleavage” and “hardness” to tickle your orogeny zone (geologists will get it).

Year 10 geology was all about sedimentary layering (yawn), not quite as titillating as the burlesque show, Rock Hard, at The Courtyard Studio 14-15 August.

Full disclosure: I already find rocks sexy (I collect fossils), but this burlesque show is not just for rock nerds; it’s a hilariously punny show with lots of naughty innuendo (18+ only, sorry kids).

If you’re not careful, you might even learn something about “phallicites”.

Science communicator Karina Judd, 35, used to work at Questacon teaching kids science, but she’s swapped the G-rated job for a saucy, cocktail-hour geology show.

“It’s kind of like a Disney movie, where there’s hilarious jokes for kids but then there’s also some winks for the adults,” Karina said. “People are like, ‘Oh my god, is this real geology?’ And I’m like, yeah, we’re talking about the Rim of Fire.”

Karina actually does have a PhD in science communication with an undergraduate in geology, so she knows what she’s talking about.

“There really is something for you, whether you are a certified rock licker or just a little bit curious about it,” Karina said.

Rock Hard came about when Karina was doing her master’s at uni. Her assignment was to develop an original piece of science communication.

“I was like, we do so many things for kids and something that I found in my job was that people thought that this kind of science outreach or science engagement was just a kid’s thing,” Karina said. “I was like, what’s the most adult thing I can do?”

Karina’s always been a dancer and a theatre person, so burlesque was a natural choice.

Rock Hard was a hit at Adelaide Fringe Festival (Karina took out the overall award), and there were plenty of excited rock nerds in the crowd.

“We had burlesque fans, we had live theatre musical fans, we had the entirety of Adelaide University’s PhD geology program,” Karina said.

“I swear, there were so many of them, probably the most excitement they’ve had in years. It was really fun because I got to chat to a lot of geologists after the show and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh the geology’s right.’”

This is a science class to remember, with Karina teasing the audience’s orogeny zone (the geological process of mountain building) with sultry songs, smouldering dance, and a flash of burlesque.

This irreverent but scientifically accurate show proves that geology isn’t just for textbooks.

For us rock nerds, it’s a chance to come out of the closet and embrace the hard truth.

“People come up and say, ‘I’m not a geologist but I have a rock collection,’ and people tell me it’s their little dirty secret,” Karina said. “They actually like rocks and I’m like, yeah I know, we’re all freaks here.”

Rock Hard is at Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, 14-15 August at 7pm. Tickets: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/rock-hard-2026