NIDA alum, Krystelle Quartermain (Live Production and Technical Services, 2018 & Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021), is a dynamic force in stage management, contributing to productions like Hayes Theatre Co’s Tell Me On A Sunday and Sydney Theatre Company’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Currently, she is the assistant stage manager for Belvoir St Theatre’s Well-Behaved Women, where she is challenging herself with new responsibilities behind-the-scenes. In this interview, Krystelle discusses her work on this vibrant show, her collaboration with fellow NIDA alumni, and how her NIDA training has equipped her for a career in stage management across a range of versatile projects.
You’re currently working as the assistant stage manager for Belvoir St Theatre’s production of Well-Behaved Women. Could you share some insights into this project and your role?
Well-Behaved Women is a song cycle musical written by Carmel Dean and directed by Blazey Best. This production has four women sing 16 songs about historical female figures and about their trials and triumphs in life.
On this production, I am the assistant stage manager, mostly backstage during the show helping with quick changes as this show has minimal props. This has been the first show since graduating where I’ve had more of a hands-on responsibility for costumes, which has been a great opportunity to learn more about that small gap in my skills.
What have been the highlights of working on this show?
The highlights have been coming back and working with (most of) the original team! Back in 2021, I did a two-week secondment when this was having its debut staging at the Hayes Theatre, so it’s been a wonderful full-circle moment. It’s nice working with the same people, but also having new members join. This company really gets along, and it’s always a pleasure coming into work. Other highlights include working with Belvoir St Theatre and learning how their company operates, getting to call the show at least once a week, and first-hand seeing and working with a standby who has to cover all tracks.
What has been your experience working on this production with NIDA alumni?
I’ve worked with Lighting Designer, Kelsey Lee (Design, 2018) before and it’s just a great feeling knowing you’re going to work to see a friendly face who can make you laugh. Kelsey is so flexible and knowledgeable in how she designs, and it’s amazing peering over and seeing how she works. She’s shown me an awesome lighting software that she uses, and if you ask her about it, she will happily rave on.
I hadn’t worked with Grace or Bella before, so, naturally, it was at first just about learning how to work with one another, but that all happened so quickly and easily.
Set and Costume Designer, Grace Deacon (Design, 2018 & Masters of Design, 2020) has great visions, and has been helpful with ‘handing over’ the set to me- black, glossy floors can always have their challenges.
Stage Manager, Isabella (Bella) Kerdijk (Production, 2008) has been wonderful to work with! It’s nice to see how our practices have stemmed from our course while seeing how she’s developed her own style of managing. It’s great working with someone who knows that I’m capable and trusts me, but will also give warranted and helpful tips/advice. On this one, I feel like we’ve been able to teach and help each other out.
Why did you pursue NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre and Stage Management?
When I was doing the Entertainment course in high school, my teacher told me about NIDA. I did the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services course straight out of high school because I didn’t feel prepared for the BFA, and I enjoyed the Diploma course. After a year of working as a mic tech, I decided that I wanted to do stage management. I wasn’t really sure of any other place in NSW that specialised in theatre as much as NIDA so it was a no-brainer for me. I heard that the employment rate was exceptionally high and that you get to work on lots of projects and productions throughout each year, so it all sounded great!
What are some of your career highlights since graduating NIDA?
Stage managing Tell Me On A Sunday at the Hayes Theatre, stage managing GURR ERA OP and touring in Melbourne, assistant stage managing on School of Rock The Arena Musical in Qudos Bank Arena, mic teching and floor sound on Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at Sydney Theatre Company, and of course, Well-Behaved Women!
What advice would you give to anyone considering applying for the BFA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management?
I got some really good connections through my secondments from the course, and the content you learn is invaluable, specifically for me with the stage management aspect. So, if this is 100% the industry you want to go in, definitely do your research or reach out to some alumni and ask about their experiences.
What’s next for you?
After Well-Behaved Women closes, I’m company stage managing another Neglected Musicals at the Hayes, where I’ll be shown some associate producer responsibilities, and then I’m stage managing the Coogee Carols. I have a few shows next year but dates haven’t been locked down, but I’m excited for all to come!
Well-Behaved Women is on stage now until 3 November. Tickets are available here.
