Photo by Prudence Upton
Meet Krystelle Quartermain, the dynamic stage manager behind the Australian production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Primary Trust. Krystelle has built a career backstage where the magic of live theatre truly comes to life. From bonding with cast and crew in tight rehearsal windows to watching a show evolve in real time, she brings heart, creativity, and joy to every production she works on. In this interview, Krystelle shares the inspiration behind her journey, the women who’ve modelled balance and resilience, and what she likes to do outside theatre.
What first got you interested in theatre? Was there someone or something that inspired you to get involved?
As a child, my Mum always had me singing/performing at family and her friends parties on the karaoke machine, so from a young age I loved performance. Throughout high school I did music and drama and performed there, but it wasn’t until senior high school when I saw that there was the Entertainment (VET) course where I learned the backstage side of things and I really enjoyed the logistical challenges! I had a wonderful teacher, who is also a musician and still plays in shows, and it was her passion for the industry and patience in teaching that really had me interested in exploring the tech side further!
What is the best part about being a stage manager that most people do not know?
Ooh that’s a tough one! Immediately I want to say that the relationships formed in such a short period of time are something special. But one of my favourite parts of my job is the rehearsal period and seeing how the show evolves- mostly all the ideas that don’t make it in! It’s something that only people in the room and production are privy to hehe.
Photo by Prudence Upton
If you could swap jobs with anyone in a theatre production for a day, who would it be and why?
My first initial answer is probably the actors (during the rehearsal period)- having the safe space to be vulnerable to explore your character and make bold offers in a scene. Otherwise, I’m also interested in being a musician (especially a drummer or a violinist) and having the amazing musicality and playing skills! How awesome!
Many of our readers are mums trying to juggle family and career. Are there women in your life, maybe your own mum or a mentor, who showed you what balance looks like?
My cousin had two kids under two- they were only 366 days apart actually! And what has inspired me the most is her taking control of her work schedule by working from home more often, setting boundaries and setting time slots with work when she’ll be unavailable to take the kids to swim lessons etc. As well as leaning on her support circle to help with the kids. She was able to do that and also maintain a balanced social life. I look up to her a lot.
What is one moment in your career, big or small, that has really stuck with you and reminded you why you love what you do?
This moment will always stick with me actually: During rehearsals for The Glass Menagerie earlier this year, there was a moment in a scene that we were trying to figure out, and I piped up and gave my opinion, but immediately did that typical thing of apologising for it at the end with a “Sorry” “But I don’t know” etc. But the director, Liesel Badorrek, turned to me and said something along the lines of “Don’t apologise for giving your ideas, your opinions are valid”, which the actors also agreed with. It reminded me that I have a voice and am also a ‘creative’, and that in the right room my opinions are encouraged and welcomed. Since then, I’ve been more comfortable (well… working on it!) sharing my ideas and opinions with the room.
Photo by Prudence Upton
If you could play any role — from any time period, any genre —Outside of the theatre, what brings you joy? Whether it is a hobby, a place, or just a slow morning coffee, what helps fill your cup? what would it be and why?
Outside of the theatre you can find me on the dance floor actually! I do Latin dancing- salsa and bachata- and I’m usually at a social dance event at least once a week. Calmer activities include resting (or trying to… I’m really bad at sitting still!), learning Spanish, catching theatre shows (I love musicals), experimenting with recipes in my kitchen, or doing small road trips up and down the coast with my partner.
Krystelle’s passion, dedication, and behind-the-scenes insight are part of what makes Primary Trust such a special production. Don’t miss your chance to experience this heartwarming and hilarious Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy. Join us in the audience and see the magic unfold—onstage and off!