First full-time job: Performing behind the scenes

My first major job was trainee general nurse at Auckland Hospital. After a back injury I went on to working with books. While at a party I met someone who talked me into auditioning for the diploma in drama, and miraculously I won one of 20 places.

I have been working in theatre and the performing arts for the last 20 years. I am a founding member of the Auckland Theatre Company.

Last job:

I produced the L'Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy Awards, at the Town Hall on July 20, and before that ATC's production of Noises Off, at the Bruce Mason Theatre.

What led you to choose this field of work?

It didn't take me long to realise my talents were better off behind the scenes. I've worked with companies such as Dramadillo, Mercury Theatre, Watershed Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company and The Edge. I was head of stage management at Mercury Theatre when it collapsed.

I assisted with the formation of the ATC board and went on to be associate producer and production manager for the first five years.

Is it as glamorous and exciting as it looks?

I work backstage, so it can be heavy and dirty work sometimes. You tend to put in long hours. And of course, at functions and on opening and closing nights you get to dust off your good frocks and rub shoulders with your work colleagues, who just happen to be a bit famous.

What's the secret to getting work like yours?

Many people who wind up working in theatre have a passion for it and will tend to gravitate towards amateur theatres or seek out courses.

Find any opportunity to get experience - there is a very good technical course at Unitec.

Is it a stressful job?

Often it is stressful. It all has to come off and look fabulous on the night, live. There are many aspects that need to be pulled together technically and creatively, and any one of them can go wrong. With live work you don't get to yell "cut, let's take that again!"

What emotional satisfaction do you get from this job?

To be part of a creative process. In my role as creative director for L'Oreal it was working with a great team and bringing all the elements of the show together.

In my work as a stage or production manager it's watching a play unfolding, watching the director and actors working together to build characters and find understanding of the piece.

Worst part of the job?

Stress when the hours get too long and you are dealing with people who are more interested in themselves than in the creative process.

Oddest thing you have seen in this job:

I get to meet many interesting people and see many unusual things in my job. One of the most interesting people I got to work with was [eccentric Australian pianist] David Helfgott, a truly special and remarkable person.

Your strengths?

It's more the strengths the job requires. Practicality is essential when working backstage, and as boring as it sounds, you need to be organised.

Staying calm when all around you is madness is a must - actors and performers need to feel confident that they are well-supported when on stage.

Where do you want to be in five years' time?

I see myself honing my creative director skills, and would like to look at documentary-making.

Job you most covet?

Astronaut.

Best piece of job-hunting advice you can offer?

Go after work that will keep you happy, that is your dream and inspires you. We spend too many hours working to do something we hate - or which leaves us feeling uninspired.