Nicola Filsell
Stage Manager
What’s your link to Townsville? I was born and raised in Townsville and completed a degree in Technical Theatre at James Cook University.
Where are you now? My husband Nicholas and I bought a house in the Barossa Valley a few years ago and enjoy sharing our garden with our chooks, rabbits and birds. Living in stunning wine country is worth the daily commute to Adelaide.
What does your work involve? I’m a freelance Stage Manager, primarily working in opera for the State Opera of South Australia and theatre for the State Theatre Company of South Australia (STCSA), as well as for the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. I’ve just finished heading up the Australian Stage Management Team on Handel’s Saul for the Adelaide Festival and I’m heading off on a national tour this year with STCSA Stage Managing a production of George Orwell’s 1984. My husband and I also own a video production and event management company called Pepper Tree Productions. We provide live images to big screens for major concerts in Adelaide.
How did your time in Townsville set you up for success? I was blessed to be surrounded by very supportive family, friends, teachers and mentors who encouraged me in all that I did. I had lots of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had in a big city.
Do you still come back to Townsville to visit? I haven’t had the chance for a few years but I’m hoping to visit within the next year.