Wholly committing yourself to a career in any creative industry can be a daunting prospect, but theatre maker Joanne Hartstone (BCreatArts (Drama) ’04, BCreatArts(Hons) ’05) walked out of Flinders University with the confidence to follow her love of performing arts, leaving her mark on and off the stage ever since.
“I had the chance to be involved in loads of shows with so many amazing artists during my time at Flinders,” says Joanne.
“Professor Michael Morley and Emeritus Professor Jules Holledge were a wealth of knowledge for all of us studying at the Drama Centre. They treated us like professionals from the get-go and weren’t afraid to teach us really difficult concepts and far-reaching ideas.”
There’s not much Joanne hasn’t put her creative hand to in the world of performing arts. She’s presented multiple seasons as a performer and producer in Edinburgh, Hollywood, London, New York and Sydney, while also presenting work in the Adelaide Fringe since 2006 which has seen her win a slew of awards from Best Theatre to Best Event and everything in between.
“I did an Adelaide Fringe season straight out of Uni, a show called Fitting Rooms by Jennifer Lusk which featured a few people from the Drama Centre,” says Joanne.
“And then after that, I moved to Sydney with my friend Jessica Beck, who all these years later I’m appearing with in a world premiere next month at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
“The Smart Girl’s Guide to Breaking Up is a step-by-step guide to recovering self-worth and resilience. Along with fellow performer Annie Slade, Jess and I transformed the steps into a musical guide with exquisite three-part harmonies. Expect tight vocal arrangements, genuine love and life advice, and the joy of friendship in this light and lively self-help cabaret.”
Whilst directing a show in 2008, Joanne had a chance meeting with Guy Masterson who offered her a role in London performing in a show called Oleanna by David Mamet. Jumping at the opportunity, Joanne took the experience as a chance to learn more about how the fringe circuit functioned and the producing of shows.
“Even though my degree at Flinders was very much performing arts focussed and about being on stage, it was actually because of this on-stage knowledge that I was able to learn how to support other people doing that work,” she says.
Doing much more than just producing and acting, Joanne’s work certainly isn’t confined to the space between the drawn curtains of a stage.
“I would say I’m a theatre maker in all senses of the word. I’m not just making the shows, I’m a published playwright, I’ve directed shows, I work as a dramaturge, as recently as last year in New York, and I’m also a producer!” explains Joanne.
“On a day-to-day basis, I’m working globally with different companies looking at logistics of international touring and how we can bring the absolute best version of a show here to Adelaide.
“It’s only because of my solid foundation of knowledge and the fostering of love for the performing arts that I’m here working in this industry now, and if you don’t love it, it’s a tricky thing to commit your life to.”
Although her work as a presenter can be all consuming, especially during peak Fringe time, Joanne still has a passion for being on stage and continues to act in solo performances and audition for roles.
“Some of my proudest work I’ve done is certainly with my solo shows, but that’s only really come in the last half of my career,” she says.
“After doing so much work previously, I finally decided to put my money where my mouth is and performed my first solo show in 2017.”
The Girl Who Jumped Off The Hollywood Sign was received by audiences better than could have ever been expected. As writer, performer and producer, Joanne toured it across the Adelaide, Sydney, Edinburgh and Hollywood Fringes. She even got to take inspiration from the title, climbing the Hollywood sign while in town!
Utilising her learned experience to now mentor emerging and established artists, performers and playwrights, Joanne encourages those in the industry to be open about their future and explore avenues they may have not considered.
“You need to be hungry to learn because if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says.
“I’m still discovering how much I love different aspects of the performing arts and not just being on stage.
“Being proactive about continuing to work, asking for support and getting mentors are all really good things as well.
“People once passed the flame onto me and I’m now proud to be passing the flame on to others.”
You can learn more about Joanne’s long list of theatre work, including her 2025 Adelaide Fringe shows that won 8 weekly awards and two major awards, including the top prize of Pick of the Fringe, here.