Miranda Ward loves the world of theatre, including behind the scenes where things don't always go to plan.

"We had auditions for Jekyll & Hyde once and a guy came along saying he only wanted to audition for the role of Jekyll, not for Hyde," she chortles.

In Miranda's case, a youthful exterior hides her many years of experience as a performer, director and (most recently) as a theatre company executive.

"My whole family has been involved in the Brisbane Arts Theatre and I first performed there as a child in 1989. I've been involved in many BAT shows over the years," she said.

After leaving Brisbane to study and tour, Miranda has come full circle and was recently appointed on the executive committee which runs BAT.

Miranda Ward

Brisbane Arts Theatre 2011 Season:

Cosi (March 12-April 16); Evil Dead: The Musical (June 4-July 9); So You Die a Little (Sept 3-Oct 1); Monstrous Regiment (Oct 8-Nov 5); How To Be a Man (Nov 12-Dec 17).

Bookings via 3369 2344 or www.artstheatre.com.au

Miranda spent her teenage years studying dance before moving to CQUniversity Mackay to complete her Bachelor of Music Theatre with the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, graduating in 2003.

The degree fostered skills and experience in numerous productions and endeavours, including the highlight of playing Kate in Kiss Me, Kate directed by Nancye Hayes.

Miranda always took an interest in the process behind performances and worked in backstage and artistic roles as well, including stage management, choreography, directing and production management.

Actors on stage for Brisbane Arts Theatre's recent show, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

After university, she performed in A Swell Party, The Rocky Horror Show and Carousel in Brisbane, and travelled the world with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

"My work on cruise ships was not primarily as a performer - I was cruise staff, which means our team was responsible for running the entertainment program on the ships, all the events, theme nights, gameshows, activities, etc," Miranda said.

"It was a hosting job mostly, though performance skills were a big part of it.  It's a great way to see the world!  The best part about a job like that is you can make it your own, work with your strengths and work on your weaknesses.  I came home a more confident person which I hope reflects on my performance skills and leadership ability."

Miranda has just completed a run as director of Brisbane Art Theatre's production of the off-Broadway musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.

This was a significant show, as the first production staged in BAT's 75th anniversary year - a time for reflection on some of the talented actors who have performed for the organisation. These have included movie actors Geoffrey Rush, John Stanton and Barry Otto and Royal Shakespeare Theatre star Penny Downie.

Miranda notes that two other Bachelor of Music Theatre graduates from CQUniversity have been working on the latest show. Michelle Weston (nee Stocks) has been stage crewing and Natalie Ridoutt has been understudy for both female parts.

Natalie is about to take the lead role in a semi-professional production and Brisbane premiere of Jekyll & Hyde with Blue Fish Theatrical, which also includes Miranda in the role of Lady Beaconsfield.

"We'd had a great response to I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, especially from our peers, including other Bachelor of Theatre graduates who have gravitated back to Brisbane after travelling and touring," Miranda said.

"It's been good to reconnect with former students after all these years."