Lystad was assigned to Det Norske Teatret from 1958 to 1964, and thereafter Chat Noir, Fjernsynsteatret, Oslo Nye Teater, and Den Nationale Scene until 1980. As freelancer she has later played for the theatres Nationaltheatret, Riksteatret, Chat Noir, ABC-teatret and Hålogaland Teater, as well as revue assignments.