Local artist profile: Sharn Treloar

THIS week we chat with local actor and senior drama, media and philosophy teacher Sharn Treloar, who describes himself as a horror and surrealist film fan, especially the works of David Lynch, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, Jordan Peele, Wes Craven and Stuart Gordon.

What motivated you to pursue acting?

As a child I was always changing my mind about what I wanted to be when I grew up and this was usually triggered by whatever film or TV show I’d recently watched.

When I was about ten years old, I realised that it wasn’t the professions themselves that I wanted to work in, but rather how (they) were depicted on the screen.

How would you describe your acting style?

Acting in my early 20s was my Stanislavski method phase, but as I aged I found it didn’t work for me.

I believe everyone has their own method.

I appreciate actors who have mechanical approaches to their craft, like Bill Nighy and Rowan Atkinson.

Once I have a clear motivation and image for my character, I break the script down to finer detail.

Which other actors inspire you?

Top of the list are Malcolm McDowell and Gary Oldman.

I like character actors that aren’t afraid to take risks with their performances.

I also admire James Spader, Viggo Mortensen, Sam Neill and Guy Pearce.

Are there any movies that inspire you?

I own an extensive collection of movies, so whenever I’m asked what my favourite movie is, it’s dependent on what mood I’m in.

I’m generally, though not exclusively, a horror and surrealist film fan, especially the works of David Lynch, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, Jordan Peele, Wes Craven and Stuart Gordon.

I was six years old when I saw the first movie that ever scared me.

It was Quatermass and the Pit, and even though I only saw the first twenty minutes of it – it ingrained on my memory forever.

It took me nearly thirty years to finally track down a copy of it, which I now own.

That style of horror film has been of interest and inspires me the most, and has played a role in my own creative writing.

What are some highlights you have from your time as an actor?

I have very fond memories of the productions I was involved in during my twenties.

University proffered so many theatrical and film set opportunities.

I acted and wrote for the Fringe and International Comedy Festivals.

Another standout was working on the feature films Watch Me and The Dark Lurking.

It was an exciting time where I learned a lot about the industry.

I recently enjoyed playing Richard Hannay in Synchronicity’s production of The 39 Steps, which was such an enjoyable and physically challenging role.

How can people check out your work online?

People can check out my IMDb page (and the Synchronicity website).

I (also) contributed to an academic text, with a film analysis of Turkey Shoot.

Do you have any performances coming up?

At the moment I work as senior drama, media and philosophy teacher (at BSSC), so that does take up a bit of my time.

I haven’t any projects ready, but have a few ideas of projects I would like to develop.

I would (also) like to continue my PHD candidature and contribute to academic literature.

What would you say to young regional aspiring actors who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

My main advice would be to get involved.

There are theatre production companies in Bendigo always doing some kind of performance.