10 Things with Erin Edward Sharp
“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature long-time area stage performer and arts supporter Erin Edward Sharp.
1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?
Pulling off the full-speed, backwards roll down a full flight of stairs in Noises Off—and living through it. My favorite nights were the ones where the gasps from the audience could be heard, because they didn’t realize right away that it was scripted and not some horrible accident on stage.
2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be an actor.
The earliest memory I have was half paying attention while playing with Star Wars figures at the opposite end of a dark gymnasium while my mother directed a play. But the exact moment came in 1986-87 in Hot Springs, S.D. My high school’s first play that season was Noises Off. I was a freshman. I was blown away. My thought was, “Why the hell wasn’t I in that show?” I went out for the next play and ended up doing nine plays and two musicals during high school.
3. Name three of your biggest theatre résumé highlights.
Garry Lejeune in Noises Off (Sioux Empire Community Theatre)
Teddy Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace (Olde Towne Dinner Theatre)
Bernard in Boeing-Boeing (Mighty Corson Art Players)
4. Who do you consider your biggest acting influences?
I am a sponge. I try to soak up as much as I can with the actors I share the stage with. You can learn so much from even the most inexperienced actor. I also like to people-watch. Sit in an airport some time and witness the wide array of characteristics that walk by that could be added into creating a character on stage.
5. What’s your acting warmup routine?
I like to be early so I have time with the cast before the show. I don’t ever want to be in a rush before showtime. Individually, I speed-read my lines verbally out loud. It keeps them fresh in your mind and works out the tongue twisters that could trip you up on stage.
6. What’s your favorite non-theatre pastime?
Traveling—in the last 10 years I have been to 15 countries, spread out over four continents. I don’t plan to stop that any time soon. I have a world map on my wall with pins to mark my travels. It makes me smile every time I get to add another pin.
7. What’s your dream role?
The older I get, the less I know, so it would be nice to think that my dream role is one that is still out there or maybe is one that hasn’t even been written yet.
8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Noises Off by Michael Frayn
Insane with Power by Scott Haan
9. What is your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?
Keep an open mind, and trust the director’s vision. There have been times going into an audition I thought I knew the role I wanted and initially was disappointed that I got a different role. However, at the end of the process, the roles I did receive ended up being some of my favorite characters I have done to date.
10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.
Laugh daily and give hugs.