Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin O’Shea.
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Moline, IL. I started acting at around age five when my dad, who loves to write and perform in his spare time, cast me in one of his plays. The moment I got my first laugh from the audience, I was hooked. From there, I started auditioning at local community theaters, participated in high school productions, and ultimately decided to study acting in college. Throughout my childhood, I remember watching countless reruns of “I Love Lucy” and thinking, “I want to do THAT!” And over the years, my grandma served as a great audience while I paraded around the living room making up silly songs and dances. After college, I moved to Chicago, where I did storefront theatre, took improv classes, and eventually began acting in short films, indie features, commercials, and doing voice-over work. Between acting gigs, some friends and I decided to start a small theatre company. It was a thrill to make our own art, and it also provided me with a lot of valuable insight and appreciation for the behind-the-scenes world of theatre. In late 2017, I moved to LA, where I’ve continued to work as an actor and voice-over artist, perform improv and sketch, and write.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been relatively steady. I consider myself to be a bit of a “late-bloomer,” in that it often feels like I see others checking off career milestones faster, or I’ll have moments when I think, “Man, I wish I would have known that before!” But over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s no shame in learning things a little later (you’re still learning!), and it’s never too late to try again. Plus, it makes me appreciate my steps forward even more.
I’m a pretty impatient person, so it can be mentally tough for me when things get slow professionally. Also, it definitely wasn’t easy making the transition from Chicago to LA — I was essentially starting over, and that was a tough pill to swallow. But I think it helps to realize that there is no one “right” path. Every artist is different, and if you keep pushing ahead, you’ll eventually find your way. One thing that’s really helped me is making my own work. As I mentioned, running a small theatre in Chicago took a lot of time and effort, but it was also liberating — it was our company and we got to do things our way — and in doing so, we made some really cool shows. In early 2020, I took a page from that book, collaborated with my friend, Jason C. Brown, and wrote, produced, and starred in my first short film. It’s called “Meet Cute.” After we wrapped filming, I joked that I was “all hopped up on Mountain Dew.” It was such a rush, and I truly can’t wait to make more. I’m really proud of that little film. So much of acting is waiting for opportunity. Of course, you’re working on your craft as much as you can, but often, you don’t get to act unless someone hires you. So when you have the chance to make something of your own, it allows you to express all of that creativity that you’ve been dying to share with the world.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor, voice-over artist, and writer. One of my biggest career highlights so far (and something I’m really proud of) was performing in The Goodman Theatre’s Midwest premiere of “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe. The play is about a high school competitive soccer team. It was an all-female cast, and our stage was half of an indoor soccer field — including nets that climbed all the way to the ceiling. This meant that we actually got to kick soccer balls, run on the AstroTurf, do drills, etc. The show was a dream come true — it was fun, challenging, and combined two of my favorite things, acting and sports. I’m also very proud of my short film, “Meet Cute.” It’s a romantic comedy about two strangers who connect at a funeral home while attending services for their deceased family members. It’s sweet with a mischievous sense of humor — which, I’ve been told, is also a pretty apt description of me as a person/performer. We’ve been submitting to film festivals, and we recently found out that “Meet Cute” is an official selection for Cinequest 2021, which is really exciting. All in all, I love performing, creating characters, making people laugh (at heart, I’m still the little kid putting on shows for my grandma in the living room), and just making stuff!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Trust yourself and be confident. It’s easier said than done, but it’s also a lot more fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.erinoshea.net/
- Instagram: @erinmarieoshea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriouschildproductions
- Twitter: @erinmarieoshea
- Other: @seriouschildproductions (Instagram)
Image Credits:
Personal photo = Photo by Tara Jayn IMG_1 = Photo by Tara Jayn IMG_2 = DarylJim Photography IMG_3 = Photo by Liz Lauren IMG_4 = Nick Dee Photography IMG_5 = Photo by Chase Paul IMG_6 = Film still by Gary Bush
