What does it mean to reconnect with the person you were before the world told you who to be? That question sits at the heart of My Inner Child, a new independent feature currently in post-production, written, produced and starring Sydney-based filmmaker Michelle Rouady.
We sat down with Surry Hills-based actor Jared Gerschwitz, who features in the film, to talk about his journey into acting and what it means to reconnect with his own inner child.
“I grew up on a farm near Maitland, and knew from an early age that farm life was not for me, as I was allergic to everything my family grew,” he laughs. “At 15, I saw my older brother perform in a production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and knew that theatre was for me. Even though their second son had now turned away from farm life, my parents were very supportive,” he quips.
Trying to be responsible, Jared started a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Australia, but felt bored, so crossed over to Media Arts, majoring in Drama, Film and TV. “I felt that I wanted to learn everything about being both in front of and behind the camera,” Jared explains.
Leaving school, Jared ventured to London and completed a Diploma in Musical Theatre at Associated Studios, where he supported himself for two years by being a teacher’s assistant and actor at Gingerline dinner theatre. It was no easy task.
The young kid from a conservative rural Australian town had already come a long way.
The year is 2021. The world is bouncing back from COVID-19, so at 25 Jared produced his first one-man show entitled Country Chic. “At uni, they always ask us to work out what makes you different, so for me that was being a country lad who seeks something more than crops and sheep shearing. I was lucky to pick up a grant and entered the Adelaide Fringe,” he chuffs.
Jared was on his third vertical series when he met Michelle Rouady, and they started chatting. “I casually remarked to her that if she ever needed a Broadway voice, then I’m your man,” he declared. The next day, he was in the recording studio with Michelle, laying down It’s All Theatre. Michelle (producer/actor of My Inner Child) was so impressed she wrote the role of Ashtar for him.
“It was really my first role in a big independent film, so a bit bewildering but very professional in every way. I had a great time. My character is like a younger version of Michelle’s character, who realises he doesn’t want to end up like her.”
Jared is currently living the greatest adventure of his life, having moved to Sydney and being part of the cabaret and burlesque scene. “I have produced several shows at Two80 Cabaret, both for them and independently. I’m very busy – it’s great fun.”
Jared is truly a triple threat. His inner child is always ready to entertain and delight.
