We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sylvan Valladares a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sylvan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Yes, I wish I had started my creative career professionally, sooner. Though I was able to earn a monetarily satisfying, living in the business world, my heart was in performance. But I had to put that off for a bit as I was a recent immigrant, had a mortgage and a son to put through university. I just had to wait for the right moment.
And then, with so much support from my wife and my son I was able to focus on becoming an actor. This happened only four years ago. Finding my acting chops, observing the acting standards in contemporary theatre, film and television were my next steps. Then comprehending what was needed for me to make the foray into professional acting, beginning with training, getting a better understanding of the business by being a background actor for a bit, acquiring an agent and so on. And then understanding and dealing with the audition process.
Though all of this was a challenge when viewed from different perspectives, I enjoyed it every step of the way. I was finally doing something that I truly enjoyed and loved. And am still learning! Yes, I wish I had begun this journey earlier but I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be where I am today.
Sylvan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Through my love for reading I acquired a deep interest in story telling and people. Yes, I find people fascinating and have always wanted to know what makes them tick! I also realized that I do contribute to the story by fleshing out my character, understanding their points of view, fears, motivations. All this I could indulge in as a performer.
I began in community theatre in my later teens then got an opportunity to act in, as well as direct, one act plays. My focus, through all this, remained on providing support to the narrative. And after more than three decades, remains unchanged.
Recently, I was able to involve myself in South Asian theatre in Mississauga. Then gained more acting experience in the realm of film and television through principal roles played in TV series for CBS, Netflix and in CFC films.
The fact that so many professionals are involved in making a scene, a series happen, even before I, as an actor, am on set is a truly humbling experience. The collaboration between all involved is an activity that I have always and still continue to enjoy and cherish.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My acting experience came primarily from theatre, acting in one and three act plays. I had no experience ever being in front of the camera but that’s where I really wanted to be. Strategy, at this point was important, I had to find a way to get on set. One route was background acting; I would be on set and could watch a lot of the activity, interaction and learn the dynamic from up close.
Over the period of nearly a year, I was engaged as a background actor as member of a stadium crowd, ballroom dancer, bloodied and terrified member of the public in a shootout in a courthouse and so on. Each experience was different – terrifying, oppressive, enjoyable at various levels. But my resolve to become a principal actor remained unchanged and was solidified.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
People enjoy stories that they can relate to. Where they see themselves and the society they live in, reflected with authenticity. I think the support of writers, film makers and actors who can help bring stories that reflect society, its issues, ability to adapt, resilience etc. is what will contribute to the creation of a thriving sustainable creative ecosystem.
Image Credits
Helen Tansey – Sundari Photography.