Who is Mark Salvestro?
Hailing from the Snowy Mountains in NSW, I packed up my country boy life and moved to Sydney to ‘become an actor’ in 2011. From there, I gravitated away from the ‘big smoke’ to ‘Australia’s cultural capital’, Melbourne – where I laid my foundation as an independent actor, writer and producer. After polishing my craft at the Howard Fine Acting Studio, I embarked on a three-year journey with my first one man-show, Buried at Sea. After a much-needed break from writing, I’ve put myself through the creative slog and created my second solo show, The Will To Be, which premieres at Melbourne Fringe this week.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I wasn’t an artist, I think I’d probably be a journalist… a broadcast journalist, I reckon – another straightforward career path, I know! (Not!) I love using my voice as a vessel to educate, inform and inspire people.
Who inspires you and why?
Fran Kelly on ABC RN Breakfast – she inspires me to get out of bed each morning… literally… RN Breakfast is my alarm!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Actually find the courage to turn up to a rally that I’m passionate about… instead of letting my introverted extrovert of a personality get in the way. Perhaps that’s something I can learn from my ‘closeted gay turned radical protester’ character in my current play?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Batemans Bay on the South Coast in New South Wales. I go there after Christmas each year. It’s a great opportunity to recuperate on the beach, do some binge reading, and catch up on all the family goss that I miss out on now that I live in the ‘Deep South’.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Miss Marple’s Tearoom in Sassafras – life is at its peak when there are scones and sundaes involved!
What are you currently reading?
My own script. Every day. Many times. It’s pre-production week hustle time! Once October comes, I can’t wait to pick up The Millionaire and the Bard by Andrea Mays. It’s about Henry Folger’s obsessive hunt for Shakespeare’s first folio.
What are you currently listening to?
Mika! Lots of it – ha! It’s serving as a great de-programming tool from the 1960s world of The Will To Be.
Happiness is?
Drinking hot chocolate and eating berry-filled pancakes with my Mum (and best friend) at Miss Heidi’s Austrian Teahouse back in the Snowy Mountains. I’m a Mummy’s boy and I know it!
What does the future hold for you?
I don’t know. You tell me!
Mark has written and will perform The Will To be at The Butterfly Club: 23 – 29 September as part of the 2019 Melbourne Fringe. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au or www.marksalvestro.com for details.
Image: Mark Salvestro (supplied)