Jim Sharman facts for kids

James David Sharman (born 12 March 1945) is a famous Australian director and writer. He has created over 70 plays and films! He is best known around the world for directing the hit musical The Rocky Horror Show (1973) and its movie version, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). He also directed the movie's follow-up, Shock Treatment (1981).

Life and Career Highlights

Early Life and Inspiration

Jim Sharman was born in Sydney, Australia. His dad, James Michael Sharman, ran a traveling boxing show called "Jimmy Sharman's Boxing Troupe." This meant Jim grew up seeing lots of circuses and vaudeville shows. This unique childhood helped him get interested in theatre and performing arts.

He later studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. He finished his studies there in 1966.

Directing Musicals and Films

Jim Sharman started directing plays that were new and experimental. When he was just 21, he directed a big opera called Don Giovanni for Opera Australia.

Over the next ten years, he became famous for directing three major rock musicals:

• Hair (1969): This musical was a huge success. Jim even designed the stage for the first Sydney show.
• Jesus Christ Superstar (1972): He directed this popular musical in Australia and London.
• The Rocky Horror Show (1973): This was a very special project. Jim worked with Richard O'Brien to create the very first version of this musical in London. It quickly became a worldwide hit!

Because The Rocky Horror Show was so popular, Jim Sharman then co-wrote the script and directed the movie version, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). This film became a huge cult classic. He also directed its follow-up movie, Shock Treatment, in 1981.

Working with Famous Artists

Jim Sharman often worked with famous Australian writer Patrick White. He directed several of White's plays, which helped bring White's work back into the spotlight. He also directed a film called The Night the Prowler, which was written by Patrick White.

He often teamed up with a talented designer named Brian Thomson. They worked together on many successful stage shows like Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Rocky Horror Show. They also collaborated on films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Leading Theatre Companies

In 1982, Jim Sharman was the artistic director for the Adelaide Festival of Arts. While there, he started a new theatre company called Lighthouse. This company was known for putting on exciting new versions of classic plays and showing new works by Australian writers. Many talented Australian actors, like Geoffrey Rush, were part of this company.

Later Works and Memoirs

Jim Sharman continued to direct many important plays and operas. In 2005, he won an award for directing Three Furies: Scenes from the Life of Francis Bacon. He also directed new versions of operas like Death in Venice and Così fan tutte.

In 2008, Jim Sharman wrote a book about his life called Blood and Tinsel. In the book, he shared stories about growing up with his father's boxing troupe. He also talked about his experiences making The Rocky Horror Picture Show and his many other productions.

Jim Sharman lives in London, England.

Key Works in Theatre and Film

Famous Stage Productions

• Hair (1969)
• Jesus Christ Superstar (1972–73)
• The Rocky Horror Show (1973)
• The Season at Sarsaparilla (1975)
• Death in Venice (1980)
• Three Furies: Scenes from the Life of Francis Bacon (2006)

Notable Films Directed

• Shirley Thompson vs. the Aliens (1972)
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
• Summer of Secrets (1976)
• The Night the Prowler (1978)
• Shock Treatment (1981)

Awards and Recognition

Jim Sharman has received several important awards for his work in live entertainment.

Helpmann Awards

The Helpmann Awards are big awards in Australia that celebrate live performances.