With this most recent role in a long and quickly growing resume of artistic achievements, Shane has also been signed by one of New York City’s leading talent agents for children and young adults, Nancy Carson of the Carson-Adler Agency. This connection came through Connecting Talent Company, a New York-based professional management and coaching company for young talent. Its founder, Jody Prusan, viewed a YouTube link of Shane’s and promptly reached out with an interest in representing Shane.

   Last year, Shane was accepted into the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, Beaver County. His parents, Kim and Bob Treloar, have had the ride of their lives alongside their son over the past five years. His older brother, Keegan, is his biggest fan, said Kim. She has accompanied Shane to New York City numerous times for auditions, and has gained the support of family and friends to launch his website and Facebook page, the latter of which just reached over 1,000 fans.

   Said Kim, “We are very thankful for the love and encouragement so many give to Shane. During every setback I would remind him that God didn’t bless him with such talent and not have a purpose for it. The combination of our faith and the support of remarkable family and friends have been pertinent to his success. We hope Shane will inspire other young boys to follow his lead, the theater needs them!”  

   Before Shane headed off to New York, he had a bit of performing work to finish back home. He was cast in his first local professional show as the Artful Dodger in “Oliver,” at the Strand Theater in Zelienople. The show ran through Oct. 5.

   Another up-and-coming performer, Josie Mercier, eight, is following in Shane’s footsteps. The Imperial resident attends Wilson Elementary School. She, like Shane, performed in “Damn Yankees” at RMU’s Colonial Theatre last July. She has studied musical theater and dance since she was four, spending the last three years at Prunzik’s Broadway Dance Studio performing alongside Shane. This past summer, Josie also had the opportunity to be part of the movie “Southpaw” as a background actress. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, and Forest Whitaker. Most recently, she was cast in a UPMC Healthcare commercial which will air later this fall. Josie will also be busy this fall with a show she has been cast in: Pittsburgh Musical Theatre’s “A Lyrical Christmas Carol.” It will be presented at The Hazlett from December 17-21.

   Josie said, “From watching Shane and working with him on the sets of musicals, I have learned one thing. He never gives up. What I try to do is follow in his footsteps. I like that he is serious, and I am trying to work on that.”

   Her mother, Debra Mercier, added, “We have been blessed to find ourselves surrounded by supportive families who are willing to share their knowledge of the performing arts business freely and unselfishly. Kim Treloar is always the first to pass along information about local music-related auditions. Without Kim, we would never have heard of the opportunities available at RMU’s Colonial Theatre. Kim has also helped many of us to navigate the unfamiliar world of resume and bio writing for the performing arts. When it comes to understanding the film industry’s lingo, Diana Messner is our go-to mom. Our community is full of people willing to take the time to show you the ropes, and I think that has been the most pleasant surprise of this whole experience with Josie.”

   This fall, Josie begins her studies at Pittsburgh Musical Theater, where she will take classes in tap, ballet, and musical theater.

    She is the daughter of Debra and Mark Mercier.