If you’ve been hesitant about booking Truthful Acting classes, visit the website now and get them booked! If you’ve been worried about going to an audition, go for it – what do you have to lose! If you’re passionate about your acting then you should go for it! Today’s guest is a perfect example of following her passions and how putting them first can allow you to succeed.
Name: Sarah Schodrof
Hometown: I was born in Tinley Park, Illinois but I moved shortly after and moved a lot. I grew up between Illinois, North Carolina, Utah, Iowa, and Florida.
Current Location: Los Angeles, CA
TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Schodrof: I’m not sure exactly when I knew I wanted to act for a living. I started acting classes when I was eight, after asking my mom to sign me up, and it never occurred to me to stop since I always loved it. Acting for a living was just the next logical step for me I guess, because of course you eventually want to get paid for your work once you get older and realize that’s an option. Once I auditioned for and accepted my admission into USC’s BFA Acting program is when I made the commitment to pursue acting for the long haul though. I would have continued acting regardless, but committing yourself to a four year degree in acting is a big deal, especially when you could spend your time and money on a more “practical” degree. But I went for my passion and didn’t make a backup plan so I think that’s when I knew, and definitely when the people around me knew, that I was serious about making acting a career for myself.
TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Schodrof: The only performance I remember really being affected by at a young age was when I went on a school field trip to see a play about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. I think this might have been what propelled me to ask my mom to sign me up for acting classes. I just remember telling one of the actors that she did a “really good job” on the way out of the theater, which was a big moment for me because I was shy but I felt it was important to tell this adult stranger that she was a good actor. If you count high school as childhood, I was also obsessed with all the performances in the film version of “Doubt” when it came out. Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and Amy Adams were powerhouses and so interesting. I continue to watch their careers.
TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Schodrof: There was no plan I made for myself except for to keep going. Take classes, prepare, audition, network, make your own work… you have to do what you know is good for yourself as an actor. Whatever keeps you interested and engaged. There is no one way into the industry so you just have to make a habit out of doing good work and putting yourself out there and every once in awhile something will stick.
TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Schodrof: I moved to Los Angeles for a pilot season with my mom when I was 16, but that was during the writer’s strike so I only had a handful of auditions before we had to go back to Florida where I finished high school. I finally moved to Los Angeles full time to get my acting degree at USC when I was 18. I graduated when I was 22 and was able to audition a lot more then.
TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Schodrof: Since I made the move for college I think it was easier for me than it is for a lot of people. It’s a lot easier to make friends in school, everyone lives walking distance from one another 
and you spend so much time together in class and play rehearsals. So I made a couple close friends very quickly, which is usually all I need. It’s harder now that I’m out of school though. The city is so spread out, there’s a ton of traffic and everyone has unique schedules so seeing friends is a real effort. Keeping in touch with friends, making an effort to meet new people and doing acting classes or other group activities makes it easier though. It helps keep a sense of community in a city that can be isolating.
TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Schodrof: I just shot a commercial for Toyota last month and that will be the most recognizable thing I’ve done once it comes out. As far as TV goes, I was written into a sitcom pilot by my friend George Khouri whom I met when we acted together in a production of “Cinderella.” We shot his show, “Black Coffee,” last year and it premiered late last year in Beverly Hills. It’s currently being pitched so you never know what could come of that. George is a great networker and we have a talented cast on that. In terms of theater, I was really excited to work with playwright/novelist/director Timothy Allen Smith in the last staging of “Captive,” a dramatic play about a school shooting.
I’ve yet to have a big break. Honestly though I am hoping for my next small “break” to come from a short film I am currently writing with a friend from an old acting class. We’re going to produce and act in it together and we hope to make an appearance on the short film festival circuit.
TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Schodrof: I just want to play roles that interest me and are three dimensional, but those can be all kinds of characters. The genres that I feel most at home in (though I enjoy all) have to be drama and then neurotic characters in comedies.
TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Schodrof: Curiosity. You have to be interested in the story and each character you’re playing with. It can be the difference between watching an actor perform versus watching someone really try to deal with something and figure something out.
TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Schodrof: My dream is to make acting my full time job and to have the projects I work on be fulfilling and provocative projects that have something to say.
TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Schodrof: I think I would tell them to really decide what specifically they want to do and why because I’ve found being clear with yourself really gives you a sense of direction. After that, I would say do your research about the logistics of moving, the city and getting started in the new acting scene. Google and ask friends with experience. When you get to the new city, make sure you take acting classes that are inspiring to you and also reputable so that local managers and agents will know you have good training before they sign you. Once you have begun training and gotten representation in the new city, then you just keep going. Do good work and put yourself out there.
TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Schodrof: www.SarahSchodrof.com
