Check Out Sara Rogers’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Rogers. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Sara Rogers: A storied journey in acting and teaching

In the vibrant world of theater and film in South Florida, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Sara Rogers.

With a career spanning over four decades, Rogers has been a cornerstone in the acting community, known for her innovative teaching methods, her prowess in various facets of the industry, and her unwavering dedication to her craft and her students. The Beginnings of a Passionate Educator.

Sara Rogers’ foray into teaching acting began in the 1980s at the Hollywood Playhouse in Hollywood, FL. Her colleague and friend, Rex Benson, found himself overwhelmed with an eager group of 30 students signed up for an 8-week Monologue & Scene Class. Recognizing the need for assistance, he turned to Rogers. This opportunity marked the start of what would become Rogers’ lifelong passion and professional path, though she did not realize it at the time. The Birth of “Bare Bones Performance”.

Rogers not only embraced this opportunity but elevated it. She proposed a unique concept where her class could perform a final show on the last night of their course, inviting family and friends to attend. Granted only the use of house lights and props for the scenes, Rogers coined this the “Bare Bones Performance,” a concept that became her trademark. This approach emphasized the raw talent and skill of the performers, unadorned by elaborate production elements.

A Flourishing Career: Since the ’80s, Rogers has ensured that all her Monologue & Scene Classes culminate in a performance, a tradition that has continued into the 2000s, with showcases now being hosted on YouTube. Her involvement in the South Florida Film & Stage industry is extensive and varied. She has undertaken roles in teaching, coaching, casting, writing, stage management, and talent. Among her notable creations are the stage and camera programs for both new and seasoned actors. These include “Step One – The Business End of the Acting Modeling Business,” a primer for beginners in the industry, and “Step Two – On Camera Workshop,” which focuses on advanced camera techniques.

Rogers’ tenure as an instructor at the Hollywood Playhouse spanned over five and a half years, where she developed and taught monologue, scene study, and improvisation classes for students at various levels. She continued her teaching journey at The Acting School of South Florida for six and a half years and has also shared her knowledge through lectures in the corporate world on the techniques of improvisation and acting as it applies to Public Speaking.

A Multifaceted Talent: Rogers’ talents extend beyond teaching. She has worked as a casting assistant with notable casting directors and talent agencies, and her on-screen work includes local and national commercials for brands like Bacardi Rum and Crest. Her voice has been featured in productions with Broadcast Video, The Miami Herald, and NBC local channel 4, among others. Not limiting herself to commercials, Rogers has also had roles in television shows such as “Extra Large,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Miami Vice.”

A Writer and a Mentor: Adding to her impressive portfolio, Rogers has contributed her writing to various publications including Stage & Screen Newspaper and Marquee Magazine. For the past six years, she has been imparting her unique teaching style to actors in various classes at ArtServe, a renowned arts service organization in Fort Lauderdale. She approaches each new challenge with an open heart, ready to elevate organizations like THE CALLBACK to new heights.

Continuing the Legacy: Sara Rogers continues to be a dynamic presence in the Film, TV, and Stage arenas in South Florida. Teaching for over six years at ArtServe in Ft Lauderdale, she remains committed to her community, always seeking to nurture and develop the next generation of actors. Her journey is not just a testament to her skills as an actor and teacher but also highlights her role as a pivotal figure in the cultural landscape of South Florida.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges – there were struggles along the path to where Ms. Rogers is today.

We are all human and each has their path to follow, and once you find your own, nothing can get in your way. It’s a challenge and a curse at the same time. Actors/writers/musicians are all Artists and the struggles are many, the most important is to keep a roof over your head and food on the table. If you are a 9 to 5 person with a regular paycheck it seems the Artist is wasting their time in life, they are not, they study hard, and still have to take care of family issues as they arise and they do arise. While juggling work time, family time, and commitment to their art.

The only challenge, that turned into a failure, that really got to Rogers, was when she was hired by a national production company to photograph various South Florida locations, for a feature film. She was using a film camera. Ms. Rogers worked approximately 12 hours, her family was visiting for the holiday, and were all gathering, so she had to pop in and out of the gathering to get the photographs that were due by 6 pm that evening. Ms. Rogers woke up at dawn and was out the door by first light. She then began the process of photographing the various locations and stopping by her family’s gathering place for lunch, and off she went again; finally finishing she took the film (not digital) to the printer and when she returned in one hour, there were zero photographs to be had.

It seems her camera’s settings were not properly set. She was stressed and knew that she would never be hired to photograph locations again, not only was she not paid, but all expenses were on her budget not the companies and she knew that job opportunity would never arrive again.

The challenges were/are too many to write about here, but like everyone else on this planet, we conquered with patience, persistence, and love for each other.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sara Rogers: A trailblazer in the world of acting and teaching.

In the dynamic arena of acting and performance arts, Sara Rogers has distinguished herself as a multifaceted talent.

Uniqueness in the Arts Community: Rogers’ unique blend of practical industry knowledge, coupled with her artistic teaching techniques, sets her apart. She not only teaches acting and public speaking but also prepares her students for the realities of the acting world. This holistic approach, combined with her commitment to personal and professional development, distinguishes her in the field of acting education.

Continual Impact and Growth: As she continues to work in film, TV, and stage arenas, Rogers’ impact on the South Florida arts community remains profound. Her approach, which balances the artistic and pragmatic aspects of acting, ensures that her legacy as a teacher and mentor will endure, inspiring generations of actors to come.

In conclusion, Sara Rogers’ journey is not just a story of personal success but a beacon for aspiring actors. Her comprehensive understanding of the industry, coupled with her innovative teaching methods and dedication to her students, positions her as a distinguished figure in the world of acting and performance arts.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Sara Rogers’ vision for the film, TV, and theatre industries in South Florida is one of dynamic growth, technological integration, and increased diversity.

Her anticipation of these developments not only reflects her deep understanding of the current landscape but also her optimism and excitement for the future of the arts in this vibrant region. As a veteran and mentor in the field, her insights offer valuable foresight into the evolving nature of these industries.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adultactingcoach.com
• Instagram: @sararogersacting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sara.rogers.568
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararogers1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21l_ujxfKxFqlgWEFTQgxg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sara-rogers-hollywood
• Other: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-Actors/