Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Hensley.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town called Martin’s Mill, Texas. I have a hard time explaining to people where exactly this town is, because according to Google and most maps, it doesn’t exist. However, I can guarantee you that it is a real place, mostly made up of cattle, and life stock, but some people live there too. People don’t believe me when I say my graduating class had a total of 25 students in my entire grade. That’s where I’m from in a nutshell, but how I got started is a bit out of the blue as well. When I graduated high school in 2011, I had no direction. I wasn’t sure what the next step was for me, if I was even good enough at anything or smart enough to attend college. I knew there was no way possible for me to afford it. Being the youngest of 4 kids in a small town, I knew as much as my family would have wanted to pay for school, that it was out of the question for us financially. Terrified, and depressed that a Sonic Carhop would be my career, a friend told me about a theater audition at the local community college. She said to me, ” Sarah, you should just try it, if you get in you’ll get a full ride scholarship! I think you’d be great.” I laughed to myself thinking, how nice of her, but I’m not good at that kind of stuff, I’ve only had a few tiny roles in high school plays here and there. That would never be something I could win! Even though I made up my mind I wasn’t going to win this scholarship, I decided to go ahead and try anyway, I thought, “What do I have to lose? Besides my pride of course.” I remember the day of this audition like it was yesterday. I was so nervous I threw up 2 times before the audition, and was trembling like a scared Chihuahua. I walked into the green room where all the theater students were and felt so intimidated. They looked like the real deal to this small town girl. When my name was called, I stepped onto the stage and into the spotlight to squeak out the monologue I had prepared. After I finished, I felt so embarrassed I just starting walking off the stage, thinking that was it. When suddenly I hear the director say, “Wait where are going? I want to hear you sing now.” Sing? SING?! What am I going to sing, I didn’t prepare anything. So, I tried to leave again, and she told me I wasn’t allowed to leave until I sang for her. So, I decided on Silent Night. That’s all I could come up with. After I sang, she stood up and said, “Welcome to TVCC’s Theater program, I want to discuss a scholarship with you, and I want you to audition for our upcoming show, Agnes of God.” Dumbfounded, I thanked her and walked out. I couldn’t believe it! I know it’s just community college, but I couldn’t believe that I just won a scholarship! A full ride scholarship to go to school, for Sarah Hensley. I was so excited I cried. When the semester rolled around, I auditioned for Agnes of God, and was cast as Agnes. I’m so thankful for that director, Dr. Joy Richmond. She paved my way, and gave me hope when I had none, and most of all she believed in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself. Ever since that audition I’ve fallen in love with the theater and the film industry. Not just acting and being on stage though. I grew a love for the people, I finally felt like I belonged in this world. Since then, I went on to Texas A&M University-Commerce, where I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Theater with an emphasis in acting and directing. Then, moved to Chicago in 2015 where I was blessed to be a part of Redmoon theater’s ensemble, Jedlicka’s Performing Art’s Center Ensemble, I’ve appeared in Nickleback’s latest music video “Feed the Machine”, and several other amazing opportunities. I’m happy to say, I love where my journey has taken me and all the people I have had the privilege of meeting on the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A smooth road? Not at all. But, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There have been many struggles on the way, such as the death of our beloved director, Dr. Joy. She was diagnosed with cancer my 2nd year of college and watching her suffer for months before her passing was a gut-wrenching moment in time. She’s truly the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She still inspires me today. Although she was in pain and suffering, she still showed up to class every day that she could, to teach, and direct. I remember the day she gave her last breath and I’ll hold her close to my heart forever. After this obstacle, I’ve had to deal with my own medical issues, along with being completely financially unstable in every way possible. Once I graduated and moved to Chicago, I was so BROKE. At one point, I was homeless after leaving an unhealthy relationship with a boyfriend of 3 years. I hit rock bottom so hard that at one point I realized, I didn’t even have a bed to sleep on, and I was surviving off the meager food stamps I received. I was so close to giving up and going back home, especially after I had a cancer scare, and an invasive surgery on top of my finical status, and a bad break up. All I had was my faith, and I guess that’s all I needed, because little by little, my luck was changing, and more doors began to open.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sarah C Hensley Freelance Actress/Model – what should we know?
Being a freelancer, and promoting your self as a business can be tricky. However, I feel that my strength as a freelancer is the ability to adapt. For example, I was cast in a show once, when the director on a whim asked if I would learn to breathe fire and perform this act in the show. So, I did. A bit extreme I guess, but I love what I do, and I love learning new things. What I’m most proud of as a freelancer, is being able to make paid gigs happen for myself. Without an agent or a company to back you up, it’s hard to get paid what you deserve for projects. In learning how to do this for myself, I feel accomplished, even when it’s only a $20.00 stipend. It feels good to have that pay off. Even though stage acting is my favorite, I’ve grown a love for modeling and doing film work as well. Modeling especially is something I’ve grown to adore and dive into. I believe my versatility and my drive to not give up, sets me a part, and keeps me going.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Absolutely. I would not be where I am today without many mentors, friends, advocates, teammates, and cheerleaders. I’ve already mentioned Dr. Joy Richmond who was my professor, and director at Trinity Valley Community College. She is my number one inspiration. Dr. Joy not only inspired me to perform and believe in myself, but she also inspired me to be bold, to wear that sexy little red dress, and to own it. She would always push me to make bigger choices and encourage me to be who I am every day and to love that person. My favorite quote from her of all time will always be, “Sometimes, you just gotta put your bitch on, and let people know you’re not there to play games.” Her strength and courage in all that she went through inspired me to keep going when I hit my lowest points. I hope to someday pass down that same inspiration to others, through the work that I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: sarahcarissa22@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @sarahcarissa22
- Facebook: @theofficialsarahhensley
Image Credit:
David April, Joker and Harley Photo by Kory Esterday, Reyna Monroe Fashion show group shot by Daryl White, Illumination Event by Cabinet of Curiosity Events
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
