Close-Up with Sarah-Jane Redmond

Schoolcreative’s Artist In Residence, Sarah-Jane Redmond is an accomplished actress who has an extensive list of credits on her resume including Millennium, X-Files, Da Vinci’s Inquest, James Cameron’s Dark Angel, Steven Spielberg’s Taken and most recently The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. She is currently working on a science fiction thriller, The Entrance.

What brought about your decision to become an actor?

I would like to start by saying how thrilled I am that my words and experience may be able to offer advice, help or inspiration to any of those daring to pursue this craft. It is a gift given back to me to be able to do this and thank you to schoolcreative for this opportunity.

In regards to the question, that brought about my decision to become an actor; I believe that some things need to be left as a mystery. Every person’s reason to become an actor is different. What I will say is that I think you have to know absolutely that it’s what you want to do. One of the great things that gave me respect for the craft was when I met Stockard Channing, backstage in New York after her performance of Six Degrees of Separation (John Guare). Up until that moment; I had always felt a bit shy in saying that I was an actress. Upon being introduced to her, the respect that she gave me by extending her hand made me realize that I needed to step up to the plate and give myself that respect as well.

What did you do to get where you are today?

I kept knocking, just keep knocking and keep moving forward and don’t wait for the phone to ring. Also a positive attitude will take you anywhere.

How quickly did your work start to get recognized?

It took me picking up the phone and making calls and getting things done.

Do you still make the calls?

All the time, but there’s something to be said for sitting back and trusting that things will come. I have been told that you don’t accept no for an answer.

Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favour?

When you hear no in this business, there’s only one way to survive that and for me that’s just to realize that it has nothing to do with you and even if it does; it doesn’t matter. It means, too tall, too short, too young, too old and move on.

What do you do to prove that ‘too short etc’ is not the case?

Think positively, the second you start to make it about you, you’re going to crumble, easier said than done but it’s a good rule to practice. At one point, I had asked the universe to work non-stop, which I got, I was working as a leading actress in three series day and night, I forgot to include the equation – I want to be happy. I had to let go of my career to realize that I could be happy without any of that, because that’s not what brings happiness (sounds simple, but hey). I think that all experiences are the same; it’s just how you choose to believe them. The real break for me came when I discovered that I could be happy with or without my career. Once I let go of my career, I really started to enjoy it.

Do you mean in life?

Yeah in life and in work; I’ve had one of the most challenging and best years of my life, I don’t think it’s the projects or what life brings, I think it’s my perception.

What artistic medium to you prefer working in film, television or theatre?

This is going to sound really corny but it really really doesn’t matter. It’s just your perception of ‘hey I need some money right now’ or ‘hey I really need to feel creatively fulfilled right now’, or ‘I need to have some fun right now’.

Sometimes working really cheesy stuffy can be a lot of fun. Of course, the ultimate experience would be a Broadway or Off Broadway show that has a long run… but I think everything has a purpose.

Are you interested in exploring other markets?

One market that I’ve always wanted to get into was the independent film scene in Canada, which for some reason didn’t happen for me until this year. It wasn’t until I decided to leave this career that it just sort of fell into place.

Are you referring to The Entrance?

In no small way. I could not have dreamed up a better experience.

Have you done any other independents aside from The Entrance?

Small parts here and there, it’s funny though, I think that until you think you’re really ready, no one else will. I don’t know if you’ll ever feel ready, you’ll always have that feeling of can I do it?

That never goes away then…?

No. God I hope not.