Interview with Sarah J. Halstead

Sarah J Halstead is from the quaint town of Flushing, Michigan, just slightly west of Flint. Appreciation and understanding of the arts were very important to Sarah’s parents, particularly her Dad, who signed her for both classical piano and ballet at the age of 7. Unlike a lot kids back then and today, Sarah was not allowed quit and had to practice both arts every day. Sarah had her first euphoric moment as a performer during her first ballet recital at the age of 8; “I can remember watching the shadow of my tutu against the velvet curtain as I twirled in the lights – I was hooked” says Sarah J. Halstead. Today, Sarah is a full time actor, writer and comedian. She has released her first short film which she co-wrote and produced, “Meet the Roommate” and plan to create many more films in the future.

Happy New Year! Scheduling 2017! Please contact my website for bookings. https://t.co/AqwfvF2OVz #standupcomedy pic.twitter.com/ZiB7txwxLm

— Sarah J Halstead (@sarajayhalstead) January 2, 2017

Did you study what you do
I’ve studied acting extensively over the years in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Sam Schacht, former Dean of Stella Adler Studio in NYC, was my first primary acting coach whom I studied for 4 years. Sam has taught me how to find my truth within any character, a technique that I continue to rely today. Marc Durso from Act True Miami, (Uta Hagen Process) has played a pivotal influence with reigniting my flame for acting after taking a 13.5 year hiatus from the industry. Mr. Durso remains my mentor and private coach via skype whenever I have a big audition or role to prep. Anthony Meindl in Los Angeles has been instrumental with the process of amalgamating truth with specificity and continues to be my safe haven for scene study. I have been performing stand up comedy over this past year and it’s served an exponential help with my acting. I find stand up much more difficult vs acting, hence I now rarely get nervous at an audition or in front of the camera/audience.

What is your filmmaking process
I have not gone to filmmaking school, but I’ve always been a “learn as you go” kind of person. I recently read a great quote by Tina Fey, “Say yes to everything and figure out the details later” and another by Marissa Mayer, “I’ve always taken on projects that I wasn’t quite ready to do”. I’ve always been a thrill seeker and there’s a rush with jumping into a project with no existing experience except for ambition. I have made a lot of mistakes with this first film, and that’s the only way I’m going to learn for the next one. I have a tendency to be a loner and take on a lot independently without delegating. This will kill you as a filmmaker. You have to surround yourself with people that are smarter and more experienced than you. People who have a track record for executing and paying attention to detail.

Tell us about the work you have produced
I wrote, produced, directed and starred in a play called “The Legends of Champagne” in March of 2015. This was my first experience with producing and directing. It took a tremendous amount of time and work and it was over in 60 minutes and gone forever. I love the theatre, and I love a live audience, but I’m always sad when the production is over because it’s REALLY over. You can replay a film. You can send your film to festivals, social media, or have it possibly be a hit at the box office. Film doesn’t die.

Do you take courses to improve your craft
I’m a workshop whore. I take as many workshops as humanly possible. Anthony Meindl acting studio includes a plethora of workshops for acting, auditioning, social media, commercials, dance, and more. I also attend most workshops at Samuel French, Space Station, Groundlings, etc. I always make time to add layers of education to my passions.

How do you combine acting and writing
Personally, I write with doing my best to extract personal characteristics of actors whom I have in mind for the role. Particular actors may not be available for your production so it’s best to focus on fictional characters during the writing process. If I star in my production (which is usually going to be the case), I do my best to play the character instead of having the character play me.

Sarah J. Halstead in “Blood Relatives” (2016)

How did you get into the film business
I recently co-wrote and produced my first short film because I was tired of waiting for a solid, comedic role where I could stretch my comedy chops as an actor. In addition, I wanted to learn the filmmaking process as a tool for understanding behind the scenes of film production.

How do you turn an idea into a screenplay
deas can come in the most random forms and places. Personally, I get most of my ideas while in the shower. I have no idea why, but it’s always the case. I have notebooks EVERYWHERE throughout my home (including the bathroom towel cabinet) so that they’re accessible to write. I also have a notebook on me at all times. ALWAYS write down your idea.

Explain your writing process
Celtx templates’ really help me for executing a script. It’s important to write your outline, logline, and synopsis and give yourself a timeline for date of completion.

What writing tip or idea can you give young writers
Study films that inspire you. Never attempt to create anything you aren’t passionate about.

What do you want to change about the film business
I’m not particularly fond of lack of integration. Being a female in the film industry shouldn’t be a big deal nor should I get a pat on the head from “women’s groups”. I understand the inception of such groups were developed due to lack of support, however, these groups further segregate and serve a contradictory purpose to the point. I look forward to the day when there are no networks for particular race, ethnicity, and gender.

What do you want to be remembered for
I would like to be remembered for my originality, art, and doing my best to remain as good a person throughout the process.

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