We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sabrina Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sabrina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I still vividly remember knowing I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally. During my time at the esteemed Ashe Performing Arts Company, I spent six transformative years honing my craft alongside industry icons.

As a young artist, I was exposed to various aspects of the entertainment industry, from acting to writing and directing. But the thrill of being on stage, bringing characters to life, and connecting with audiences truly ignited my passion.

My journey began to take shape when I wrote and staged my first play, “As He Watches,” which earned me a nomination for the prestigious Thespian Awards. That moment validated my talent and fueled my desire to continue pushing boundaries.

Working alongside respected industry professionals, such as Leonie Forbes, Rosemary-Murray Tingling, Terry Salmon, Michael Nicholson, Clive Duncan, Deon Silveira, Owen Blakka Ellis, David Tulloch, and Orville Hall, further solidified my resolve. Their guidance and mentorship helped shape me into the versatile artist I am today.

One of my most notable achievements was winning the 2024 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) FIWI Short Film competition with my five-minute short film, “Shattered.” I swept six categories, including Best Actress, Best Editor, Best Director, Best Drama, Best Adult Short, and 3rd place in the Special Theme category. This accomplishment was made possible through the mentorship of another industry icon, Nadean Rawlins, Founder of Rawlins Entertainment.

With over 16 years in the industry, I’ve been blessed to receive numerous awards and nominations, including the Actor Boy Awards and Probemaster Entertainment Awards. Yet, it’s not just about accolades; it’s about crafting impactful stories that resonate with audiences.

As I continue to grow, I’m focused on refining my writing skills to create meaningful narratives for theatre and film. Collaborations and mentorship remain essential to my evolution as an artist.

I aspire to inspire the next generation of artists, demonstrating that with dedication, humility, and resilience, they too can achieve their creative dreams. That pivotal moment at Ashe Performing Arts Company sparked a flame that continues to burn bright within me. I’m grateful for the journey and excited for the next chapter.”

Sabrina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Sabrina Thomas, a talented artist born in St. Mary, Jamaica, whose humble beginnings fuel my passion for creative expression. Born and raised in a small community, I grew up in a loving but challenging environment, where my mother, Brenda, was my first inspiration. Raising seven children, she taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work and being humble. Despite facing difficulties growing up, I found solace in music at first and aspired to become a veterinarian. As life took many turns, I Became a mother myself to beautiful Neckora Simpson, I knew I had to create a better future. Driven by love and determination, I started from scratch, pursuing my dreams in the entertainment industry.

With 15+ years of experience and training from Ashe Performing Arts Company, I’ve honed my skills in acting, writing, directing, and editing for theatre, film, and acting in TV Sitcoms, and radio drama. Notable works include “As He Watches” (Thespian Award nominee) and “Shattered” (JCDC FIWI Short Film winner). My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and family. I’m proud to make my God, mother, daughter, Family, friends, and community proud, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The sky is not the limit for me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a seasoned artist, I’m driven by a passion to inspire, educate, and empower audiences through impactful storytelling. My mission is to showcase diverse perspectives, explore complex social issues, and create opportunities for emerging artists, particularly women and marginalized voices. I strive to have a positive impact on the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of togetherness, humility, self-awareness, and spiritual connection. I’m motivated by what will make a difference and better change for all. With humility and gratitude, I’m committed to hard work, uplifting others, and staying true to my values, knowing that success is not just individual achievement but collective growth. Through my creative journey, I aim to leave a lasting legacy, reminding everyone that connection with a higher power guides us toward our destiny, and inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The first day I held my daughter, in my arms, something shifted within me. I knew at that moment, I had no option but to succeed. There was a generational cycle of hardship, disappointment, and giving up that I was determined to break. I refused to let my daughter inherit a legacy of limitations.

Growing up in St. Mary, Jamaica, life wasn’t easy. My mother, a single mom, had to work so hard to put food on the table to raise seven children, and resources were scarce. Despite the challenges, she never gave up. She instilled in me a strong sense of determination and resilience.

But it was my daughter’s birth that ignited a fire within me. I knew I had to create a better life for her that would shatter the chains of poverty and doubt.

I started from scratch, taking small roles, writing plays, etc. Rejection and disappointment were frequent, but I refused to give up. I always say to myself “What made me special than the other people out there going through the worst? My story at the end of the day had to mean something to someone who ever had to read about it, so I drew strength from my faith, knowing that God was my guiding light.

If it wasn’t for my God,” I often say, “I would never be here to see my growth.” His presence in my life gave me the courage to push forward, even when the road ahead seemed uncertain.

Years later, my hard work paid off. I wrote and directed “As He Watches,” which earned a Thespian Award nomination. Then, my short film “Shattered” won six categories in the JCDC FIWI Short Film competition, Did a TV Sitcom, Radio Drama and currently working on my movie project with “Frances Trauma” Thanks to Cornelius Grant for the opportunity on this project and I will also be doing a movie, written by me about a part of my journey.

Those achievements weren’t just mine; they were testaments to my daughter’s inspiration and God’s guidance. I proved to myself that I could overcome any obstacle, break generational curses, and sign my name with pride.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Faithproduction.9026
• Linkedin: [email protected]
• Yelp: None
• Soundcloud: None
• Other: None

Image Credits

Planet Jollywood Movie Theatre / Mini Museum

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