Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Cleveland
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The more I reflect on where it all began, the more I realize I’m not entirely sure. Truth be told, I had two distinct dreams and paths in mind: having children and pursuing acting. There are two specific moments that stand out to me.
The first one takes me back to high school drama class. We were given this challenge: sneak across the room, retrieve keys from behind a classmate’s chair without getting caught, and return to our seats without making a sound. Now, if you knew me back then, being quiet wasn’t exactly my forte. But somehow, I managed it! I’m still not quite sure how, but in that moment, I convinced myself that if I could become someone entirely different, I might have a chance. It sounds a bit silly now, but it definitely left an impression on me.
The second moment also occurred in high school. We were asked where we saw ourselves in 5 years. While everyone else had typical responses involving college or employment, mine was simple: to become a mom. There were various reasons behind that choice, but little did I know, it would happen sooner than I thought. I ended up meeting my husband, who happened to be a single father, and in an instant, I became a mom. At that time, I couldn’t imagine the idea of being able to have both dreams, yet here we are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Definitely not! Life throws its curveballs at everyone, doesn’t it? When I met my husband, I was young and clueless about what being a wife or mother really entailed. Nobody warned me about the sleepless nights filled with worry or the constant pressure to prove my worth by juggling a million things at once.
I walked into a pre-packaged family, complete with an ex-family, which added another layer of complexity. At that point, I didn’t even know who I was, let alone how to navigate this new dynamic while raising kids and sharing custody. Losses hit us hard—babies, jobs, family members, homes, friends, communities—we’ve experienced more “challenges” than we ever anticipated. We’ve come to call it our roller coaster life, with highs and lows all along the way.
Professionally, I pursued my education while still parenting full-time. Up at 6 am to get my daughter ready for daycare, followed by an hour-long commute to school, a full day of classes, then the reverse journey home to pick her up, cook dinner, and help with her activities (lessons, games, homework). Only then could I begin my own homework. Looking back, I have no idea how I managed to fit it all in. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
For years, I focused on being there for my girls—PTA meetings, room mom duties, class trips, teaching cursive—you name it, I did it. Every moment was precious, but as they grew more independent, I knew it was time to chase my other dream. Just as my career was taking off, we uprooted and moved back to Canada, forcing me to start from scratch. I didn’t know anyone in the industry, was without an agent, had no idea what ACTRA was like, and all while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and attempting to get my family settled in.
Yet, here I am, with a fantastic agency, full membership in ACTRA, co-directing a film festival, and fully immersed in my roles as actor, producer, and writer—with directing on the horizon. And the best part? My girls are thriving, witnessing firsthand their mom balancing family and work life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Actor first, which is where my heart finds joy. However, I have started to learn and love other aspects of the industry. Recently, I have been collaborating with my friend and IG “Twin” (@twinsforreel), Trish Rainone. We are bringing a project to life this summer, wearing multiple hats as writers, producers, and actors.
Beyond that, I’ve had the privilege of shadowing directors, deepening my understanding of filmmaking, and recently received my first directing opportunity. Additionally, I co-direct a remarkable film festival, the Eye2Eye International Film Festival, which celebrates emerging talents and boasts an incredible team of volunteers.
As for what I am most proud of…well, I am most proud of just being myself. This industry can be wild and weird, but I don’t give up, I am true to myself, I’m always ready to work and am on time, I’m honest and truly care about both the job and the people. Luckily, this doesn’t set me apart because so many others are also very much the same.
How do you think about happiness?
Well, that’s an easy one…top of the list is my girls! They’re truly the most remarkable, bright, and beautiful people I know. We share everything, from deep conversations to fits of laughter, cuddles (though some more than others, haha), shopping trips, and a mutual love for theater and music. They complete me, and I couldn’t be prouder of the compassionate, hardworking, and empathetic humans they’ve become. Each one is wonderfully unique yet remarkably alike. The thought of them growing up and moving away truly breaks my heart and while I know that’s the goal as a mom, I still hope they stay close to home.
Of course, there are plenty of other things that bring me joy: spending quality time with family and friends (whatever the activity may be), baking treats for others (who doesn’t love homemade goodies?), sharing laughter (it’s infectious), indulging in delicious food (any and all), soaking up the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the sky (I’m a bit obsessed with capturing sky photos), admiring art in all its forms, exploring the stories behind old buildings, lending a hand to others in their career pursuits (whether through coaching, business advice, or networking), and, of course, the exhilarating feeling of being on set. It’s where I feel most like myself, ironically enough, as I slip into the shoes of someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarah-cleveland.com
- Instagram: @sarahcleveland
- Facebook: actorsarahcleveland
- Other: https://imdb.me/sarahcleveland
Image Credits
Megan Vincent