Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Babick.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I initially began my journey in the fine arts in middle school, which began with me auditioning for small school shows and musicals. I began dancing my freshman year of high school, as well and immediately found new ways to reach others and express myself, rather than simply reciting lines on a stage. It was always somewhat discouraging when I was first learning because I was years behind in my craft, starting out with very sloppy technique and unsure footing overall. Dance, however, has proved time and time again to be the most important part of my life, as it keeps me healthy, fit, and overall it is always challenging me in new ways every day. Since graduation from Newman Smith High School, I am currently enrolled at Texas State University, double majoring in theatre and dance. I have been a part of endless projects, both film and on the stage, dance and theatre. Most importantly, I am one of the inaugural members of Just B.E. Productions, a production company that we have started up in Carrollton. This company first formed in the summer of 2017. We are made up of college students of all majors, communications, film, dance, music, and of course, acting. Our first season was this past summer, in which we put up two productions and we are excited to continue in the winter. Being a part of this company has proved to be such an incredible opportunity for every one of us. I actually was the head director of the second show of this season, “Among Friends” by Kristine Thatcher. Being a part of something like this forces one to step out of their comfort zone and do whatever it takes to produce shows. Not only has this helped me grow as an artist, but it has helped me grow as a leader and a person.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting to where I am today has been far from easy, as I spent most of my childhood in the hospital. I have many health issues, including a weak immune system, a heart condition, and overall a damaged autonomic nervous system. Because of this, I was always sick and missing school, making it impossible to really get involved. Once my health got to be sufficient enough for a normal lifestyle, I began auditioning for shows. With my heart condition, exercise is the most effective way to cope with it, which is why I began taking dance classes. Once I began these classes, it became very clear to me that this was something I wanted to do. Since I started in high school, I knew I had to make up for the many years I hadn’t spent dancing, so I threw myself into as many classes as I could.
Honestly, getting a late start on anything is extremely discouraging, and being surrounded by those who have done it for their entire lives doesn’t make matters any easier. On top of that, my health issues made some things physically impossible, as I couldn’t push myself as much as others. However, the truth is, if it’s something you’re passionate about, you will always find a way. Since I began dancing, I have taken on a whole new outlook in life. It is important to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. If I only focused on what I couldn’t do (and trust me, that was basically everything when I first started out), then I would have quit after the first week of starting classes. Focusing on the positive is a necessity for anyone to succeed, no matter what walk of life you come from, no matter what your end goal is. It really is all about the little victories throughout your journey. The amount of anxiety I have had throughout my journey in the arts is through the roof, however one quote has gotten me through it all;
“You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.” – Misty Copeland
Another thing I cannot express enough is how important people in my life are. It’s amazing just how much your outlook on life can fluctuate by those you surround yourself with, I find it so much easier to stay motivated when I am with friends who are motivated and positive, themselves. People really do rub off on you if you spend enough time with them, and honestly negativity is something that I have learned to cut out of my life, little by little. Surround yourself with good people, it is always going to pay off.
Please tell us about Just B.E. Productions.
Yes, there are endless artists in the Dallas area, but the beautiful thing about artists is that none of us are exactly alike. I would say that I am most proud of the work I produce when I collaborate with others (which is why I dove into Just B.E. Productions at the very first chance I had). The more I get to work with others, the more I learn from others. First and foremost, I’d say that I am a student – and not just because I’m enrolled at TXST. I consider myself a student because, even when I am teaching my choreography or directing a show, I am constantly learning from the dancers and actors I am working with. I also try to surround myself with artists of all kinds. One of my closest friends is a very successful photographer, so I learn things about the photography industry from her, as well as fashion and modeling. I also make a point to support my friends who are writers, stage managers, musicians, and endless other types of artists. It’s always so refreshing to bounce ideas off of each other, especially when we all think so differently about things.
Yes, I am a big advocate of collaborating between all art forms and finding new ways to express yourself, but my heart definitely lies with live theatre, specifically musicals. This past summer, I had the opportunity to play Anybody’s in a production of “West Side Story” with Grand Prairie Arts Council. This character is one of my favorite characters in any show ever because she breaks all the stereotypes for girls. First of all, I wore a wig with basically a boy haircut, and Anybody’s spends the entire show trying to fit in with a gang of guys, rather than prancing around with the girls in the show. She is one of the most spunky and adorable characters and it was such an honor to get to portray her. I’ve also been in many other productions including “Hello, Dolly!”, “Sister Act”, and “Once Upon a Mattress”.
At the end of the day, live theatre will always be my absolute favorite art form to produce, which is also the main focus of Just B.E. Productions. We have a very low budget now, as we are a startup company, but even so, I’ve always been told that if you’re not willing to do theatre in a living room for an audience of two people, then you aren’t ready for Broadway.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I’ve always been fortunate enough to have many connections in the area, as this is where I’ve grown up. However, when I moved to San Marcos for college, I had absolutely no one. The biggest thing I can suggest, ESPECIALLY for actors and dancers, is to simply show up. Every single audition you are aware of, every workshop and master class you can get yourself to, show up, be eager to learn, don’t be shy, and talk to as many people as you can. I’ve gotten myself into random music videos just by taking a master class with a choreographer. The truth is, you have absolutely no idea where your next opportunity is going to come from, but if you always keep your head down and don’t take risks, you will miss it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justbeacting.wixsite.com/justbeproductions
- Email: sarahbabick@gmail.com
- Instagram: sarahbabick
Image Credit:
Chris Cantu, Sarah Christine, Jamie House
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