Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Rudolph.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been performing ever since I was a little kid, whether it was putting on shows in my living room for my parents and their friends, dancing competitively on stage, or making videos and sketches with my friends (pre-YouTube/Vine. Still salty I missed that train, but I digress). Later, I went to Tulane University, where I continued to perform improv and sketch around New Orleans, and starred in a few short films for those in the film department. I’ve always loved making people laugh, and to be able to do that professionally sounded like an absolute dream to me. I was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, and it was then that I decided to move to LA and fully pursue my acting career full time. After that, I studied acting and comedy at Lesly Kahn, UCB, and The Groundlings. With that training, I started booking multiple national commercials, and I booked a role in the Amazon show, “Forever,” which was the most amazing experience. Now, I’m writing and developing a show about something very near and dear to me. Basically, I’m a renaissance woman, Yep, let’s go with that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would love to meet the person who says their acting career has been a smooth road! I think no matter what, everyone struggles at one point, or if you’re like the rest of us, many points. I know we’ve heard it before, but getting so many no’s and so many rejections can really weigh on you, but of course, all you need is that one person in the room to say yes (shoutout Lady Gaga). I think the best advice I ever got is to write for yourself. I was able to at least try to take my career into my own hands and take control. So much of this business is reliant on other people giving you the green-light, so why not create your own parts and write for yourself and create things that really let you shine. Whether that’s writing your own script, filming a short, or even filming a sketch and putting it on any of the interwebs (is that what the kids call it?), you’re putting yourself out there and creating content specifically meant for you.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I mean, not to brag, but I was the cat emoji in the national T-mobile commercial for the iPhone X. Stars, they’re just like us, right?
I’m currently developing my own television show, and am fortunate enough to be working with insanely talented people who are helping me tremendously. It’s been an exciting process and it feels so good to actually start to see things happening.
With that, I think something that I’ve learned to excel in is that I’ve really found my voice, in both comedy and in my writing. I love to play characters in sketches and in my videos, but I also am able to write for myself and transform real-life experiences into funny, weird, grounded moments. It probably helps that I’m a complete goofball and have no shame. I am constantly embarrassing myself, but I love experimenting and trying new things, so if I have to make a fool out of myself to do it, I’m game.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Not sure I have a great answer for this. I’ve read all of my SNL lady idols’ books and obviously fell more in love with them and their craft. Basically, anything any of them do I love, be in movies, tv, or general interviews. They are forces of nature.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sabrinajrudolph
Image Credit:
Photo of Maya Rudolph, myself, and Kim Whitley was taken by Colleen E. Hayes
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
