Meet Sandi McBride

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandi McBride.

Hi Sandi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
At the age of 14, I remember watching ” A Raisin in the Sun”.

Right then, I knew that I had to become a part of that community. This movie shaped my life and acting was at the centered of it all. The High School that I was chosen had to have a Performance Art department that included theater and acting.

Percy L. Julian checked all these boxes. College was no different if the school did not have a Performance Art department then I did not look their way. Again Columbia College Chicago checked those boxes.

Although college, I performed a smaller theater companies (attends maybe 45 people). Even though most of the time I performed unpaid, for me it was the rush of beginning on stage or in front of the camera.

After college is where things took a turn for my acting career. I joined the working world that left very to no time to perform. Not beginning able to perform left a huge void in my life. For years I would live with this void until one day I was driving to work and decided that I am not happy and something has got to change. I called my job to let them know I needed to go from full-time to part worker. That is when I returned to being the passion (acting).

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been like a hiking trail. Now that I had gone from a full-time work to part-time my finance began to suffer. There were acting classes I need to take, headshots were needed and let’s not forget rent, lights, gas, all while trying to raise a family of 4 (single mother).

There were times I had no idea where our next meals would come from. We were beginning evicted, lights where turned off, gas shut off. I remember trying to making sure to pay the light and gas bill enough to make it to October. In Chicago, at that time light and gas companies were not allowed shut off your lights or gas after certain months.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor. As an actor, I bring life to a characters that a writer have imaged. My performance gives people a chance get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. I bring them happiness, laughter, sadness for that characters they love or anger to the characters they are mad at.

I am proud that of myself for taking a chance on me and reminding myself “Life is Beautiful”. Even though this journey has had me crying in the middle of the night, I would have to had it any other way.

What sets me apart from others my energy.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My best life comes in many forms in my life. I read, listen, and watch. Here are a few things I continuously go back to when things look foggy.

Books – The soul of Black Folk By W.E.B. Bois
Nobody Knows my name By James Baldwin
Principles By Ray Dalio

My community PHC (Purple Heart Club) started during COVID. A community of people who has supported, encouraged, pushed and helped me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sandi_sandramcbride
• Facebook: Sandra McBride
• Twitter: Sandi-Sandra McBride
• Yelp: Dream Team Talent – [email protected]
• Other: imdb.me/sandisandramcbride

Image Credits
Photos by Jamaal