Committed and Inspired: Sarah Woolf

Q: What’s you’re favorite division of the arts?

A: Well, theater is what I do the most of. I’d like to pursue it as a career, which is scary but it’s what I want to do.

Q: How did you first get involved in theater?

A: In eighth grade I got sick and watched the Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley and I decided that I wanted to start acting. I took a class that met once a week for a few months and then signed up for an acting class when I got to Deerfield. I did not try out for the play that fall, but I tried out in the winter and got a role in the chorus and when I tried out that spring, I got a lead in Arsenic and Old Lace. I was very lucky. It was a core cast of about eight people, which included all seniors and the director himself. They gave me the foresight to see where I could go if I stayed committed and inspired me to cultivate a strong dedication to the department. I’ve tried out for every production ever since.

Q: Is there anything you would like to change about the arts department?

A: I wish there were more integration of all the departments. Visual artists helping with the sets, music students with the musical choices… that’s why I love theater so much. It incorporates all art forms, and I think with such a small community, the arts department could make more use of that.

Q: Of all of the productions you’ve participated in at Deerfield, what is your favorite?

A: Medea. Undoubtedly Medea.

Q: Do you have an actor or actress that you look up to for inspiration?

A: Honestly, I take the most inspiration from my peers. Not necessarily the people who are good, but the people who are either dedicated or who go for an audition with no experience. I admire that.

Q: If acting doesn’t work out, do you have a backup plan?

A: I’d like to stay in the arts, whether creatively or from the other side of things, with administration. I love that world, and I never want to leave it. It’s that simple.