Meet Sara Gaston | Award-winning Actor, Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Gaston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, what do you attribute your success to?
That’s such a great and hard question to answer because there are a few reasons. I’ll narrow it down to two: passion and a hard-wired drive for excellence. Even as a kid, I was driven to work hard at anything I took on. I have a distinct memory of staying behind in class in the third grade (other kids were either at lunch or recess) but I was finishing my handwriting assignment. I wanted to take my time so it was perfect. That desire to create excellence in the projects I take on and, in the case of coaching, to serve my clients, has made a difference in a world of ‘good enough’. I’m also very passionate about the craft of acting. This business is not a meritocracy and there’s no clear path to ‘success’. But I love it very much so I am propelled to continue through the dips and don’t take the highs too seriously.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart is my unwavering sense of excellence. I always give 110% and I keep learning and growing as an artist. An example – I never thought I’d like improv but then I went to LA and began working my way through the Groundlings core track. It’s given me such a different perspective on performing, comedy and writing. And I was easily 20 years older than my classmates I like to take on things that scare or challenge me in all areas of my life. And no, of course my journey as an actor wasn’t easy – but I’ve been devoted to being an actor since I was 14 and I’ve simply stayed with it. Last year, I directed my first film, a short drama called “I Was Gone for Awhile”, and began to win awards for a comedy script I wrote, “Sanchos & Ponchos”. What I’ve learned, and what I try to impart to students and clients is this: once I stopped caring about looking foolish, I found so much more freedom as a performer and in life. We only go around once, folks. Have a little fun.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being outdoors so I might take them to the Arboretum for a long walk, up to the Woodlands to kayak, or over to Cypress Trails to ride horses. I also really want to check out a polo tournament this spring because it’s right down the street in Memorial Park. For dinner, I might take them to sit on the patio at Ciro’s for dinner and to watch the sunset. Or to grab a craft beer at Canyon Creek. If there’s play I’d like to see, I might take them to Main Street, the Alley or Catastrophic Theatre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother for the unconditional love and my father for the drive to be excellent.

Website: www.saragaston.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_gaston_actor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-gaston-aea-930ba410/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraBGaston

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjStLGTlrQZhYpmDMq4Emdg

Image Credits
Kristine Canterbury – headshots only