Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ceballos.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me; I appreciate your interest in my story. I’m originally from McAllen, down south in the Rio Grande Valley. I did my undergraduate work at The University of Texas at San Antonio, so I often spent time in Austin. I began to desire more career opportunities, so I transferred my job from San Antonio to Houston. Luckily, Our Lady of the Lake University has a campus there, so as I worked on my doctoral research, I decided to get back into acting. It’s something that I always wanted to pursue since I was 11. So, I found myself still escaping to Austin for leisure and auditions. In 2018, I came to New York City for what was supposed to be a summer acting intensive, and I have not left. Austin, however, will always hold a special place in my heart, and when the time comes for me to move back home to Texas, Austin is where I will probably go.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
How does that old saying go? “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” or something along those lines. I don’t want to speak negatively or prophesize over my life, but it seems I’ve struggled since I was nine when I had to navigate the world without a father as a result of an early death. Yet, at that age, I learned for the first time how precious life is, so I always try to make the best of things even when they seem to be falling apart. I’ve learned that certain things do have to fall apart to make room for better things to come along. There were many moments in my life where quitting was the easier option, especially when I was finishing up my doctoral dissertation. Living in New York City is challenging; many do not survive after their first year. I don’t regret anything in my life; those experiences have shaped me and led me to become the person I am today. I have found that life always seems to test you, and right when you think you’ve had enough, somehow, you see the strength to endure, even if it means approaching difficulty at a slower pace. In life, business, or even in the world of acting, I wish the process was linear. However, life is never linear and often messy. I’ve learned to adjust my sails, whether I alter the course direction or pause for a minute, but I have to keep going! I usually embrace the “curve balls” it keeps things interesting.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multi-hyphenate. I’m an Assistant Professor of Management, and I routinely conduct research geared toward understanding the various constructs that can impede career advancement for people of color. There is also the creative side of me, where my acting, writing, and producing come into play, where I see art as another vehicle for social justice. Finally, I’m also an entrepreneur. I founded my own production company, 336 Films LLC, to tell stories that help change the narrative for not only underrepresented communities but also stories that speak to the human condition.
We have lost our sense of humanity in the world, especially now with the Israeli/Palestinian war, in addition to the war in Ukraine. Whether I’m acting, producing, or teaching, my goal is the same. I want to do my part to create safer spaces for people or do what I can to help; this is what I’m most proud of. The world is bad enough as it is, and while we are different from each other, I also see it as a wonderful thing. I wish that got celebrated more or that the things still considered “taboo” in today’s modern society eventually become normalized. What sets me apart is my ability to confront or challenge the status quo. People often compliment me on my bravery and work ethic. I don’t know that I’m always brave, but I also know that I can’t let fear stop me simultaneously. Finding the courage to be all the different parts of myself as a professor, actor, or entrepreneur is still scary, but I do it anyway, regardless of what anyone thinks.
If sharing my story encourages someone else, I will have done my part. Despite how “bad” it is out there, I remain optimistic, and I will never stop fighting for the things I care about; we all need each other, and I truly believe we’re better together than apart. So much of who I am also has to do with my Hispanic heritage and how I was raised, which is also something that sets me apart.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh my goodness, is there enough time for me to thank everyone who has helped me get here, or will there be music cutting me off? Oh wait, that’s the Oscars, whoops. One day, though! It takes a village to get anywhere in life. I hope I don’t leave anyone out. My apologies if I accidentally do! I have to begin with, my mom has been my biggest cheerleader, and before my dad passed away, my parents raised me with the philosophy, “You can do anything you put your mind to. If you want something for yourself, go and get it. It will be hard, but you can’t give up.” They also taught me about business.
God bless all of my teachers who had a hand in molding and shaping my life. I didn’t realize it then, but so many had a profound impact in raising me; it’s one of the many reasons I teach today. My acting teachers, coaches, mentors, specifically Anthony Robert Grasso and Robyne Parrish, who I’m honored to call my mentors and friends, have taught me so much about embracing my instrument and that my “boldness” or “directness” is my strongest attribute.
About my research, I want to pay homage to my professors at OLLU; They taught me that being a leader isn’t about holding a position of power but instead using it in a positive and influential way to motivate others toward a common goal and help someone become the best version of themselves. I also want to give credit to my colleagues whom I routinely work with on publishing, Dr. Darius Benton and Dr. Mignon Burton,
Last but certainly not least, I want to thank and give credit to my brothers and extended family. My dear friend, Tim Realbuto of “Bobcat Moretti,” inspired me to write my first short film, “Hero.” All my other fellow artists and friends being brave with their own lives also gives me the courage to keep being brave with mine even when I don’t always feel like it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.336-films.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/336_films
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/336Films
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/336_films
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@336films
Image Credits
Headshots by: Valerie Terranova & Jessica Osber Behind the Scene Images by: Lea Pfandler
