The following interview for Backstage’s on-camera series The Slate was compiled in part by Backstage readers just like you! Follow us on Twitter (@Backstage) and Instagram (@backstagecast) to stay in the loop on upcoming interviews and to submit your questions.
Drama Desk– and Tony Award–nominated actor and singer Sarah Stiles epitomizes the term “multihyphenate.” She has been in feature films like psychological thriller “Unsane” and animated musical “Steven Universe: The Movie,” stars on Netflix’s “The Crew” with Kevin James, and has performed on regional, Off-Broadway and Broadway stages with credits including “Tootsie,” “Avenue Q,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and “Hand to God.” She even recorded and released her own EP last year called “You Can Ukelele With Me,” a perfectly antidote for those in need of cheerful listening. Stiles recently took over Backstage’s Instagram and went live to answer questions from fans and aspiring actors to discuss her own work and professional beginnings, as well as advice for aspiring artists.
Did you have an agent before getting a role?
Nope. Nope, I did not. I used to get Backstage when it was a paper thing, and I would circle auditions and go and wait in line. That's how I started. Guess nowadays with these devices you can get into acting very easily.
How do you get to talk to an agent?
I didn’t get an agent for a long time. I had a manager for years and years and years before my agency came along. And I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way; I don’t think there’s an order you have to go in. I think your manager, agent, your team, will ultimately find you. It’s more about doing great work and getting your work out there.
The Secret to Writing + Producing Your Own Content Any sources that you have that can help beginners in their acting journey?
Oh, there’s so, so many great resources online right now. Google your favorite performers and see if they’re teaching a class. A lot of theater performers are doing that right now.
What are the most challenging roles you’ve had to play?
The most challenging was Sandy in “Tootsie.” Because she is a little tornado, and she’s so anxiety-ridden. It was hard to be inside those shoes.
What was it like working on the “Steven Universe” movie?
Oh, “Steven Universe.” That was just the best. I loved playing Spinel, Rebecca [Sugar, series creator] is amazing. I got to work with Zach [Callison, its star] and record with him. It was a dream job.
Any tips for beginners on the acting scene?
Research, you know? Watch things, read plays, figure out what you love and what kind of art you wanna make. That would be my advice. Like, really just get to know what’s out there. Also, work on your own stuff. Start writing, grab a friend and do some of your own creating. I wish I’d done more of that when I was younger.
How do I show emotions more when acting?
It’s not about showing! It’s about feeling.
How does it feel when watching a scene you’re in?
Weird. It’s so weird because inside my body, when I’m doing the scene, it feels a certain way. And then when you watch it later, it very rarely looks the way it feels.
How can I get involved during a pandemic? I’m so passionate about it.
I feel you, I hear you. I actually feel exactly the same way right now. It is real hard not to be working. What I will say is: Right now, I think, is a time to sharpen your own skills and to get creative in your own way, but also, connect with people. There’s so many of us that want to connect and touch base with others. Get on a Zoom call, read a play together, learn an instrument, write some music. There’s a lot of stuff that you can do right now. And most importantly, do not give up hope. This is a very hard time for everybody, but I promise you, the lights are gonna come back up.
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