Sarah Cleveland
Actor
About
Sarah Cleveland is a versatile Canadian actress recognized for her emotionally grounded performances and commitment to meaningful storytelling. With a career spanning film, television, and independent productions, she continues to captivate audiences through roles that combine authenticity with depth. On September 20th, she stars in the highly anticipated Lifetime movie The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story, part of the network’s acclaimed Ripped From the Headlines series. Inspired by true events, the film explores resilience and survival in 1980s Los Angeles, with Cleveland appearing alongside Sam Trammell, Ashley Jones, and Doug Savant.
An award-winning performer, she earned the Best Lead Actress Award at the 2021 International Christian Film Festival for her role in A Father’s Fight. Her credits include leading roles in My Husband’s Worst Mistake, Her Husband’s Double Life, and the upcoming horror film Broken Bones, as well as appearances in SurrealEstate (SYFY/CTV), Trading Up Christmas, End of the Road, Sorry About The Demon, The Burning Season, and Grief Share. Cleveland’s work spans major platforms such as Lifetime, Netflix, Amazon, Shudder, and PureFlix, in addition to high-profile brand campaigns for Dr. Teal’s, Revlon, CIBC, and Target.
Beyond acting, Cleveland is an accomplished storyteller, writer, producer, and director. She is currently developing Love in All The Small Places, an original series she created and leads both on-screen and behind the camera. Dedicated to supporting emerging Canadian talent, she also serves as Festival Director for the Eye2Eye International Film Festival in Cobourg, Ontario. Her career reflects a passion for crafting nuanced, heartfelt narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
An award-winning performer, she earned the Best Lead Actress Award at the 2021 International Christian Film Festival for her role in A Father’s Fight. Her credits include leading roles in My Husband’s Worst Mistake, Her Husband’s Double Life, and the upcoming horror film Broken Bones, as well as appearances in SurrealEstate (SYFY/CTV), Trading Up Christmas, End of the Road, Sorry About The Demon, The Burning Season, and Grief Share. Cleveland’s work spans major platforms such as Lifetime, Netflix, Amazon, Shudder, and PureFlix, in addition to high-profile brand campaigns for Dr. Teal’s, Revlon, CIBC, and Target.
Beyond acting, Cleveland is an accomplished storyteller, writer, producer, and director. She is currently developing Love in All The Small Places, an original series she created and leads both on-screen and behind the camera. Dedicated to supporting emerging Canadian talent, she also serves as Festival Director for the Eye2Eye International Film Festival in Cobourg, Ontario. Her career reflects a passion for crafting nuanced, heartfelt narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
"Owning the Spotlight"
Interview
What drew you to The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story and made you want to be part of this project?
This project had so many different reasons for wanting to be part of it, but as an actor, I’m drawn to roles that challenge me and shed light on important issues.
Firstly, The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story is based on a true story. This presents a unique opportunity as a performer. Portraying a real person requires a different approach to research and representation so that I can bring depth and authenticity to the role.
Secondly, the film’s subject matter hits close to home. It revolves around a headshot photographer preying on aspiring actresses. This scenario is all too common in our industry. I’ve witnessed firsthand the desperation of young talents chasing their big break, ignoring some very big red flags in the process.
As a Mom to three girls, this also resonates on a personal level. I’m constantly reminding my girls to stay vigilant, trust their instincts, and be aware of potential dangers. Being part of this film allows me to show them how easy it is to be taken both emotionally and physically.
And lastly, I’m thrilled to collaborate with this production team again. They have been so kind to me over the years, and I love being on set with them! The bonus this time was that this project also allowed me to work with a new Director, Michelle Ouellet and Executive Producer, Ashely Jones. These are two accomplished women whom I have such respect for…. Not to mention getting to work with Ashley as an actress I grew up watching on television. That was pretty neat.
This project was not just another role for me; it was an opportunity to be part of an important conversation about safety and ambition. It was also a chance to combine my passion for acting with my personal values and concerns as a parent and a woman in the industry.
How did you prepare emotionally to portray a story inspired by such intense and real-life events?
This was not too difficult here, as I put myself in the shoes of Jane McCabe. Being a Mom myself, just imagining the horror of any of my daughters going missing was all I needed to do. Luckily enough, I have never experienced this and don’t personally know anyone who has. My heart breaks for anyone who has gone through this.
Your career has spanned thrillers, dramas, and even horror. What excites you most about taking on such varied roles?
Each role is so unique but the work behind it is pretty similar; preparation, research, creating a backstory. What really excites me the most about these varied roles is the chance to explore different parts of myself and bring them to the surface. Now obviously I am not pulling from experiences of being held captive in a horror movie or having my husband cheat on me (which weirdly enough keeps happening to my characters lately). What I mean is tapping into personal feelings and experiences I can relate to the character, or even stories others have shared with me and use those with respect and authenticity.
I am proud of everything I have been through; the good things and the not so good because they shaped who I am and it has allowed me to bring a realism to my roles.
Now having said all of that, I do get excited when it is something so far from who I am, because that is what allows me to really ‘act’. So… Vampire, anyone?
You’ve also written, produced, and directed your own projects. How does being behind the camera influence the way you perform in front of it?
Getting behind the camera has been, hands down, the best decision I’ve made as a performer. It’s opened my eyes so much.
Now, when I’m in front of the camera, I’m way more aware of what’s actually being captured, which angle I’m being filmed from, how the set needs to look when reset, where the light is hitting me. I even think about how much money is being spent per take and minute. I could go on and on about all the things I’ve learned.
Some might think all this extra information would add more stress to acting, but for me, it actually makes things easier. I’m big on organization and preparation, so being able to envision what the frame looks like and understanding my timing needs helps me know exactly where and how to act.
Plus, it’s given me a whole new appreciation for everyone else on set and their roles. When you’ve been in their shoes, even briefly, you really get how crucial every job is to make the whole thing work.
Given that your path to acting wasn’t traditional, what kept you motivated to pursue your dream despite early discouragement?
Not traditional is definitely a way to describe it! The reality is there is no linear path in this industry. Everyone ends up doing this job in a different way. It is a very crazy and windy road with lots of bumps and hills…and more downward hills. I took my time. I made a plan and I tried to stick to it as hard as I could.
Life and just the industry changed things at every turn and continue to do so, but I keep looking ahead, while appreciating what I have already accomplished. Am I going to check off everything on my “wish list”? No. But I have always been a positive person and continue to just be myself and work hard. And I take classes, attend festivals, volunteer for projects and festivals and film boards. I coach and help others in any way I can.
I used to relive my auditions, regretting choices, or wishing I had done something different. Now, I just learn from my decisions and not do it the next time (hopefully haha). And I am grateful. Always grateful for whatever opportunity comes my way; big or small!
I guess what I am saying is staying involved in the industry in any way and helping others to succeed and being happy when they do, is what is motivating to me…Well that and my vision board staring me down every day.
You’re the Festival Director for the Eye2Eye International Film Festival. How has supporting other filmmakers shaped your own artistic vision?
First of all, I have loved every crazy, wild and very busy moment of this job. What an amazing feeling to be able to help someone take their first steps into making their dream a reality. I don’t think this has changed my artistic vision, what it has done though is consistently reminded me that everyone in this industry is in it because of passion.
I have now been part of ninth graders with an iPhone making their first short film, high school students receiving their first cash bursary to go toward their education to pursue film, adults finally deciding to make their dream come true after living a whole other life and are succeeding at it. I have been able to see kids who are so shy get together and talk about film for days but haven’t been able to come out of their shell, and adult established filmmakers coming together and supporting one another and cheering each other on.
There has been no better way to enjoy the beauty of film being created than running a film festival. It truly makes me so happy to watch others see their dreams start to come true.
With such a busy creative life and three daughters at home, how do you find balance between your career and your family?
I am extremely lucky with the family and friends I have in my life. Balance is something I am always working on, but in terms of support, I have it all.
First off, my daughters are one of the reasons I do what I do. I want them to see their mom out working and doing what she loves in life, while also being their Mom. I want them to know they can have it all if they have the right people in their life and the right drive and dedication. My middle daughter, Abbie, is actually also my reader for almost every single audition, but I have also had my other two girls help me a few times, as well as my husband.
There have been times when I have had to make a choice between an event, a trip, or work. Those moments are difficult, but I have yet to miss an important event, birthday, etc. I did have to reschedule a vacation with a friend 3 times over, but she was understanding and worked around my craziness because she knows my very unpredictable schedule and has supported me since the day we met.
When I am home, I am home. Yes, I may have zoom meetings or auditions, but my family and friends come first and are my priority. There is no way I could do what I do without them, nor would I ever want to. They are my whole world!
Looking ahead, what kinds of stories do you most want to tell, whether as an actress, a writer, or a director?
I want some good old fashioned 90’s/2000’s comedy back. They were what made me fall in love with film! A good laugh, a sweet romance, and just a fun evening of going to the movies is what I miss! Whether people think they are ‘cheesy’ or not, they are still what make me smile. In fact, last night I watched 50 First Dates for probably the 50th time….wait…
Anyway, it just made me so happy! My family and I have been Christmas Movie watchers together since the kids were little and they still play every holiday in our home.
With that being said, I am in pre-production on my new show that I wrote, am co-directing and starring in, called Love In All The Small Places, and that is exactly what it is; modern good old fashioned sitcom rom com. Now say that 10 times over.
Projects
Do you want to know more? You can find some projects below.
Spotify Playlist