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We are asking women in the entertainment industry around the world some key questions about their life and career. Here is Sarah Grubb based in Philadelphia, USA.
1. In which part of the industry do you work?
I have an extensive background in Event Operations and Technical Direction, primarily in large scale and corporate events.
2. Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women in the entertainment industry? How have they inspired you?
Because I focused a lot of time on the technical side of things, I was often one of the only women there. But I definitely was inspired by my Props professor, Sandra Strawn. She had her props office at Actors Theatre of Louisville designed to fit her son’s crib in it. She worked out how to balance it all, and I definitely was inspired by that mentality.
3. What would you tell young women who are just starting out? What would you like them to know?
Take initiative. Do things before you are asked. Never be afraid to ask questions or say you don’t understand. There is no such thing as a ‘boy job’ in this industry. If you want to do that job, you can!
4. What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
It was the first time I was responsible for managing quite a large team. It was to only get involved in what the team members are responsible for when you can see a train wreck coming that they can’t. Otherwise, trust that they are a confident, solid team.
5. Please share one of your toughest challenges in your career. How did you overcome?
I worked on the ceremonies in Delhi in 2010. That was just overall the hardest environment ever. Lots of the team went down with dengue fever including our executive producer. I had to quickly learn how to get involved in a myriad of roles that I wouldn’t have otherwise done. But given the small international contingent we had there, we all pulled together and did. I learned so much that I know I wouldn’t change that experience for anything.
6. What is your favorite musical or play?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and most recently adding (although I only saw the Hulu recorded production) Derek DelGaudio’s In and Of Itself.
7. What is your morning routine?
Lots of snooze. Morning paper/news catch up. Peloton. Breakfast always. Shower while listening to audiobooks/podcasts. Be in my office by first meetings at 8am.
8. Drink of Choice?
Of late it’s Malbec.
9. What is a phrase you are known for saying?
Probably far too many f-bombs than I should admit – thanks Australia for teaching me how to swear casually 🙂
10. If you are not a mother and are willing to share your reasons, we would love to celebrate those choices. Please feel free to share your journey.
I found out at quite a young age, about 25 that I wouldn’t be able to have kids. It was terribly disappointing, but I think that in an effort to forget about it, I started travelling the globe for work. I had amazing experiences and met some amazing people. Now that I am a bit older (and wiser), I think I would actually really like to adopt one day. There are a lot of children who need good homes.
BONUS QUESTION
11. What advice would you give to other women in the industry?
There really is no job you can’t do in this industry.
Want to be part of the Women in the Entertainment Industry series? Fill the form HERE.
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