Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Sandra Cruze Of House Theater Is Helping To Shake Up The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
You are enough.
And that enough will get even better with age.
Don’t listen to people’s negative opinions of you.
Be able to hear criticism it’s different from negative cruelty.
Set boundaries.
As a part of our series about Inspirational Women In Hollywood, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sandra Cruz.
Sandra Cruz believes the “Pen is mightier than the sword” and picked hers up at an early age. Having experienced the transformation of good storytelling which has saved her on many occasions, her works traverse the mindfield that is America today. She writes about dangerous women and women in danger.
Acting in Films, TV and stage, Sandra also creates her own content. Her short film, “Physics of Killing”, was selected for the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival 2022, and an IMDB writers credit. Her play, “Little Sugar”, was a quarter finalist with ScreenCraft in 2022 and 2023. “We’re Not Dead Yet”, a YouTube web series co-produced by Two Heads are Better Productions, has received multiple awards and selections for both the series and the scripts, winning semifinalist for pilot script.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was steeled in the uprisings of the 60’s and 70’s and fought for women’s rights and civil rights then landed in the underground art world of downtown Los Angeles, where I sang in punk bands, reggae bands and performed in street theater.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve always been interested in the art world, but it wasn’t until 29 years ago that I got a wakeup call to remind me that we only have this moment. Right after I got sober, I was immediately diagnosed with breast cancer. So I see everyday is precious. Now I do what I love. Over the last 5 years I’ve received over 40 awards, written and produced many more plays including “We’re Not Dead Yet” and “Physics of Killing” and I’m writing my second musical Abby Normal. About Epilepsy. You can listen to some of the songs at Housetheater.net
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
It’s kind of an NDA lol since I can’t give names- but the musical Abby Normal about epilepsy I’m writing has been completely serendipitous. I believe the universe wants this written and seen by everyone. It’s an important subject. It’s the least understood and the least researched brain disorder. My granddaughter has intractable epilepsy. All my experience as a writer and an actor have led me to this, and there are some really cool people that are supporting this and maybe will be in it as well. That’s all I can say but it’s been one of the most heartfelt and exciting rides in my theatrical career.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Oh my Gosh! I actually went to an audition and tried to twerk, haha. Lesson: Know your limitations.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I have a husband who thinks I’m great even when I don’t think so. I have a man who really supports me and who understands how important the arts are. Rare- also my daughter and my cousin who is like a sister. My cousin is my “It” gal. Also I have always been impressed with people who know what they want at a young age and stick with it. Perseverance and not giving up on your dream is key in making it work in this industry. Sometimes it’s that one person that tells you you can’t do something and out of spite (why not) you do it.
Every single person I meet has helped me on my path as an artist in some way. Right now, I’m incredibly thankful for my family at House Theater. Specifically, my theater lead, Kevin Michael Moran, who has toured the US with several musicals.
Kevin and I first met in a class at Antaeus Theater, “The Language Archive.” a play by Julia Cho. Enthralled by its message (according to Ms. Cho’s philosophy), “words don’t just express our thoughts, they create our thoughts as well.” We decided to produce as well as perform in this hidden gem. For 5 weekends the play left audiences questioning their own language and the meaning of their personal relationships.
In the course of the run Kevin and I discovered we both had equal passion for getting plays produced and we were a good team. We did not balk at raising funds, juggling all that was needed to put up a show, and we were able to resolve whatever wild card was thrown at us with a sense of humor and most importantly with kindness. So, we began to imagine a world where voices and ideas, historically silenced, could be fostered and honed and created “House Theater” with the mission to discover untold stories, and craft them into compelling theater.
You have been blessed with great success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
What we do matters. People who aren’t involved in the arts. Don’t often understand how hard it is and how dedicated you have to be and how much love you have to have in order to persevere. I hate to say this, but our country doesn’t really support the arts so you have to really want it because there are tons of rejections, failures,setbacks challenges, but just doing it being able to connect with another actor with the audience. There’s nothing else like it. It’s our humanity. We would not thrive with our art and artists. As simple as it sounds, it’s never too late to become who you were always meant to be.
I start every day with, “Ok universe, whatcha got for me? Bring it on.” Remember, you are an integral part of this universe and it’s your birthright to be an artist. Your unique perspective is a piece of the puzzle to share stories that matter. They can uplift and transform us.
For me, I write those stories. I tell them and I act on them. That really is my purpose.
Every industry iterates and seeks improvement. What changes would you like to see in the industry going forward?
Our industry needs more diversity. We need to advocate for those who have been silenced by society: diverse populations, women, LGBTQIA+ communities and persons with disabilities. And the arts need an infusion of money.
By providing a voice to those who have historically been silenced, we’re able to address critical social issues and engage with audiences in a form of hope, acceptance and hopefully change.
You have such impressive work. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Where do you see yourself heading from here?
Too many to count! Abby Normal, of course. Just wait and see!
House Theater’s first play, Abby Normal, is our commitment to educating and advocating for a more inclusive society. The play explores the life of Abby Miller, a vibrant soul navigating the challenges and misconceptions around epilepsy. This powerful narrative sheds light on the everyday heroism of living with a condition that affects over 50 million people worldwide.
What’s unique about this is that Abby is my granddaughter! The idea to write something started because she needed to tell her story. It was also a way to feel some power over such a powerless situation-Experiencing it first hand it became clear to me that there is great misunderstanding and ignorance about epilepsy. It is the least understood or researched brain disorder there is. What started out as a TV series ultimately evolved into a play and then a musical.
We are very interested in looking at diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture and our youth growing up today?
The most impactful way to change society is to give voice to those who live in it. We are a melting pot with delicious cultures, a rainbow of people. How rich to have all this flavor, this diversity. We should be curious about each other. And in telling our stories to each other we see what is similar, we see what makes us all human and with that — when we touch each others humanity there is great transformation and power to ulift and open hearts and minds.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- You are enough.
- And that enough will get even better with age.
- Don’t listen to people’s negative opinions of you.
- Be able to hear criticism it’s different from negative cruelty.
- Set boundaries.
Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Please share a story for each one if you can.
My self-care routine involves writing and going to the theater. I enjoy spending time with my family, my grand daughter runs lines with me. I garden and talk to my plants. And yes they listen lol
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“I believe in the power of good stories” is a quote I remind myself of every day. I believe that stories have the power to change the world and that’s why I will do everything in my power to bring that power to those less fortunate. Through stories, we can be more inclusive, be accepting of others, drive hope and bring inspiration to those who need it.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
A woman’s right to choose.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren
Are you on social media? How can our readers follow you online?
You can connect with me on social media or any digital platform! Also Housetheater.net
Website: Sandracruze.com
Instagram: Sandra_L_Cruze
Facebook: Sandra Cruze
Linkedin: Sandra Cruze
Youtube: We’re Not Dead Yet Sandra Cruze
SoundCloud: Sandra Cruze
Other: Sandra Cruze BIOLOVE on Blogger
This was so informative, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Thank you for having me!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
