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Sara AhmadiehRad

Good artists are always learning. Take 2015 Theatre Arts – Production grad Sara AhmadiehRad as an example. Sara’s training at Humber sparked a love of the theatre and entertainment industries, and a desire to develop her craft as a scenic painter. We spoke with Sara via email to hear more about her journey from Humber, as well as what’s next for her.

NOW:
I’m now working on Big Brother Canada (Season 6) as a set painter. Working on a TV set has been a huge change for me as it's very different from the theatre industry where I’ve been working for the past two years. I’m learning a lot of new methods and techniques in the painting field which makes it very interesting for me to pursue!

THEN:
After leaving Humber, I worked at a mascot company for almost six months. In the summer of 2016, I was accepted at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity to participate in a scenic painting practicum to work on opera and dance shows created at the Banff Center.

Following that I returned to Toronto, joined IATSE 828 as a scenic artist permit and got the chance to work at the National Ballet of Canada (Pinocchio), Theatre Aquarius (Beauty and the Beast), and Opera Atelier (Medea). I also painted a show (Meet Cute) at the Roseneath Theatre and then joined Production Canada as an assistant painter.

Other shows I've worked on include:

  • Antigone – Alumnae Theatre
  • The Goat or Where’s Sylvia – Soulpepper 
  • A & R Angles – Crow’s Theatre
  • Omission - Alumnae Theatre
  • Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom - Soulpepper

I’m also working as a permit for IATSE 58 and a stage hand for Tekwurk Productions.

After working in this industry for a while, I decided to improve my knowledge of the design side of sets and costumes. For this reason, I’m going back to Humber to attend the Design Foundation program this September.

HUMBER:
I moved to Toronto five years ago and on the first day of school, I never thought I could be where I am right now. Humber and my teachers gave me the confidence I have today. They believed in me and helped me throughout my two years at Humber to improve and be better every day. They encouraged me and supported my passion and love of what I really wanted to pursue and never let me think I couldn’t do it.

To learn more about Sara, follow her on Instagram at @sararaaaad. Follow her band, Rhythm and Vibes, on YouTube and Soundcloud.

Sara AhmadiehRad Headshot