Growing up in Westport, Sarah Bennett acted in Music Theatre of Connecticut, at Coleytown Middle School and with Staples Players.
She was not always a star. But she loved her roles in ensembles, and the chance to act and direct in Staples’ One-Act Play Festival.
At Staples Sarah Bennett was in “Merrily We Roll Along,” with fellow Player (and future University of Michigan classmate) Justin Paul.
Now — more than 20 years later — the Class of 2004 graduate realizes how meaningful it was to audition (and try out for sports teams) and not make all of them. She had many positive experiences, even when not in the spotlight.
After studying English and film at the University of Michigan, earning a master’s in education at Lehman College and studying leadership, organization and entrepreneurship at Harvard, Sarah has taught middle school in New York City since 2008.
She loves “watching kids transform through the warped reality they go through” during adolescence.
Sarah Bennett
Part of that transformation comes through Harlem Stories. Sarah is the founder and executive director of the non-profit, which empowers 6th through 8th graders to tell stories of their West Harlem neighborhood, through ensemble work they create after conducting interviews with residents.
Their website says, “We’re shy and outgoing. Goofy and serious. Outgoing and reserved.
“Some of us have acting experience prior to THSP. For some of us this is new. For all of us, we are committed to exploring and amplifying our voices through the narratives we tell.”
Sarah says, “It’s been magnificent to watch kids explore their curiosities, revise their interests and paths, and take risks both through improvisation and writing the show itself.”
Sarah Bennett, at work with students.
They also learn the very important skill of public speaking.
“It’s been an honor to witness their middle school journey and development. Regardless of whether these kids pursue arts or theater in high school and beyond, they will carry the confidence and self-assurance that can only come from being part of a cast.”
In 3 years, Harlem Stories has grown to 29 students, now in their own studio.
Harlem Stories kids, at work.
She cites the example of Malakai, an 8th grader who gathered stories in Marcus Garvey Park. After engaging with strangers, and learning their stories, he is sifting through transcripts, creating a character and writing a monologue for the April 16 show.
Sarah is not the only Westporter working with Harlem Stories. Players alum Ginny Levy helps with playwriting, and as a teaching artist.
Sarah and Ginny are proud of all that their young students have accomplished. They appreciate the opportunity to pass along the life lessons they learned in Westport, and through Staples Players.
They hope Westporters will help. Harlem Stories seeks funds to hire teaching artists, pay for costumes and lights, and much more. Click here for more information. Contributions are tax-deductible. To donate directly, click here.
When I used to go to Yankee Stadium from Westport , I used to take the train to Grand Central Station and then hop on the subway to the 161st street station. Then I eventually realized I could get off at 125th Street in Harlem, walk a short distance, and hop on the subway and shorten my trip by 25 minutes or so. 125th Street to 161st was a lot easier! I remember in 1959 or 1960, when Fidel Castro made a visit to NYC, he stayed at a hotel in Harlem. If I remember correctly, around 1969, at the Harlem Armory, the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation P.U.S.H had a cool fundraiser there, that I attended. That’s where I met Jackie Robinson, Willis Reed, Flip Wilson and others.
Wonderful story!