It all started with her small dance slippers whispering across the polished wood floors of the Trenton Conservatory of Music. At just eight years old, Sara Rogers’ hair bounced with every leap, like punctuation marks to the story she told with her limbs. Her love of the arts was stitched into her soul long before Florida’s golden sun ever kissed her skin.
Fifty-three years ago, just two days shy of her 25th birthday, she stepped into the embrace of South Florida. She enrolled at Broward College’s South Campus, unsure of what would come next. Then she walked into the college theater—and everything shifted. The smell of sawdust and stage lights, the echo of voices rehearsing lines, the rows of empty seats waiting to be filled—it all struck her like déjà vu. For the first time, she didn’t feel like she was chasing something. She felt like she had arrived.
“I then went to Barry College [University],” said Rogers. “Where I earned my associate’s degree, and I was on the show Miami Vice for five years. I was around before IMDb and have been a part of many projects.”
Rogers as Carmen Miranda, a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress. Nicknamed “The Brazilian Bombshell”, she was known for her signature fruit hat outfit that she wore in her American films
Sara Rogers knows what it’s like to stand in long lines at open auditions, sing telegrams, and be a look-a-like performer for Carmen Miranda. Whether it’s hand modeling, commercials, or looking at some of her favorite actors like Jane Fonda, Rogers loved performing. Under the warm haze of the stage lights, she became every character she touched. In one moment, a grieving queen, her voice trembling like leaves in the wind. In the next, a mischievous girl, eyes gleaming with secrets and firelight.
“After the telegrams, Miami Vice came along,” said Rogers. “I worked five years on Miami Vice, and I went to the 40th anniversary of it. I really started to grow into the business.”
Bathed in neon glow and pulsing to the beat of a synth-heavy soundtrack, Miami Vice exploded onto television screens like a pastel-drenched fever dream. The show was a cinematic postcard of 1980s Miami—speedboats slicing through turquoise waters, palm trees swaying over cocaine-fueled nightclubs, and danger lurking behind every designer sunglass lens.
With a discerning eye for talent and a knack for elevating every project she touches, she has made a lasting mark in the world of casting.
Her journey has taken her from the bustling casting rooms of New York, where she collaborated with the legendary Louis DiGiamo, to the vibrant sets of South Florida, working alongside respected industry figures such as casting veteran Dee Miller, regional commercial expert Kim Houston, Emmy-nominated casting director Ellen Jacoby, and Lori Wyman—known for her work on Miami Vice. She’s also worked closely with the team at Unique Casting, a go-to agency for Florida-based film and commercial talent.
Later, she connected with filmmaker Rose Warner at ArtServe and Hal Axler, then affiliated with the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival—two champions of the local arts who helped bring her teaching vision to life.
“Even though I started as an actor, I was still teaching people,” said Rogers. “I was spreading kindness like confetti.”
Her resume reads like a reel of American pop culture, featuring commercial work for household names—she’s helped bring to life the bold flavor of Bacardi Rum, the gleaming smiles behind Crest, the heartwarming familiarity of Publix, the fast-paced world of Nextel, and the trusted reliability of Hertz.
As a voice-over artist, Rogers breathes life into stories with a voice that’s as captivating as it is versatile. Her vocal talents have echoed through the studios of Broadcast Video and The Miami Herald, graced the airwaves of NBC’s local Channel 4, added whimsy to The Puppet Theatre, and brought nuance to the New York production of Leaf Meafs.
On screen, she’s stepped into dynamic roles in iconic television series like Extra Large and 21 Jump Street.
“Rex Benson called me one day and asked if I could help him teach his class at Hollywood Playhouse,” said Rogers. “To this day, I still call it Barebone Performances.”
Her time at the Hollywood Playhouse was more than a teaching role—it was a masterclass in creativity and connection. There, she designed and led immersive courses in monologue, scene study, and improvisation, crafting a nurturing space for both curious newcomers and seasoned performers to sharpen their craft. Her passion for performance extended beyond the stage, shaping minds during her 6½-year tenure at The Acting School of South Florida, where she became a cornerstone of the institution. Whether guiding aspiring actors or bringing the art of improvisation into boardrooms through her dynamic corporate workshops, her impact resonates far and wide, leaving behind a trail of inspired students and professionals alike.
“When it comes to this, I’m the only woman teacher with a good reputation,” said Rogers. “No one is as steady and consistent as I am and I’m not just doing this for the money. But I met a filmmaker, Rose Warner, at ArtServe, and at that time I was teaching privately at the house. At the time, Hal Axler of Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, was at ArtServe, and we trusted the universe that something would happen, and it did.”
Sara Rogers with her students
For the past eight years, Rogers has been a vibrant force at ArtServe, where her weekly acting classes have become a beacon for aspiring performers. With her signature teaching style—equal parts challenge, encouragement, and creative fire—she’s empowered countless students to find their voices, stretch their talents, and thrive both on and off the stage.
“Monologues and scenes, I like to cap it at 10 to 12 students,” said Rogers. “12 is the max. My improv, I can have up to 20 people because the more people I have the stronger the class is.”
Now, with an open heart and boundless enthusiasm, the award-winning actress, brings that same transformative energy to all Events. Whether guiding a newcomer or refining a seasoned actor’s craft, Rogers uplifts every individual she encounters with her rare fusion of artistic mastery and heartfelt mentorship.
“Sara Rogers has been a great acting coach to me,” said Ashley Hemmings. “She has encouraged and supported me. I wouldn’t be here where I am without her help because she’s one of the best in the business.”
In 2024, Rogers won the award for Fort Lauderdale’s Best of Business Rate for Adult Acting/Public Speaking Coaching. She’s also been an acting coach for Lou Silver, known for the television series Tulsa King.
With a magnetic presence that lights up any room, Ms. Rogers doesn’t just teach—she transforms. Her sessions are more than classes; they’re creative sanctuaries where students are encouraged to dig deep, take risks, and discover the raw truth within their performances.
“I had the pleasure of attending Sara Rogers’ cold reading workshop, and it exceeded all my expectations,” said Alena Prikhidko. “I walked away not only with improved skills but also with a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities.”
Rogers celebrates every breakthrough, big or small, with the same unshakable belief in her students’ potential. Her words of encouragement don’t just stay in the studio—they echo in auditions, on stage, and in the confidence her students carry into the world. Under her guidance, actors not only grow—they soar.
“I’ve had a long career,” said Rogers. “But it’s time for me to help the careers of others and spread that knowledge and kindness like confetti.”
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