Sarah Coleman
About Sarah Coleman
Sarah Coleman serves as the Director of Ovations Offstage at Portland Ovations, where she focuses on self-compassion and resiliency through the arts. She holds an MFA and has extensive experience in educational workshops and various roles in theater and arts education.
Work at Portland Ovations
Sarah Coleman serves as the Director of Ovations Offstage at Portland Ovations. She has held this position since 2019, contributing to the organization's mission of enhancing community engagement through the arts. In her role, she focuses on developing programs that promote self-compassion and resiliency, utilizing her expertise in drama-based pedagogy.
Education and Expertise
Sarah Coleman holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from The University of Texas at Austin, which she completed from 2009 to 2012. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from Bowdoin College, studying there from 1999 to 2003. Her educational background informs her approach to arts education and community engagement.
Background
Sarah Coleman has extensive experience in the arts and education sectors. She worked as a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin from 2011 to 2014. Additionally, she served as a Professional Development Coordinator for Drama for Schools at the same university from 2012 to 2015. Her early career included roles at CulturalDC and Arena Stage, where she gained valuable experience in production and teaching.
Professional Experience
Throughout her career, Sarah Coleman has held various positions that highlight her skills in arts education and program management. She was the Partnerships Coordinator at Arts Every Day from 2015 to 2016 and the Chair of the Visual & Performing Arts Department at Hebron Academy from 2016 to 2019. Her roles have often involved collaboration with other professionals to enhance educational offerings and community programs.
Collaborations and Focus Areas
Sarah Coleman emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and resiliency in her work. She employs drama-based pedagogy in her educational workshops, which are designed to foster personal growth and community connection. Coleman collaborates with Arabella Pérez, LCSW, to develop and facilitate these workshops, integrating mental health perspectives into the arts.