Sandra Mae Frank is an American actress who is known for her performances in theatre, films and TV series. She is also an advocate for deaf actors to be cast on the same level as hearing actors. She made history as the first and only deaf actor to play the lead role in a Broadway musical, portraying Wendla in Spring Awakening. In this article, we will explore Sandra Mae Frank’s wiki, biography, career, achievements, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Sandra Mae Frank was born on March 21, 1990, in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended the Louisville Deaf Oral School, now known as Heuser Hearing Institute and Learning Academy, and duPont Manual High School. While in high school, she acted in the Youth Performing Arts School production of Crimes of the Heart. She graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in Theatre Arts in 2013.
Career and Achievements
Sandra Mae Frank started her career as a theatre artist and worked with various companies such as Spring Awakening Broadway, dog & pony dc, Shady Tree Films, and Deaf West Theatre. She gained recognition for her role as Wendla in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, which featured both hearing and deaf actors, including Marlee Matlin. She sign-sang her role in cooperation with a hearing singer. She won the Helen Hayes Award and the Ben Iden Payne Award for her performance.
She also appeared in other theatre productions such as Fiddler on the Roof and Fun Home at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, where she demonstrated her skills in movement and facial expression. She also worked as a production manager at the Deaf Austin Theatre in Austin, Texas.
She made her film debut in the horror film Soul to Keep in 2018, where she played the role of Tara. She also starred in the science-fiction film Multiverse in 2019, where she played the role of Amy. She joined the cast of the NBC drama series New Amsterdam in 2021 as a recurring character, Dr. Elizabeth Wilder, a deaf surgeon. She became a main cast member in season 5, which aired in 2023.
She also acted in the film The Silent Hour, which was produced in 2023. She is currently playing the role of Ella in Zach Theater.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Sandra Mae Frank is deaf in real life, but she does not consider her deafness as a burden. She uses American Sign Language to communicate and also speaks English. She is proud of her identity and culture as a deaf person. She is also a social media influencer and has over 40K followers on Instagram. She often posts about her work, life, and opinions on various issues.
She is also a vocal advocate for deaf actors and the hashtag #DeafTalent, which aims to promote the visibility and representation of deaf artists in the entertainment industry. She wrote an article for the Washington Post, where she expressed her view on deaf acting and the challenges and opportunities it faces. She believes that deaf actors can bring diversity, authenticity, and creativity to the stage and screen, and they deserve to be cast on the same level as hearing actors.
She is not married and does not have any children. She is currently in a relationship with a man named Ryan, who is also deaf. They often share their pictures and videos on social media.
Conclusion
Sandra Mae Frank is a talented and inspiring actress who has overcome the barriers of deafness and achieved success in the theatre, film, and TV industry. She is also a passionate advocate for deaf actors and the deaf community. She is a role model for many aspiring artists who want to pursue their dreams. Sandra Mae Frank wiki is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent.
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