Sarah Rodgers Interview

Sarah Rodgers is an Austin performer known by most as Miss Conduct of the TXRD – Lonestar Rollergirls. As Miss Conduct, Sarah Rodgers has graced the pages of The RollingStone, and was featured in a 2006 A&E television series “Rollergirls.” Most recently Sarah Rodgers can be found on the big screen sharing her experience on the track in the fast paced documentary, Hell on Wheels, produced by Austin filmmakers Bob Ray and Werner Campbell. “Sarah was the first actor we cast for The Spider Babies,” said director Christopher Sharpe. “I knew she had a great look, but once I met with her in person, she was so in sync with the character and the project that there was never really a “plan B” for Greta. Sarah was it.”

Rockhouse Pictures: When did you first start acting?

Sarah: I’ve been performing since I was a kid. I got my start in my grandparent’s kitchen. My brother and I would come up with comedy sketches and entertain the family when we could get them all together. I pictured myself acting in front of the camera as a kid, but really aside from a bit of theater growing up and being a feature in both the “Hell On Wheels” documentary and the A&E TV series “Rollergirls”, I’ve waited till 2008 to finally pursue a roll in film. Since then I was cast in a Dos Equis commercial and have been featured in three full length films, “The Spider Babies” being my third role and by far the film I am most excited about!

RHP: Who would you say inspires you most?

S: In addition to my Austin friends of course, the late Carl Sandburg is a huge source of inspiration in my life right now. I suggest you Google him. In film however, my inspirations are Zoe Bell, Uma Thurman, and Steve Carrell.

RHP: How much do you identify with your character?

S: Greta is awesome. I identify with her a great deal and it’s not just because we share a love for bangin’ on the drums. Greta’s a super resourceful gal and she sees potential in every scenario, fun or life threatening. When you have those abilities you can handle the toughest and most challenging obstacles life can present. It’s those same qualities that got me this far in life.

Greta also has this lust for action. She gets off on it. She’s excited when she pulls something unthinkable off and she’s genuinely impressed when her friends press their own abilities farther. I was born with a very similar appetite, so you know I’m gonna have a ton of fun with all the action on set! But, through all this playfulness and toughness there is a real nurturing side to Greta that I relate to. She naturally assumes the caretaker and protector of her friends, her pack, much like myself.

RHP: Favorite liquor?

S: I don’t have favorite liquor anymore. Jager and I had a good thing going for years, but I’ve moved on to Damiana or Agavero. Damiana is a natural aphrodisiac liquor. Agavero is Damiana infused Tequila. Whiskey, if there’s no police within range. Tuaca straight, if I’m Bartending. Vodka, if it’s home made. Tequila top shelf, if I got time to pass.

RHP: If you survived the apocalypse, what are five things you’d want to have at all times, not including food, water, guns?

S: My “Crew” aka MY DOGS. My boots. My Multi-Tool. My Back Pack. My sense of Humor… and a bottle of Damiana.

RHP: So you’re being chased by demons; weapon of choice?

S: Hmmmm…rock salt and a shotgun, or Dynamite on a stick (why not?) Woooo! Better yet, a submarine. Yeah! Demons don’t swim do they? Either way, They’d have to be some intellectual demons with some serious strength to get into a submarine while it’s under water.

RHP: Who’s your favorite action hero?

S: I’m tempted to say Tank Girl. I hate to choose an action hero so obvious, but she’s tough, funny, and super hot. My favorite combo.

RHP: If you had a theme song, what would it be?

S: “Gold Spandex Lullaby” by Leslie Hall

RHP: Once again, post-apocalypse and you can plunder anywhere you want. Which three stores do you hit and why?

S: Stores of any kind would be the last place on my list to hit during an event such as the apocalypse. Stores during crisis become head quarters for stupidity, mob mentality type shit. Anything worth grabbing would likely be picked over by the smart or the lucky that got there first, and the rest would be killing each other off for a bag of Doritos and free TV’s. I have enough to get by in most events and anything else I would need, I’d find along the way.

Interview by: Liz McCormick