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Sarah Ann Masse is a hilarious and heartfelt woman on a mission; not only is she continuing the trend of breaking stereotypes and proving that females are funny, but she does so while drawing attention to the unhealthy social norms and boxes that our society places women in.
Sarah is an LA-based, bisexual, and invisibly disabled actor, writer, singer, producer, filmmaker, and comedian who was one of the first people to come forward about Weinstein. Since facing career retaliation due to speaking up about abuse, she launched ‘Hire Survivors Hollywood‘ – an initiative that works to end retaliation against survivors of sexual violence within the entertainment industry.
Sarah is currently playing Pulitzer Prize winning NY Times Journalist Emily Steel in Universal Pictures’ “She Said”, a role for which she was Academy Award eligible. “She Said” stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan and is directed by EMMY Winner Maria Schrader. Sarah has recently been honored with an AFI Award for being part of the creative ensemble of “She Said”, winning “Movie of the Year” for their “contribution to America’s cultural legacy”, and an AARP Movies for Grownups Award for “Best Ensemble” for “She Said”.
Other projects include a supporting role in the new series ‘Blue Ridge’, a #MeToo drama she co-wrote called ‘R Culture‘ (starring Lisa Ray from Amazon Prime’s ‘Four More Shots Please), ’Tristan & Kelly’ which is based off her award winning short of the same name that co-stars ‘Game of Thrones’ Toby Sebastian, ‘A More Perfect Union’ in which she gets to portray a character who shares some of her actual chronic illnesses, ‘Thru The Rinse’ a Latinx crime caper, a lead role in feature film ‘An Incidental Heist’, and a pilot presentation for the series ‘Largo’.
Having trained at The Atlantic Theater Company and UCB, graced the stage at places like The Williamstown Theater Festival, American Shakespeare Theater, and Second City Hollywood, and with over 100 screen performances and dozens of audiobooks under her belt, Sarah is a seasoned and versatile stage and screen actress. She was recently cast in a Broadway-bound musical called ‘The Right Girl‘ (songs by Diane Warren with a book by Louisette Geiss and Howard Kagan) which was successfully filmed over Zoom during the lockdown and will be heading to Broadway (fingers crossed) next season.
Previously, Sarah worked with her frequent collaborator, Jason Mraz, to co-write, star in, and produce the only scripted segment of his documentary, ‘Have It All: The Movie‘ which is now streaming on Amazon Prime, as well as several promotional videos which helped Mraz sell out ‘The Hollywood Bowl’. Her British-American love triangle rom-com web series ‘S’N’M‘ (which stars ‘Downton Abbey’s Matt Barber) has released their first few episodes with more coming soon, and her British-American married sketch duo, ’We Are Thomasse‘ (frequently featured on Funny or Die) has released an ‘Advent Comedy Calendar‘ which required Sarah and her husband Nick Afka Thomas to write, perform, and produce 25 sketches in 25 days, adding to their existing catalog of over 100 sketches, 15 million views, and their indie pilot, ‘The Real Founding Fathers of America‘ which hilariously reveals the Founders for the petty, privileged, problematic, men that they actually were. On top of all their online success, We Are Thomasse toured all over the world with their live sketch show and had a monthly slot at The Second City Hollywood until COVID put a pause to their live performances.
In addition to all of her acting successes, Sarah has recently completed two new pilot scripts and several features. Sarah has a shopping agreement for one of her features with The Cartel and was recently endorsed and recommended by coverfly. Additionally, Masse has a shopping agreement for several of her TV projects with Nightfox Entertainment, including the amazing female led YA fantasy book series, “The Chronicles of Kerrigan”. The books, which have sold over 3 million copies, are written by W.J. May and the TV series has been written and developed by Sarah Ann Masse. “The Chronicles of Kerrigan” is currently being pitched to networks, streamers, and studios as Sarah and her team finalize the right partnership to bring this fun, fantastical, feminist project to the screen.
Sarah believes we can use storytelling to change the culture we live in to be more inclusive, representative, respectful, and dynamic for people of all ages, genders, races, nationalities, abilities, sexualities, and creeds. A Forbes profile details Sarah’s work as an artist using positive comedy to advocate for fellow survivors of sexual violence and also focuses on the realities of being an artist with several invisible disabilities; and this recent Variety feature and interview in The Independent both discuss the importance of her initiative – Hire Survivors Hollywood – and their success in creating safer and more equitable working environments. Her writing on her experiences as a survivor, and as a bisexual woman, has been featured in The Independent, The WRAP, The Advocate, and GLAAD. She also works with many organizations and individuals such as: Equal Rights Advocates (as a Hollywood Ambassador she helped pass AB9 into law in CA in 2019); ECHO Training; Time’s Up (member of the Time’s Up Entertainment Safety Working group); The Wrap Women; Women in Film; The Hollywood Commission; PAVE; ReFrame; SAG-AFTRA (Elected Delegate to the 2023 National SAG-AFTRA Convention, member of the LA Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee, the National and LA Local Performers with Disabilities Committee, the LA Communications Committee, the LA Strike Preparedness Committee, and the LA and National Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, as well as chairing several subcommittees and work groups); Senator Brad Hoylman and Safe Horizon (to pass The Adult Survivors Act in New York in 2022); Lucy Lang (former Manhattan DA candidate and current New York State Inspector General) to codify consent and reform the criminal justice system to be trauma informed and survivor focused.
She has also recently been awarded the inaugural “Global Impact Award” by Diversity MBA at their 17th annual conference for the work she does with her art and advocacy to improve equity, safety, and DEIA practices for all historically marginalized folks, especially those from the survivor, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities and the PAVE “Shattering The Silence Award” for her work as the Founder and President of Hire Survivors Hollywood.
NEWS
Advocacy Organization Hire Survivors Hollywood Expands With Fiscal Sponsorship for Donations
Sarah Ann Masse’s survivor Advocacy Organization, Hire Survivors Hollywood, partners with industry networking app Husslup (Variety Exclusive)
Sarah is so thrilled about this partnership! In addition to the existing Hire Survivors Hollywood Survivor Talent Database, utilizing Husslup to connect survivors directly to studios and production companies helps to take a monumental step toward fostering representation and inclusion in Hollywood. Husslup’s invite-only mobile app and website align perfectly with Hire Survivors Hollywood’s mission to democratize and diversify talent discovery in film and TV.
For the first time ever, Husslup will include a “survivor of sexual violence” designation via an optional demographic check box, empowering survivors to identify themselves and engage in the industry on their own terms. This is a feature Hire Survivors Hollywood has been advocating for for years and they are thrilled that Husslup recognizes the importance of this step, putting it into action immediately. This partnership strengthens Hire Survivors Hollywood’s resolve to end retaliation against survivors and Silence Breakers, both in front of and behind the camera.
Sarah , stated that this is a pivotal moment that will help recognize survivors of sexual violence as the protected class they should be, aiding in our push for more opportunities, access, and representation.
H Schust, CEO of Husslup, added that survivors of sexual violence deserve increased DEI recognition, and they’re excited to make that happen.
Sarah Ann Masse wears one of “The Best Sustainable Looks This Awards Season” according to The Hollywood Reporter
Sarah was so honored to have been invited to The Green Carpet Awards this year which were held for the first time in Los Angeles. She is deeply committed to ethical, sustainable living and was thrilled that her gorgeous look – designed by LA Local, female, ethical and sustainable designer byVinnik and styled by Kat Eves, was chosen by The Hollywood Reporter to be featured in their annual sustainability issue! You can read the full issue here and see the other actors, models, and designers featured too!
Sarah Ann Masse’s Hire Survivors Hollywood launches successful awareness campaign during Oscar week
What a thrill to have Sarah’s survivor-centric org, Hire Survivors Hollywood, featured in the pages of Variety for their successful awareness campaign and pin launch during Awards Season 2023. Thanks to Elizabeth Wagmesiter for featuring this important work and to all our pin wearers so far: Rebecca Leinkeweiz, Pamela Ribon, Sara Gunnarsdottir, Dewanda Wise, Kate Hallett, Adrienne Becker, Brenda Robinson, Wash Westmoreland, Neil Casey, Eric Appel, Dan Erickson, Tom Dever, Adam Shapiro, Andria Wilson Mirza, Fawzia Mirza, Lisa Zambetti, Nick Afka Thomas, Sarah Ann Masse, Celene Beth Olsen, Matthew Jones, Mara De La Rosa, Myles Warden, Shane Kalminski, Anthony Tanguma, Winnie M. Li, Carter Ward, Vivian Lamoli, Sandra Lopez, Sarah Alderson, Guy Ferland, Ciña McKenna, Hannah Betts, Susan Sullivan, Erika Shankman, Keith Cooper, Joanne J Chew, Grant Pennel, Sarah Scott, Joanna Castle Miller, Monica Gleberman, Johnathon Schaech, Quei Tann. Our pins have been seen at: The Scripter Awards, The WGA Awards, The Podcast Academy Awards, The Canadian Consulate Oscar pre-party, The Celebration of South Asian Nominees on Oscar weekend, The Women in Film event honoring the Female Oscar noms, The Artios Awards, The Green Carpet Awards, The Oscar Wilde Awards, The Oscars, Several Oscar Parties, and The Love Your Body Event. Please read the full article here.
Sarah Ann Masse presents Rebecca Lenkiewicz with the Paul Selvin Award at the 2023 WGA Awards
Sarah was deeply honored to present Rebecca Lenkiewicz with this prestigious award for the genius work she did as the screenwriter behind She Said. Sarah couldn’t have been more pleased to take the stage as a presenter, for the first time ever, at the WGA Awards to honor this incredible woman. She was also thrilled to be able to mention her organization, Hire Survivors Hollywood, and how Rebecca’s own support of survivors and commitment to the truth, exemplifies the mission behind Hire Survivors Hollywood.
Sarah Ann Masse is honored with AARP Movies For Grownups Award for Best Ensemble for SHE SAID
What a thrill, and honor, to win Best Ensemble for She Said at the AARP Movies For Grownups Awards! Sarah was honored to attend her first televised awards show and to win this award alongside her fellow cast mates- Patricia Clarkson, Jennifer Ehle, and Katherine Kendall. You can watch the entire Awards Show on PBS on February 17th at 9.00pm Eastern.
Also, Sarah is doing pretty well this awards season, having attended two ceremonies and winning at both!
Sarah Ann Masse is honored with AFI Award for being part of the creative ensemble of SHE SAID a 2022 American Film Institute MOVIE OF THE YEAR
On Friday, January 13th, members of the creative team of SHE SAID (Maria Schrader, Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Katherine Kendall, and Sarah Ann Masse) gathered at The Four Seasons Hotel to celebrate the Best Films and TV Shows of 2022 with their fellow honorees.
Sarah was thrilled to be included in this incredible celebration, surrounded by her exceptionally talented friends from She Said, and Film and TV heroes she has looked up to since she was a child. Being honored with an AFI Award is the honor of her acting career and she cannot wait to continue her artistic journey in Hollywood and beyond!
SHE SAID screens at the prestigious AFI Festival in Los Angeles at Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Cast and crew from Universal’s SHE SAID gathered at the legendary TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on November 4th to celebrate this important, impressive film. Also taking to the red carpet were many of Weinstein’s real-life survivors and Silence Breakers whose bravery allowed this story to be told in the first place, and a large group of NY Times journalists (including Kantor and Twohey) who were themselves essential in breaking open this story of systemic Hollywood abuse. In addition to the immense weight and importance of this film- and this moment- Masse herself was humbled to finally be living out her life-long dream of making her feature debut, in a movie she is deeply aligned with, that has done the work of hiring survivors- which she advocates for with her organization Hire Survivors Hollywood.
In the days following this important screening at AFI Fest, several excellent pieces have been written including this Hollywood Reporter piece about the inclusion of survivors in SHE SAID (including a quote from Masse).
You can see video of Sarah, and other members of the cast and creative team, being interviewed on the Red Carpet here, here, here, and here.
SHE SAID Premieres at the 60th NYFF on October 13th revealing many real-life Weinstein survivors involved in the process, including Sarah Ann Masse who plays NY Times Journalist Emily Steel
SHE SAID premiered to a packed house at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Oct 13th, and shone a light on the intrepid reporting by two NY Times journalists- and the exceptional bravery of the women who decided to share their stories- that lead the to revelations of Harvey Weinstein’s decades of abuse. With the journalists behind this reporting (Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey) and many of the real-life survivors in attendance, it was moving to watch this honest, gripping, human film. Click here to read this Variety article with a quote from Sarah Ann Masse who makes her feature debut as Emily Steel in the film; click here to read this The Holywood Reporter article in which Sarah discusses being cast in the film, and click here to read an excellent interview which, among other things, gives further insight into how survivors were involved in SHE SAID.
You can also watch videos of Sarah, and other members of the cast and creative team, answering questions on the Blue Carpet here, here, here, and here.
Variety discusses Sarah Ann Masse and her Hire Survivors Hollywood initiative in their latest piece about the state of Hollywood five years after the Weinstein ‘reckoning’
In her new piece for Variety, Elizabeth Wagmeister examines the progress that’s been made in five years since the Weinstein reckoning, and what still needs to be accomplished.
She spoke with me and my Silence Breaker sister Caitlin Dulany, among others, for this thoughtful analysis. I was so proud to share more about my initiative, Hire Survivors Hollywood, the important work it’s accomplishing for survivors in our industry, and what I believe still needs to be done.
Some excerpts from the piece are included below but please follow the link to read the entire excellent story.
Sarah Ann Masse, an actor who came forward with misconduct allegations against Weinstein in 2017, appears in “She Said.” In recent years, she worked on the Adult Survivors Act in New York and is on the national and local SAG-AFTRA sexual harassment prevention committees. She launched her own initiative, Hire Survivors Hollywood, to help advise Hollywood companies on best practices to create opportunities for survivors of sexual violence. Masse says that even with the progress of the last five years, survivors are still being left out of the narrative.
“While there are many projects being made about survivors, many changes to policies and practices on set and many folks who are thriving in this ‘post reckoning’ Hollywood, the individuals who have faced abuse — and oftentimes put their careers on the line to talk about that abuse — are being left behind,” Masse says. “I think there is a clear understanding that the progress that came from survivors sharing their stories is essential, but I think there is also an amnesia around the fact that these survivors are not a faceless, monolithic group, but instead a massive community of individuals who have been deeply impacted by abuse, retaliation, and harm.”
Speaking of her work as the founder of Hire Survivors Hollywood, she adds, “It is our duty and our privilege to guarantee that survivors never feel left out, silenced, or ignored ever again.”
The SHE SAID Trailer has arrived!
From Sarah Ann Masse:
I’ve been sitting on this news for a year and I’m so excited to finally share it! Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star in #SheSaidMovie, only in theaters this November. See if you can spot me and Katherine Kendall in the trailer! Very grateful to the entire team! More soon…
You can see the full trailer for “She Said” here and you can find more info here. Stay tuned for more news on this amazing film and Sarah’s involvement in it!
Sarah Ann Masse is a Coverfly Endorsed and Recommended Writer!
Due to Sarah’s skill, hard word, and unique voice as a screenwriter, she has earned a coveted spot as an “endorsed” and “recommended” writer on Coverfly. This means that a Coverfly Development Team member has recommended Sarah’s profile (which is very rare) and that Coverfly is currently featuring her on their industry dashboard as an endorsed writer!
Thanks to Coverfly for recognizing Sarah’s talent! Hopefully this leads to many of her projects getting greenlit in the not too distant future!
The Independent interviews Sarah Ann Masse about her work with Hire Survivors Hollywood on International Women’s Day
In a thoughtful, informative interview in The Independent, Clemence Michallon speaks to Sarah Ann Masse and helps shine a light on the essential work she is doing with Hire Survivors Hollywood, how things haven’t changed simply because Weinstein is in prison, and how stakeholders can take steps to address the issues of retaliation, among many other important issues. Click here to read.
An amazing feature in Variety about Sarah Ann Masse and her Industry changing initiative “Hire Survivors Hollywood”
In this fantastic feature, journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister explores the origins of Hire Survivors Hollywood and the work Sarah has done over several years to put an end to retaliation in the industry against those who have been abused. Also covered are some of the many projects that have taken the “Hire Survivors Hollywood” pledge such as the now wrapped “A More Perfect Union” and the upcoming “Thru The Rinse” both of which feature Sarah in their casts. Read the full article here and spread the word! The more people who take the pledge and out these tools into action, the safer, more equitable, and more inclusive Hollywood will be for all!
Sarah Ann Masse co-narrates new audio book “Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults)”
“Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults)”
First-Person Stories for Today
Narrated by: Sarah Ann Masse, Anthony Michael Lopez, Alice Wong
“The eye-opening essays in Disability Visibility, all written by disabled people, offer keen insight into the complex and rich disability experience, examining life’s ableism and inequality, its challenges and losses, and celebrating its wisdom, passion, and joy.
The accounts in this collection, adapted for audio, ask listeners to think about disabled people not as individuals who need to be “fixed”, but as members of a community with its own history, culture, and movements. They offer diverse perspectives that speak to past, present, and future generations. It is essential listening for all.”
Order the audiobook here!
Sarah Ann Masse cast in feature drama “A More Perfect Union” co-starring Quei Tann
I am so thrilled to be joining the cast of this covid-conscious, drama feature and am equally thrilled the the teams producers, Ian Mark and Blaize Hall, have taken the ‘Hire Survivors Hollywood’ pledge!
Full story in The Hollywood Reporter Exclusive by Etan Vlessing here!
Sarah Ann Masse cast in new #MeToo musical “The Right Girl”, penned by fellow survivor Lousiette Geiss, songs by Diane Warren, directed by Susan Stroman
This amazing musical was recently announced. For full details please see the article in The Wrap by Sharon Waxman and read below for Sarah Ann Masse’s statement.
I have been sitting on this news for a LONG time and I am so happy I can shout it from the rooftops now with this official announcement! For quite some time I have been lucky enough to be a part of a musical, written by my dear friend Louisette Geiss, which was developed by interviewing several silence breakers and survivors, myself included. The musical is called “The Right Girl” and it is brilliant! Not only did I get to share my story in the process of Louisette developing the script… I’ve also gotten to act and sing as a member of the cast, being directed by one of my heroes Susan Stroman, and singing the songs of the legendary Diane Warren!⠀
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Every step of the way, the positive developments with this musical have coincided with important developments in the Weinstein trial. It has been amazing to get to heal through creativity and art, surrounded by Broadway legends and fellow survivors, as Weinstein was finally being brought to justice. ⠀
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You know, I dreamed of being a Broadway performer my whole life, but my career was sidelined for quite some time due to being abused and then being retaliated against. So, how fitting that my dreams are finally coming true by using my talents and my voice to push back against the very thing that delayed me. ⠀
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I want to add that I am so incredibly proud of, and grateful to Louisette Geiss, Howard Kagan, and Susan Stroman for hiring survivors at every step of this project! I think at this point everyone knows that Hire Survivors Hollywood is my mission so, to have a sister like Louisette so passionate about the very same thing means the world to me! We will change the entertainment industry together, as survivors, and with the help of amazing allies like the cast and creative team of this beautiful musical. ⠀
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Please read the article in The Wrap for more info.
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PS seeing my name on BroadwayWorld and Broadway.com and Deadline and The Wrap next to all those amazing talents has brought tears to my eyes 😭🥰
Sarah Ann Masse is closing night Keynote speaker “30 Days of Courage” event also featuring Leah Remini and Johnathon Schaech
Hire Survivors Hollywood founder, Sarah Ann Masse, is thrilled to be joining the likes of Leah Remini and Johnathon Schaech as Keynote Speakers at this year’s 30 Days of Courage event for survivors and allies. Sarah will be closing out this month long, digital event, during a Live Interview and Q&A on October 30th at 7pm eastern/4pm pacific with Ashley Easter.
To watch the free stream, and for full event details, please join the Facebook Group and share with friends, family, and loved ones who want to make a difference in ending abuse, pushing back against retaliation, and healing from trauma.
Sarah Ann Masse Co-Writing #MeToo Drama ‘R Culture’ (The Hollywood Reporter Exclusive)
Harvey Weinstein accuser Sarah Ann Masse is co-writing R Culture, a #MeToo-era drama that tackles Hollywood’s rape culture and abuse of power.
The writer-actress-comedian will also star in the feature to be directed and co-written by Alexa Polar. Having stepped forward in 2017 to accuse Weinstein of unwanted sexual misconduct — before the former movie mogul was eventually convicted of, and sentenced to 23 years in prison for, rape and criminal sexual assault — Masse will draw on her own experiences as an industry silence breaker for the project.
“I wouldn’t say it is deliberately autobiographical, but there is a lot of me in this script, and it does tackle the ideas of celebrity, power, the press, the legal system and how survivors can come together to force change,” Masse tells The Hollywood Reporter. She adds that her collaboration with Polar on the movie’s script aims to “try and help survivors heal, help society understand what it feels like to live through abuse, come to terms with what has happened to you and take steps to tell your story and seek justice.”
Full story in The Hollywood Reporter here!
Sarah Ann Masse speaks out about career retaliation amongst Hollywood ‘Silence Breakers’ for The WRAP
In this vulnerable and powerful essay, Sarah Ann Masse details some of the serious challenges facing vocal survivors of sexual violence in the entertainment industry, and around the world and creates the call to action of #HireSurvivorsHollywood and #HireSurvivors.
Sarah Ann Masse’s short film wins several awards this festival season!
With wins in categories like “Best Writer” and “Best Short Romantic Comedy” Tristan & Kelly, this unusual romantic comedy starring Toby Sebastian & Sarah Ann Masse, is charming audiences around the world!
Sarah Ann Masse has been profiled in Forbes!
Sarah speaks openly about her journey as an artist with invisible disabilities and chronic illness, how she uses her creative voice to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, and her dreams of kicking butt and conquering the world.Read the full article by clicking here!
Sarah Ann Masse and her partner Nick Afka Thomas make their big-screen debut in Jason Mraz’s “Have It All: The Movie”
Sarah was thrilled to write, produce, and star in (as We Are Thomasse) the only scripted segment of Jason Mraz’s documentary! It was released in theaters for one night only and can now be streamed on Amazon Prime!
Sarah Ann Masse’s home invasion sketch that deals with victim-blaming gets hundreds of thousands of views and a feature on BuzzFeed!
In the wake of #MeToo and Sarah’s own revelations about her experiences with sexual assault and harassment she decided to tap into the pain and trauma to create comedy with a message. Check out the excellent interview and watch the video over at BuzzFeed now.
Sarah Ann Masse’s sketch series “Feminist Fairytales” has been taking the internet by storm!
Written for her British-American married sketch duo, “We Are Thomasse“, “Feminist Fairytales” has over one million views! The “Sleeping Beauty” episode spent three weeks as the #1 trending video on Funny or Die and the “Cinderella” episode has gone IMMORTAL on Funny or Die and hit one million views! Features have been written about it on themarysue.com, ELLE India, and comedycake.com and all of the episodes have been featured on the Funny or Die homepage and Funny or Die’s YouTube channel! Subscribe to the We Are Thomasse YouTube channel and LIKE We Are Thomasse on Facebook now so you don’t miss out on any of the hysterical new content Sarah is writing and performing in!
Sarah and her sketch duo “We Are Thomasse” are performing all over the world and have released hundreds of sketches!
