Ana Sharp of Rise and Shine on Self-Advocacy, Authentic Representation, and the Power of Invisible Disabilities

As a part of this series, we had the pleasure to interview Ana Sharp.

Ana Sharp is a rising actress who made her feature-film debut in the lead role of Terri in Rise and Shine, an inspiring independent feature directed by Laura Somers and written by Michael Stagliano. Ana stars alongside Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Rachel Bay Jones and esteemed actor Danny Burstein. The film follows a young woman with cerebral palsy and a developmental disability as she transitions from homeschooling to public high school while navigating friendship, independence and love. The role is particularly meaningful for Ana, who lives with cerebral palsy and a developmental disability and brings her own lived experience and perspective to the screen. She is passionate about authentic disability representation and hopes her work will help audiences see performers with disabilities for their talent and abilities first, while also inspiring others with disabilities to pursue their own dreams.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I was born in Nakhodka, Russia, and my parents adopted me when I was 7 months old. They brought me and my adopted brother to Southern California where I’ve lived ever since outside Los Angeles. My hometown is a beautiful place with lots of rolling hills and parks. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when I was a year old. Even before pre-school I started getting therapy for fine and gross motor delays and speech deelays. I went to public schools my entire education. I got extra help in resource classes. I played sports and I was a Girl Scout. In Third Grade I started doing plays.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path as an actress?

I grew up being around movie sets and recording studios because my parents work in the entertainment industry. In Third Grade I was cast in a school play for first time. During rehearsals one of my castmates told me I could never play a lead role. When he said that it fueled me to prove him wrong. Two years later I earned my SAG-AFTRA card as a V.O. actor.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

When I was taking acting classes in college I was cast in a phenomenal production of Sweeney Todd. I was the only performer in the cast with a disability. I was onstage for most of the show singing and dancing. There was a staircase to a second story platform with no railings. I talked to the director about changing my blocking because I didn’t feel safe. I had to advocate for myself, and even though I was a little worried about that, my director was very understanding. That taught me that it pays off to stand up for yourself.

It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I was playing a leading role in a play at my local theatre and I missed one of my entrances. I was very embarrassed, but I knew the show must go on and finished the play. I learned very quickly not to get distracted and to always keep focused and moving forward no matter what.

We hear that your big feature film debut is in the film Rise and Shine!! Can you tell us about this film, your role, and how you landed your ‘big break?’

The movie is about Terri Ledbetter, who was a real-life teenage girl who went to high school for the first time after being homeschooled all her life. Like me, she wanted people to accept and include her. Also like me, Terri had Cerebral Palsy and learning challenges. I felt honored to be playing her.

The casting process was like any other. First, I did a self-tape of one scene. Next, I had to do a Zoom callback with the director, Laura Somers. Then, they called to tell me they wanted to do a screen test. That made me very nervous because I didn’t know what that was. We went to an actual school on a weekend. It was a very windy day. The director, producers, and writer were all there. Even though I was nervous everyone was very nice. They made me feel comfortable. After that I had another Zoom session with Laura. But that was not the last. I had a chemistry read with other actors! It was a very long process. It took many months. Then one day my agent, Katie McGrath, got the email telling me I got the role.

As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?

I stay motivated by being positive, working hard, and going to workshops and scene study classes with my fellow actors at EPIC Players L.A., a theatre company for disabled performers. I always stay determined.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

I think it’s important for people like my brother, dad, friends and me to be seen and heard. All of our stories are unique and important. Our stories can be funny, sad, scary, or exciting, but they are all about our journey as humans. Disabled people all have challenges to overcome. Those challenges can come from within or the world around us, but everyone loves a story about breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles. Audiences might have a better understanding of who disabled people are and include them more. That would be a positive impact on our society.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Or advice that you’ve learned along the way you’d like to share? Please share a story or example for each.

1. Always stand up for yourself. I was doing a play and I was put in a situation that could have been dangerous. I advocated for myself and made change.

2. Always come prepared. My parents taught me that. During production on Rise and Shine I knew the script really well and had my scenes down when I came to set early every day.

3. Always treat everyone on set, on a job or production with respect. On the set of Rise and Shine I was always kind and respectful to everyone on the team, including the hardworking background actors.

4. I wish I had known to have a bigger social media presence. I only really started posting this year. I didn’t understand how important it can be to my career.

5. Enjoy every day. Enjoy when you get a trailer. Enjoy working with wonderful people. Enjoy doing what you love all the time.

Which tips would you recommend to other actors that are just starting out to help them find success or overcome their own obstacles?

Never Give Up. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

My learning challenges are greater than my physical challenges. You can’t really see them. If I could start a movement that would do the most good for the most people it would be to bring awareness to invisible disabilities.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am most grateful for my parents who love and support me endlessly. Another important human in my story is Gail Ford Williamson, my first agent. She took a chance on me when she didn’t have to.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Never let them dull your sparkle. Growing up I had to deal with a lot of bullies and negative people. I had to learn to not let their negativity crush my spirit.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I met Kristen Bell at a cabaret I performed in. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to sing with her. She is a terrific singer and actor and seems like a joyful, positive person. Just like me.

How can our readers follow you online?

Instagram: therealanasharp Facebook: Ana Sharp Tiktok: @therealanasharp Youtube: @theanasharp

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to let people learn a little about my story!

About The Interviewer: Tavares Beverly ( www.tavaresbeverly.com ) is the Founder and CEO of Beverly Boy Productions, a national video production company that has helped organizations tell their stories through video for more than two decades. Over the course of his career, he has worked with everyone from Fortune 500 executives and healthcare professionals to politicians, nonprofit leaders, educators, and artists, gaining a unique perspective on the role communication plays in leadership, business, and human connection. A frequent contributor on topics including communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, Tavares believes that the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. His work is driven by a passion for helping organizations connect with their audiences and helping individuals unlock their potential through mentorship, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. To learn more, connect with Tavares on LinkedIn or visit www.BeverlyBoy.com . If you’re interested in using the power of storytelling and communication to grow your organization, strengthen your brand, or inspire your audience, he welcomes the opportunity to connect.