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GO Getter: Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins is an example of a true Springfield Renaissance woman. She promotes the arts for Swan Repertory Theatre, she helps kids, she’s a budding comedienne with the Skinny Improv, she picked up a best-actress award at this year’s SATO 48 film challenge, she authors a blog and, what’s more, she kinda looks like everyone’s current favorite Saturday Night Live alum. Fresh off a philanthropic trip to Vietnam, Sarah met up with us at her favorite stomping ground—Drury University—for an improvisational chat.

GO: So what were you doing in Vietnam?
Sarah Jenkins: It was an arts service trip organized by Sesha Shannon of Convey Art Studios. We went there for two weeks and worked with an organization called Giving It Back to Kids. I went as an artist—specifically a writer—to work and help these kids, who we’re trying to teach that it’s okay to dream. We’ll be having a benefit on November 22 at the Commercial Street firehouse to show work that the kids made.

Did you pick up some Vietnamese?
I learned a very little bit. The kids knew some English. Some things are universal—they give a lot of peace signs and there’s a lot of high-fiving. One girl even knew how to do that hand-slap game.

Peace sign? Interesting that Vietnamese kids picked up a sign that became iconic while people were protesting the Vietnam conflict...
Yeah, it is.

So, how are you involved in Swan Rep?
I’m the director of development.

Which means…?
I’m fundraising, and because we’re a nonprofit I’m doing a lot of marketing and phone calls and running errands. Picking up guest actors from the airport as needed. It’s definitely fast-paced, like the Skinny, and there’s something new all the time.

What are you working on right now?
Private Lives begins at the end of October. It’s supposed to be really sexy and funny and British. It’s a comedy. Then it’s A Christmas Carol. Not as sexy. That’ll be in December at the Gillioz, and we hope it’s a big holiday family tradition-in-the-making.

How long have you been with the Skinny?
About a year, officially. But I’ve been taking classes there for three years.

What’s your favorite Skinny scene?
I like Interrogation, because it allows me to use the eye-rolling puns I get in trouble for in other scenes.

Has anyone ever told you that you remind them of Tina Fey?
Every once in a while. I always love it. No one’s asked me for a Sarah Palin impression yet, but I guess I should practice, just in case.