Sandra Mae Frank: An Inspiring Actress And Advocate

Introduction

Sandra Mae Frank is a talented actress, singer, and disability rights advocate. She is best known for her roles in the Broadway musicals Spring Awakening and Deaf West’s Spring Awakening. Frank has been instrumental in promoting visibility and representation of disabled performers in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Education

Frank was born on September 26, 1988, in the United States. She was born deaf and was raised in a deaf family, with American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language. Frank attended a deaf school in Rochester, New York, where she developed her passion for acting and singing. She went on to study at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she majored in performing arts.

Acting Career

Frank began her acting career in 2012, with a small role in the film The Hammer. She then landed her first Broadway role in the 2015 revival of Spring Awakening, which was produced by Deaf West Theatre. The production featured both deaf and hearing actors, with ASL incorporated into the musical numbers. Frank played the role of Wendla Bergmann, and her performance was highly praised by critics.

In 2016, Frank was cast in the television series Quantico, playing the recurring role of Shelby Wyatt. She also appeared in the film Stronger, which was based on the true story of Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Frank played the role of Gail, a fellow amputee who befriends Bauman.

Disability Advocacy

Frank is a passionate advocate for disability rights and the representation of disabled performers in the entertainment industry. She has spoken at various events and conferences about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the arts. In 2017, she was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

Frank has also been involved with various organizations that support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, including the National Association of the Deaf and the Deaf West Theatre. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf and disabled individuals, including the lack of accessibility in public spaces and the limited opportunities for disabled performers.

Personal Life

Frank is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has spoken about the intersectionality of her identities as a deaf, disabled, and queer individual, and the importance of representation for marginalized communities.

Frank is also an avid traveler and has documented her adventures on her social media accounts. She has visited various countries, including Japan, Greece, and Italy, and has shared her experiences of traveling as a deaf person.

Conclusion

Sandra Mae Frank is an inspiring actress, singer, and advocate who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the disability rights movement. Her performances on stage and screen have showcased the talent and versatility of deaf performers, while her advocacy work has raised awareness about the importance of inclusivity and representation for marginalized communities. Frank’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to social justice make her a role model for aspiring performers and activists alike.