Today we’d like to introduce you to Monet Sabel
Hi Monet, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Southern California near LA. I began taking classes and doing musicals at our wonderful community theater, the Norris Theater, at the age of 7. I was always singing around the house! I felt that passion as a kid – I knew I really wanted to do this, forever, if I could. I loved the camaraderie, the bright stage lights, the scrappy “show must go on” feeling, and caring about something so deeply. I went on to do a few summer camps in high school, one in upstate New York, and one at Carnegie Mellon in their pre-college theater program. I moved to New York City when I was 18 to go to NYU Tisch school of the Arts, and boy was that a dream come true. I loved every minute. Finally I was living in the place I’d dreamed about all my life, and it was, and still is, my favorite place in the entire world. After graduating, I’ve been fortunate enough to piece together a career in the theater, and I cannot believe my luck. I’ve gotten to tour the country and the world, explore new cities, meet new lifelong friends, all while getting to be onstage and bring joy to folks around the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, no, it’s never easy! The gift and the curse of a life in the theater is that every job always ends, and you’re back to square one. It’s very humbling, but also frustrating to deal with constant loss. And the rejection is endless – I’ve heard so so so many “no”s in my life. And it’s a constant battle not to take them personally. When we audition for shows, it feels so much like I’m letting you in to a secret part of me, showing you what makes me sparkle. And when the team says no… it always hurts. I’ve been so close to so many huge dream jobs, and it still stings when I don’t hear anything afterwards. What could I have done better? What did they discuss after I sang? Will they ever have me come back and audition again? The self-doubt is REAL and I’ve had to do a lot of work on my confidence and reminding myself that I do deserve to be here in the big leagues!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have mostly filled my life with musical theater, so far. I’ve done a little film, and I would love to do more, but my first love is the stage and to me, there’s no better feeling on earth than being onstage. I have done several productions of Beautiful: the Carole King musical, which is what brought me to Chanhassen. I actually had been auditioning for the Broadway and National Touring productions since 2015, and was finally cast on the National Tour in 2021. I wasn’t kidding about the years of rejection!!! So, I toured for a year, and then did 2 other regional productions of Beautiful last year, and now am so lucky to be in Minnesota for the better part of a year bringing Carole’s story to our fabulous audiences.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am an optimist, and I try to lead with kindness and respect wherever I go. I remain hopeful, and I think that’s why I’ve lasted to long in this business! I really do love people, and making connections with others comes naturally to me. There is a lot of “who you know” in this business, so I make it a point to be the best I can be, always. Kindness, grace, compassion, and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monetsabel.com
- Instagram: @monetsabel
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/monetsabel
