After publishing our interview with Cape Fear stand-in Judith Fitzsimmons, Judith’s husband Emmett encouraged Sara Rogers to contact Stand-In Central.
Sara was a stand-in on all five seasons of the original television series Miami Vice. What follows is our interview with her. Have a read!
– The Editor
SIC: Hi there! First off, what’s your name and what do you do?
SR: My name is Sara Rogers. Besides being a union member in SAG and AFTRA for more than twenty years, I teach acting techniques for the camera at the Acting School of South Florida in Hollywood, Florida. I also hold a Florida real estate license.
SIC: You stood in on the original television series Miami Vice. For whom did you stand in on the series?
SR: My main job as a stand-in was for Saundra Santiago, the character of Gina Calabrese on the show. As the show progressed I stood in for many guest stars of the week–Sheena Easton, Elizabeth Ashley, and one of my all-time favorites, Rita Moreno.
SIC: How did you land this stand-in job? Were you in the union?
SR: Miami Vice was my second stand-in job. Before then, I stood in on a movie of the week. The casting director for Miami Vice at the time, Dee Miller of The Casting Directors, called me to see if I would be interested. At that time I was a non-union actor.
The first season, director John Nicolella handed me sides and I was so excited since this would mean my SAG card. However, they cut the scene even before it was shot because of time constraints. In the third season, Eddie Olmos insisted that I respond to his question he asked me in the squad room of the OCB [Organized Crime Bureau]. That one line was my SAG Card.
In addition to standing in, most of the regular stand-ins, me included, also worked in the OCB as the other detectives in the squad.
SIC: That’s fantastic you got your SAG card from an upgrade. That must have been thrilling! Though shooting Miami Vice all over tropical South Florida must have been daunting. What did its locations demand of you physically as a stand-in?
SR: Shooting in the Everglades at night was always a challenge: the pitch black of night with sounds of creatures howling, or chirping crabs, and you couldn’t see them, only hear their calls letting us all know we were on their land.
Flashlights were the rule, not the exception–we all carried them, everywhere. The mosquitoes were large and our callsheets noted dress codes, which were long sleeves and long pants. Bug repellent was handed out to everyone, and when the night would blast into morning with the brilliant sun from the east and the dew was visible on the greenery and the humidity the highest of the day just before the sun has a chance to dry it up, “It’s a wrap” couldn’t come soon enough.
Other challenging locations for me were the water/boat scenes. The entire crew would be on a barge–cameras, sound, lighting, DP, director, stars etc.–and we would be five to fifteen miles from land. Even a bathroom break had to be coordinated, as the smaller boats were there for transport, transporting props, people, lighting gear, etc. Your job was to be mindful since if you were needed, you needed to be on the barge.
SIC: Was the Florida weather much of an issue for you?
SR: Personally, I love the summer in South Florida. The humidity only gets to me once in awhile, and that’s when you see that there are no tree branches moving and you know that when you walk out of your air-conditioned home the heat is going to hit you like an extremely hot sauna. But for me even that is preferable to the freezing cold of our few winter days.
It really strikes me funny that no one thinks of South Florida as cold. People usually complain about the heat, and the humidity. When it rains here we can have torrential or sun showers. It’s part of the tropical charm. However, we Floridian’s go into a freeze mode when it gets 40, 50, or 60 degrees with no sun shining.
Arriving on set at 5 or 6 a.m. in the winter, on those few cold days, you would see the entire crew with hats, jackets, sweaters, and I personally would wear thermal underwear to stay warm. And as the day progressed, the layers would be removed.
SIC: What were some of the more exciting stand-in opportunities you had on the show?
SR: One exciting opportunity I had was riding in an airboat across the Everglades. I had always wanted to experience an airboat but never took the time to drive to the Everglades to do it. And I got to ride more than once. It was one of those “chilly, not freezing” days in South Florida and we all wore lightweight jackets. The wind, nature, and the ride were outstanding. Later in the day, when we were back on land I took photos of the sunset from a small man-made bridge. It’s a glorious memory for me of that day.
I also loved going up in a helicopter as a photo-double for Rita Moreno. She was hesitant to do it, so not only did I have a fabulous ride in full costume but I was paid hazard pay as well!
SIC: That’s pretty exciting, Sara! What was the overall vibe on the set for this action-packed series?
SR: The vibe on the set was a family atmosphere; the crew and cast knew each other well. When in the studio, we were home, but out on location was another matter. No matter where we were there were always police surrounding the set. Our personal belongings had to be left on a street, on the beach anywhere we were, and as a family, no matter what, we watched each other and our belongings.
SIC: How particular was the stand-in job? Did you have to recreate very specific blocking, or were you more often just standing or sitting in?
SR: The job was quite particular. All stand-ins had to watch the rehearsal and note the blocking (of course it’s marked) and walk the walk. To break up the routine of just standing there getting lit, some of us would do the dialogue as we hit our marks.
SIC: Were you ever asked to photo-double or hand-double on the show?
SR: I was a hand model more than once. Killer’s hands, Homeless Woman’s hands, … all these inserts had to be done slowly and typically with second-unit cameras.
SIC: So you stood in, hand-doubled, played a detective, and even got a line. How did the experience standing in on Miami Vice, and working with so many famed actors, affect your life? Would you do it again if you could?
SR: I would do it again if I could. The life lessons the show taught me enhanced me as an actor. And it showed me that people are people and we sometimes treat stars differently, but at the end of the day if you take everything away they are just like you and me. They bleed red, have insecurities and joy, heartache and cholesterol. They are people.
Being a stand-in allotted me the opportunity to watch and learn. I would stay even after I was wrapped to see the stars work. It was at this time a great realization came. I saw stars re-reading their sides right before getting on their mark, walking through their blocking prior to going to hair and makeup and asking all types of questions when they didn’t understand the director’s input. This taught me we are all human and make mistakes, and if you are unclear what the director wants, that it’s okay to ask.
Rita Moreno was with us an entire week, and I found her to be one of the most generous actresses I have ever met. She was cordial, spoke about herself, and gave everyone she met the time of day. One beautiful soul. And for me being her stand-in, I was privy to watching her hit her marks, deliver her lines, and ask questions when she wasn’t clear what the director wanted. What a great education.
SIC: I understand Miami Vice has fan conventions even to this day. Have you ever attended one?
SR: There was a 20th Miami Vice Convention in Miami at the Alexander Hotel on Miami Beach in 2004. I was invited, as were the entire cast and crew. On the first night of the convention, we all watched the pilot episode. I couldn’t believe it: the fans were amazing, they knew the dialogue, names of each show, and who starred in it. The impact of Miami Vice was worldwide. Fans came from France, England, and of course the USA. Leaving the convention that night, I ran into and spoke with Tom Brokaw of NBC News.
SIC: That’s quite a trip! Are you still in touch with any of the people from Miami Vice?
SR: I see a lot of people from Miami Vice. Janet Richards in particular, who stood in for Olivia Brown–she and I see each other at SAG-AFTRA functions and we did a job together a few months ago. The crew I see everywhere when I work. Running into anyone from the show warms my heart. Last month it was a crew member, Ross Jones, who let his buddy know that because I am in front of the camera, I do the hard work.
SIC: That’s such a nice thing to say. What are you up to now?
SR: I still go out on castings–one never knows when the home run will arrive. I also teach in Hollywood at the Acting School of South Florida and hold a real estate license as well. At times I audition for theater. Since the theater is so demanding of your time, I only do this when I know my schedule is slow.
SIC: Anything else?
SR: Yes! My new venture will be reading audio books. I cannot wait to get started. I love teaching other actors and do my best to dispel the myth of “perfection” at the audition or on the set. I love being in the studio doing voiceover work. But my greatest love of all is music. And before you ask, I love all music. From classical to hip-hop …
SIC: Okay, I believe you! You love all music! Thanks for the interview, Sara!
SR: No, thank you!
Sara Rogers has worked in and around the South Florida film and stage industry for more than 20 years in numerous capacities including teaching, coaching, casting, writing, and talent. Find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sara.rogers.568.
SWEET!!!!
What a great interview. Your passion for the experience is evident and clearly shows your dedication to the craft.
I’ve known you for years and didn’t know most of this stuff. And to think I thought you were a regular person! Love you
Sandy (sara) as you are know. We go back a long way and have asked you about your work before. This time I got a more indepth look at it thru this interview. Glad you got the chance to do this interview. People will love to here your story. Your friend.
A First Assistant Director’s dream team on Vice. Every bit a part of the making of the show. They were (and are) the best. You know the phrase “It takes a town…”? In Miami, it absolutely did.
I’ve taken acting lessons from Sara and learned and extensive amount of valuable info. Sara also gave me pertinent industry info that would have taken much research to gain otherwise. Much success to you Sara!
. . . And she looks as fabulous now as she did back then!!!
Amazing interview! So glad I got to know a different side of you!
Great Interview! This shows exactly the real you! Enjoyed reading it and look forward to seeing more. Best wishes in your career! Hoping to see more of you!
Hello Sara, what a great look back on your life. I am so proud of you. I am glad that I read your interview and I must say I loved that show Miami Vice. Keep up the wonderful work my friend.
Laurie Imler
Hello Sara,
What a wonderful interview. I am so proud of you and I want you to know that is one of my all time favorite shows Miami Vice. Keep up all the wonderful things you do.
Great interview!!! Ms. Sara teaches me at The Acting School of South Florida. Inspirational to read this. She gives me such amazing feedback in class and now I can see why. Looking forward to more classes with ever so classy & professional Ms. Sara Rogers. xox
Interesting interview! I know Sara from the Y where she is one of my students, and yes, she does like all kinds of music! 🙂
Sara, OMG does that bring back so many memories. I remember when you were working on Miami Vice as a talent…..Just seems like yesterday when Dee would call me with the breakdowns. Great article Sara and I am glad that you shared it with me.
Hugs from Sharon Martin at Martin & Donalds Talent Agency.
Great interview! Ms. Rogers is a great teacher, who selflessly shares her knowledge on acting and on the business of acting. I have had the privilege of being her student at the Acting School of South Florida, and I must say that I have been able to put what I learned in her class to use immediately.
Ms. Rogers is a great role model who offers support to her students, and I am forever grateful of having her as my teacher. I highly recommend taking classes with her. It’s a must!
saweeet ! !! super star 🙂 great interview
awesome job sara!!! that looks awesome, great interview!
Sara that was so awesome reading the interview and seeing you back in the day with all the people that I grew up watching in the movies and on TV. Now I want to see you on the big screen with me as a stranded couple stuck in the Islands somewhere after our boat was shipped wrecked. You can have top billing. I’m always so proud of you and just keep on truck’in. Mitch . . .
Awesome Sara!!! Great experience on Vice. My Dad worked on that show too, and I actually turned down a nice part on one of the episodes because I was told if I missed my day job I would get fired. I quit that job two months later and have been workling for myself since… Great Interview!
Miami Vice era must have been the best time in Miami for us all! Your interview was terrific. It was so interesting to hear all your adventures. You are a true professional. Thanks for sharing,
What a fantastic interview Sara. So proud of you !!
Sara, Great article. very happy for you, I remember the good old Vice days. I bought my first house with that show. Thank You Stuntcoordinator Paul Knuckles. Many more Blessings are coming. Keep up the good work and keep the Faith. Jay
My darling Sara, Fantastic interview. It brought a grin to my face, and a strong sense of pride to my heart. I will always treasure the time I spent working with you and the whole crew. Ah, the good old days. Keep the spirit alive.
This was wonderful article about one of the nicest persons I have ever met. She has taught me so much at The Acting School of South Florida. I would not have been able book a principle role on Burn Notice after studying acting for only 7 months without Sara’s guidance. She is patient and knew exactly what to say to make me feel comfortable in front of the camera. I’m very happy for you Sara.
Sara, what a terrific article! Excellent job! Those were the days, my friend 🙂 Keep on doing what you do as you do it so fantastically well! xo
Very good article. Ms Rogers is a great teacher, so cool she worked on Miami Vice.
Sara teaches me at the Acting School of South Florida. I have gotten so much out of her classes while having a great time, it is cool to see her working on Miami Vice. Great interview!
Such a great window into the life of the working team on a live set of a hit series. Thanks Sara for sharing your journey and charming moments through your eyes of experience. Interesting, informative and fun to know.
Your forever friend and fan,
Loren
What a wonderful interview! I enjoyed reading it and learning all that you have accomplished over your career. You are beautiful person and I wish you all the best! Congratulations Sara!
Sara, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the article. I’ve always know that you had a passion for your acting but if was truly interesting reading about your career, your many accomplishments and the admiration your students have for you, which is very easy for me to understand why, you are an amazing person, inside and out.
Sara is a wonderful caring person, a great actress and a fabulous acting teacher!
How nice to read this interview! Your experience and LOVE for your craft shines through… As you move forward.I, I wish only the best for you.
Really eye opening interview with Sara Rogers. Its interesting how you can spend so much time in person with someone (her classes) yet not even scratch the surface of what that person has accomplished. I always knew she had an interesting background in the industry but never realized the valuable experiences she gained on the set of such an influential show.
What a wonderful piece! I learned this about you I did not know. I particularly like what you said about famous people just being people, and you can ‘treat’ them as so… Since I am from Fire Island, I run into a lot of ‘celebs’, and so true, they just want to be treated as your next door neighbor 🙂
Very nice piece… glad to hear about your new Voice Over endeavors!
Loved your interview, and looooved the show!!!! How great it would be if they brought all of together again and did some specials. OMG Talk about memories..that would be amazing!!!!
You’re a true talent and a dedicated professional! You’re a class act!
I wish nothing but GREAT things. Luv Ya!
Sarah Rogers is an awesome coach and a great person. She has great eye for talent.
I really enjoyed the read and I can’t believe i’m staying with a TV star!!!
Great article, Sara! Your interview brought back many happy memories:-) Those were the days my friend…
Excellent interview – wishing you huge success in the future.
Sara is a talented actor who we have the pleasure of representing at Martin & Donalds Talent Agency. Sara has an excellent reputation in the TV and film industry. She is also an outstanding acting coach. I have known her personally and professionally for decades and she is a real treasure.
Great interview Sara. Your work has been marvelous and you continue to say great things. It’s been an honor working with you.
Great interview.
Sara demonstates how being real is the key to great working relationships and success for all involved.
I got to know her on a networking site. She’s all about creating partnerships.
Sara, it’s great to hear about your colorful past and how you are always supporting people and learning from them!
Wow Sara you are a star. I wish you could do more series as a main character. That would be awesome.