For many students in high school, balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities is already a challenge- but for former Green Level student Sarah Bock, life took an unexpected turn when she landed a role on the hit TV show Severance. What started as a normal junior year quickly became something out of a dream.
“When I was told I got my role in Severance, I couldn’t believe it,” Bock shared. “I think I froze and was unable to speak for a long time because I was in so much shock.” One moment, she was preparing for a school play; the next, she was moving to a new state where she didn’t know anyone. “It was super scary but also the most exciting and lucky call to get,” she said.
Bock’s journey didn’t start in Hollywood, though- it started right here in North Carolina. She first discovered her love for acting through children’s theater in Raleigh, performing at Durant Road Musical Theatre from ages 5 to 13. Those early experiences helped shape her passion and confidence on stage. She also credits her time training at Moonlight Stage Company with teacher Estes Tarver as incredibly influential. “He gave me so much support,” Bock explained. “That’s a big reason why so many of his students feel encouraged to pursue their dreams.”
Even with her success, Bock admits the transition wasn’t easy. Like many students stepping into something new, she faces self-doubt. “It was really hard to push through imposter syndrome,” she said. “I don’t know if I did until months into filming.” What helped her stay grounded? Remembering her roots. “Thinking about my experiences doing productions at school reminded me that were all in it together- were like a family working toward creating something meaningful.”
Bock also shared one of her biggest lessons she learned so far: the entertainment industry is unpredictable. “You just have to stay on your toes and be ready whenever a door opens,” she said. “Most of the time, there’s no way to prepare.”
From local theatre stages to a major television series, Sarah Bock’s story is a reminder that big opportunities can come when you least expect them. For Green Level students with big dreams, her journey proves that those dreams might be closer than they seem. Sarah is an extraordinary student and actress, and Green Level is proud to call her an alumnus.
