Unsung Heroes:

Sara Pirok, Citadel Theatre Education Parent

In this month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight - where we recognize those who make magic happen from behind the curtain - we honor Sara Pirok, a parent in the Citadel Theatre Education community and the proud mother of student Jack. She has long been a passionate supporter of the arts in all its forms.

Sara began her career as a ballet dancer, an experience that shaped her lifelong appreciation for performance and discipline. After a career-ending injury, she transitioned into the beauty and fashion industries, where she has spent more than twenty years developing and manufacturing products and brands. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Carter + Jane and has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and HSN, along with making hundreds of national speaking appearances. Sara credits her early dance and theatre training with helping prepare her for these opportunities in the professional world.

She has also worked as a producer and fashion director for television programming on the CW network and its syndicates, further expanding her creative and professional background across multiple industries.

Sara currently serves on the Lake Forest Country Day School Board of Trustees, where she continues to champion and support the school’s growing arts, music and theatre programs. Her commitment to arts education is deeply personal, rooted in her belief in the transformative power of creative experiences for young people.

Of all her roles, Sara often says that being a mother has been the most meaningful and most challenging. She intentionally exposed her children to the arts from a young age, and her youngest, Jack, was especially drawn to musical theatre, beginning his journey with Citadel Theatre in 2024.

Parents like Sara play a vital role in Citadel Theatre Education. Behind every student is a family investing time, encouragement and energy - helping with rehearsals at home, learning music and lines and ensuring consistent attendance and participation. This partnership between families and Citadel is a key part of what allows young performers to grow and thrive in the program.

From a parent’s perspective, Sara speaks to the impact that dedicated teachers can have on a child’s development. She shares that at Citadel, the educators not only meet students where they are, but also encourage them to take on challenges with confidence and care. She credits them with helping transform her son from a shy child lacking confidence into a young performer who is beginning to believe in his own abilities.

Sara describes Citadel’s teaching artists as deeply supportive, meeting children with patience, encouragement and high expectations, and helping them grow not only as performers but as individuals. Through that support, she has seen her son gain confidence, resilience and a belief that anything is possible.

We are proud to recognize Sara in this month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight for her ongoing dedication to the arts, her support of Citadel Theatre Education and her belief in the power of creative learning to shape young lives.adel family.