AYAA ADULT Interview: Denise Simon

Thank you to Denise Simon for being our first interview of an adult person on the Arizona Young Actor's Alliance. Denise Simon is an acting coach and consultant for young performers who works a lot with young actors "to coach them without having them look coached." She has coached hundreds of kids, many who have gone on to find success on TV shows, Broadway, and on the big screen. She also writes articles for backstage.com about young actors for parents and kids. Additionally, she spends some time directing shows, acting and leading workshops; she also recently casted a film. Denise currently resides in New York. You can read more at the bottom about how YOU can be a part of one of Denise's workshops here in Arizona. 

When and why did you know you wanted a career in the arts?
When I saw the movie The Sound of Music at a very young age, I wanted to be Julie Andrews. I sang and acted out plays in my room all day long- it’s all I wanted to do. I guess it is in my DNA.

First show you ever saw? 
the Off Bway production, Curly McDimple

First Broadway show you ever saw? 
Not sure I can remember. May have been A Chorus Line 

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential? 
Recently, I saw The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. It was innovative and powerful pushing my emotional and sensory buttons.

Weirdest show you’ve ever been to? (Whether it be the nature of the show, casting decisions, etc.)
I was at a performance of Avenue Q and a woman in the audience had a psychotic outburst in reaction to the puppets. At first, the actors improvised and the audience members thought it was part of the show. She was then carried out of the theatre. Very strange.

What made you want to work with young actors? 
I have always loved children and teaching. I started teaching guitar when I was 13 years old. To support myself while beginning my own acting career, I taught acting to children and teens. It has always been very natural for me and I love when they “get it!”

How did you start writing for Backstage.com? What articles that you have written would you say are most beneficial for young actors to read?
I started blogging on my own website and because of my years of experience working with young performers, Backstage asked me to become a contributing writer for them. I have written hundreds of articles. My favorite for parents is How to support your child’s dream and why. For young performers it may be  how to audition well, how to relax and how to let go of the outcome.

(A/N: You can read Denise's articles on Backstage.com here!)

You graduated from Florida State University and graduated with a BFA in theatre. Do you think it is important for people who want to be actors, directors, set designers, etc. to go to college? 
I think getting a well rounded good education is very important for actors. The industry is looking for smart, well rounded actors  who have a unique voice and message.

What is Total Theatre Lab?
Total Theatre Lab was an acting playground for young actors- a chance for them to “work out” with other actors in scene study, monologue  work and improvisation.

What can people expect from a workshop with you? 
I teach kids how to direct themselves and ask the right questions. Audition workshops are about learning how to make strong, powerful choices and taking risks in the audition room.

Best youth production you have ever seen? 
A high school version of Les Miserables. It could have been Broadway!!!

What advice would you give to kids looking for audition songs?  
Choose something age appropriate and relatable. A nine year old should not be singing about being in love. The first time a casting director is meeting someone they want to see who this young performer is.

Picture of the cast of Midsummer Night's Dream directed
by Denise in 2013.

Advice for young performers? Be yourself. Don’t try to be who you think auditors want you to be.
On auditions? Keep your nerves at home. Stay confident. Only confident actors get hired.
On behavior? Professional, friendly and authentic.

Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen? 
Meryl Streep, JK Simmons (Whiplash), Sean Penn

Favorite plays? 
War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

Favorite musicals? 
Les Miserables, Finding Neverland, Book of Mormon

What is the best showtune of all-time? 
Now that’s tough. Probably "On My Own."  My favorite audition song for young performers is "Waiting for Life" from Once on This Island.

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?
HAMILTON

Picture of Into the Woods cast, directed by Denise in 2015.

(A/N: Aren't we all?)

Favorite movie? Gone With The Wind   
TV Show? The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I also loved 24.

Secret guilty pleasure?  
Reading People Magazine.

Personal mantra(s)? 
Master your craft, empower yourself and enjoy the journey. And…. Don’t make anyone a priority who considers you optional.

What is the key difference between auditioning for stage and auditioning for screen? 
Toning it down for film!!!!! The camera does the work. Just talk and listen.

Favorite people you have worked with? 
Charles Nelson Reilly, Burt Reynolds, Martin Sheen  and Charles Durning.

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around the country? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved? 
I am thrilled there is so much youth theatre in our country. Kids need a creative outlet and an  actor needs to act. I would like to see more teaching going on rather than direction.

Most underrated shows? 
Side Show and Merrily We Roll Along. Both are wonderful and had short runs on Broadway.

Upcoming projects/workshops/etc.? 
I am writing a book for Parents of Young Performers- how to help their young performer have a career in professional show business. The theme of the book is how to support their child’s dream and why.

Denise will be teaching two workshops at Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy this November! For more information, check out this link. Big thanks again to Denise for doing this interview for AYAA! Go take one of her workshops this November! 

AYAA Press Release: Denise Simon Workshop

Come be a part of these awesome workshops! We will be doing an interview will Denise Simon pretty soon. She is a great instructor and can really help young actors with their auditioning skills, comedy and improv! Register today!

AYAA Press Release: The Secret Garden @ Theater Works

Theater Works Brings A Magical Garden to Life in the Youth Works Production of The Secret Garden

Multi- Tony Award-Winning Musical Onstage November 6 - 22

(Peoria, AZ) Theater Works 30th Season continues with the YouthWorks production The Secret Garden opening Friday, November 6. Winner of multiple Tony Awards™, The Secret Garden is a captivating story, brought to life with enchanting music and wondrous lyrics, based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. When Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj, is orphaned, she is sent back to England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son, Colin. There she discovers a neglected, magical secret garden. Through her care and love, she brings new life to the garden and to her new home. Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman, Music by Lucy Simon.

Director Chris Hamby says, "The cast of The Secret Garden is full of some of the most talented youth. Their vocal and acting abilities are on par with many adult actors. It is my pleasure to be working with them to create one of the most memorable productions of the Youth Works program.” Chris Hamby serves as Theater Works’ Education and Outreach Director, as well as the puppetry director for the Puppet Works program.  Most recently Chris directed the award winning productions of A Year With Frog and Toad, The Tales from the Arabian Nights, and Avenue Q: School Edition for YouthWorks. This season he is excited to direct The Secret Garden, Charlotte's Web and his original musical Twilight's Quest.

The Secret Garden will be on stage at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts November 6 –22, 2015. The Youth Works 2015-16 season continues with Charlotte’s Web, the third production this season based on a beloved book which takes the stage from March 4 – 20. The Youth Works season concludes with an original production written by Hamby, Twilight’s Quest.

Tickets for The Secret Garden are now on sale. General admission tickets are just $15. The production takes place in the Gyder Theater of the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts (8355 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345). To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works and the Youth Works productions, contact the Box Office at (623) 815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

“Secret Garden, The” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Theater Works, at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is entering its 30th season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley.  As a destination, it features more than 200 events a year including: live theater, classical concerts, jazz, popular music, dance, comedy, cultural events, festivals, youth and adult education classes and much more.  Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  

Are you a theatre interested in having show or audition info on the AYAA website? Shoot me an e-mail at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com!

AYAA Interview: LJ Deacon

LJ Deacon is a young actor from Mesa, AZ who started out with Westwood High School Theatre. He participated in Much Ado About Nothing as Don John and I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Superior Rating - AZ Acting Festival). Subsequently, LJ decided to audition for his first community theatre show at East Valley Children’s Theatre for their summer show and landed his first lead role, Jacob in Arya’s Rock a Video Game Adventure (and won an AriZoni!!) He is currently working on his next show To Kill a Mockingbird as Dil at Zao Theatre.  He also recently visited Utah in early October to participate in the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival, where he played Bottom/Pyramus in Midsummer Night's Dream

LJ has experienced a blessed and incredibly start to his acting career and can't wait to see what happens next! He has a long way to go!

Full Real Legit Name

LJ Deacon

Where were you born?

Mesa, AZ

When and why did you start performing?

I've always been interested theater but I just started this year (2015). It's been the greatest time ever, meeting the greatest people in the world. Getting involved with theatre is the greatest decision I have ever made.

First show you ever saw?

I honestly think I have to say Nice Work If You Can Get It -- which I totally want to say is a lie because that was only in March of 2015.

First Broadway show you ever saw?

Nice Work If You Can Get It. It was absolutely amazing and still my favorite.

LJ hanging out with some friends from Westwood High's
Drama Club.

You are pretty heavily involved with the theatre program at Westwood High School in Mesa. Why do you think high school theatre is important for young actors and actresses?

High school theatre is such a great thing if you are looking in getting into acting. Joining high school theatre was the best decision of my life. I absolutely love everyone in my theatre department and I want to thank my wonderful teacher, Jeana Whitaker, for all she has done for this theatre department; I have no idea where I’d be in life without her.

This year, Westwood is putting on the HUGE production of Big Fish. Do you think you will be apart of the show? 

I absolutely hope so! I hope to be cast as Don Price or Zacky Price. I can’t wait for this show and I will definitely be apart of the show, whether it is on or off stage or BOTH!

LJ as Jacob in EVCT's Arya's Rock. (2015)

You won an AriZoni Award for East Valley Children’s Theatre’s production of Arya’s Rock. What was that experience like? How does it feel to win a Zoni?

Working with EVCT was an absolutly blast and I enjoy the professionalism. Winning an AriZoni Award is something I could only dream of. I never expected this to happen, but of course I’m incredibly grateful and blessed. I could not have done it without this wonderful cast and crew.

Right now, you are currently playing Dil in Zao Theatre’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird. What is it like bringing such an iconic character to life?

It’s definitely going to be a challenge; some people are going to expect the same Dil they see in the movies, or described as in the book. But yet I’m so excited to portray such a loveable character. It's going to be a whole lot of fun!

You participate in a lot of straight plays (Arya’s Rock, To Kill a Mockingbird, Much Ado About Nothing, etc.) What do you get out of straight plays that you don’t get out of musicals? Why do you think more places concentrate on musicals and not straight plays?

My lack of vocal talent is why I've stayed away from musical auditions. Musicals are something I'm totally interested in and wish I could do! Musicals are bigger, better, and more fun!

Dream role?

Jack in Into The Woods.

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?

It would be an absolute honor to be with Hale. I'm also very interested in being apart of AYT and VYT

LJ in a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream with
Westwood's Advanced Acting class. The students
competed with this scene at the Utah Shakespeare
Festival in October. (2015)

Weirdest show you’ve ever been to? (Whether it be the nature of the show, casting decisions, etc.) 

Hamlet [at Southern Utah University]. Every gender was switched, but I thought it was amazing!

Best youth production you have ever seen?

AYT’s Bonnie & Clyde!

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

Make connections! Never settle for less than your best! Always act professional, be prepared, and make everyone love you! STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!

Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?

I totally love Leonardo DiCaprio; he is everything I aspire to be.

I also very much appreciate the local actors for all their wonderful talent and hard work.

Favorite play?

The Curious Savage

Favorite musicals?

Into the Woods, and NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT!

What is the best showtune of all-time?

EVERYTHING FROM NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?

The Book of Mormon.

Favorite TV Show?

Breaking Bad will forever be the best and my favorite TV show.

Secret guilty pleasure?

When someone gives me a free comp ticket.

Personal mantra(s)?

“I need Jesus”

Performer you would die to perform with?

Mariah MacFarlane

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it?

I love the support and the professionalism. I love all the opportunities offered to our young talented actors.

LJ as Jacob in EVCT's Arya's Rock. (2015)

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?

I plan to stay in the acting industry. Making it big isn't my concern; it's doing what I love and making a living from it.

Upcoming projects?

Other than To Kill a Mockingbird, as of now, I have NO idea. But can't wait to see what the future holds.

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with

Joey J Grado, DUH!
{interviewer's note: don't we all just want to perform with/be in the presence of Joey?}

You can catch LJ as Dil in Zao Theatre's production of To Kill A Mockingbird from October 30th to November 14th! More info about TKAM can be found here! Thank you to LJ for taking time to do this interview. As someone who just recently got into theatre, he showcases that you don't need to be performing from birth to find success in the theatre community.

Broadway World Phoenix Nominations: Nominate all your favorite people!

Go to this link to nominate people for the Broadway World Phoenix Awards. There are categories for acting, directing, choreography, technical design, production design -- much like the categories for the NYAs or the AriZonis! The categories are also divided into professional, non-professional and youth. Shows are eligible if they opened between October 2014 and September 2015.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/2015nominations.cfm

If you don't know the name of someone and it isn't on the theatre's website, two good places to look for that info: 1) Phoenix Stages 2) Talkin' Broadway reviews

Nominations close on October 31st so you still have time. Let's celebrate Arizona artists!

AYAA Contest: We have some winners!

Hi everyone!

First, big thanks to Sarah Davidson for taking care of the website this week while I was busy touring colleges. If you haven't already, go read her post on being in the ensemble.

Main business today: We have some winners for the Theater Works contest. Thank you to everyone who entered. The little flash BuzzFeed quiz was a huge hit, so I will probably do something like that again for later contests. Thank you to Chris Hamby and Theater Works for donating the tickets to AYAA to run this contest. Anyway, the winners of the contest are:

Sarah Davidson: MasterWorks
Kristen Karas: YouthWorks
India Chudnow: PuppetWorks

I will be getting in touch with the three of you so I can send the tickets your way! Thank you to everyone who entered.

I'm Always in the Ensemble. Am I That Bad?

Hi guys! Okay, so I have been asked to make this post because it is something that I know a lot of people go through.

Ever since I've been doing shows, I've only been cast in the ensemble besides about 3 shows (I've been Jack's Mother in Into the Woods Jr, Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek, and Roxanne Minors in an original production of Sweet and Innocent with school). When I originally started out theatre, I never really planned on being a lead role because I never had the confidence for it. As time progressed and I had completed my third or fourth show, began private voice lessons, joined choir, and the school drama club, I felt I had everything it needed to carry a whole show, but something was missing. I was continuously being cast in the ensemble.

As you could guess, this began to take a toll on my confidence and my wanting to do shows. It sounds silly, but everytime I was cast in the ensemble, I felt knocked down and defeated. I had confided in friends about how I was feeling, but I would always get the same response: Just wait for that one show. It took me a while to understand what they meant, but I put two and two together and realized that they were saying that I needed to audition for that one show that the casting panel would see me as the lead, cast me, and I would be cast as leads for every show after that.

This never really settled with me. I always thought I was auditioning for the show that I thought I would be perfect for, the shows everyone telling me I would be perfect for, but never the show the director saw me as perfect for. After the tenth time of auditioning and being cast as the ensemble, I had to sit myself down and think about what I was doing wrong. I had always thought it was because I did or said something wrong in auditions, wore the wrong dress, or something that I could've changed. That was never the problem. The problem wasn't the casting panel, directors, my lack of experience, or anything like that. The reasons I wasn't getting cast were out of my control.

A main reason for casting someone is the way they look. It's not like "We only cast people with blonde hair, green eyes, under 120 lbs, and who have studied dance since they were a fetus," no. I once auditioned for a show, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and auditioned for Esmeralda. For those who don't know, Esmeralda is not a 5'10, red hair, blue eyed girl with freckles. I couldn't comprehend that, so when the cast list came out, you could imagine I was pretty devastated. But why was I? I obviously didn't look like a gypsy from the late 1400's. I was upset for no reason since I was cast in the show anyways and it was nominated for five or six ariZoni Awards.

Another main reason for casting is the way you sound. Let's say, if you're auditioning for Ursula in The Little Mermaid and your vocal range is a C3-C5 and your voice sounds like Snow White. You can probably figure out why you weren't cast. Having a vocally accurate cast is very important. You don't want a cast that has the sound all wrong. What would it feel like if you saw a show, let's say Jersey Boys, and Frankie Valli was played by Avi Kaplan of the Pentatonix? The whole show would be wrong.

Then there are smaller reasons for casting like age, theatre seniority, school seniority, conflicts, precasting, promised parts, and favoritism, but that's a post for another day.

I've also heard the phrase, "The ensemble is the most important part." I, personally, don't think this is true. Not in every show, does the story rely on the ensemble. I've been in a few shows where if the ensemble wasn't there, the story would still go on with out a hassle. Now, I'm not saying that the ensemble is irrelevant. What I have always believed is the best place to grow is the ensemble. I would not be able to tell you where I would be without my many shows in the ensemble. Each show I have done, has always taught me something different, new, and unique. I will forever appreciate what my time in the ensemble has taught me. Now, I may perpetually be in the ensemble, and I would be 100% okay with that. I would be okay with that because being in the ensemble provides me with the chance to perform and performing is what I love to do.

With all of this in mind, you can grow as a person and performer. I still have to remind myself of these factors when I go into auditions. The only thing you can do when you go into an audition is be positive, do the best you can, and leave with a smile on your face knowing that you took a risk and you exposed yourself to being the most vulnerable you can be. So take each audition and ensemble role with stride, and never stop trying.

Thank you for letting my take care of this blog this week and making everything hassle free! Share this post and more importantly, this blog with your friends! Make this page explode!
                                                                                                                                -Sarah Davidson

Guest Poster - Sarah Davidson

Hi guys! Since Mackenna is gone for the week, she has bestowed upon her humble servant to keep a look out on this website! To let ya'll know that I'm not the most unqualified for this job, here are some things about me:

• My name is Sarah Davidson and I've been best friends with Mackenna for about a year and a half
• I've been doing theatre since I was 12 and I have no plans of stopping soon
• I'm a 17 year-old senior at Red Mountain High School
• I have been apart of every aspect of theatre (actor, set crew, run crew, stage manager, assistant director, prop master, you name it)
• I'm absolutely in love with this website and what it stands for
• I'm madly in love with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and chicken nuggets
• I push boundaries by eating in costume (scandalous, I know)
• My car breaks down about every 2-3 weeks day
• When I'm not in rehearsal, I'm at school doing something for choir

That's all there is to know about me and hopefully you trust me with the handling of this website for the time being that Mackenna is gone!

                                                                                               -Sarah Davidson

AYAA Interview: Sam Primack

Sam Primack

Today's AYAA Interview (#3) is with Sam Primack. Sam is a burgeoning young actor in Arizona. His very first role was as “Royal Trumpeter #4” and “The Hen” in a production of “Into The Woods, Jr.” at the Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale.  Cast members had to be at least five years old, but "my mom begged them to let me audition even though I was only four." Sam was nominated for an AriZoni award for playing Woodstock in Snoopy! at Greasepaint Youtheatre at age 7 and has won 5 total NYA Awards. He has attended Stagedoor Manor in New York for the past 5 summers and has won several acting awards at Stagedoor.  (Favorite roles at Stagedoor: The Tinman in The Wiz(2015) and Willard in Footloose (2014) as well as being a featured dancer/performer in the premiere of In The Heights (2013.)  Sam also went to six callbacks and was in the finals for the role of Ralphie in the Broadway production of A Christmas Story, but then he unfortunately grew two inches during the callbacks and ultimately wasn’t able to play the role since the character had to be under five feet.

He was in a production at Childsplay Theatre called “The Color of Stars” when I was in 5th grade.  Since it’s all adults and they rehearse during the day, I could only attend school in the morning for several weeks while we were in rehearsals.  "It was during tech week for “The Color of Stars” that I found out I was in the finals for Pugsley in 'The Addams Family Tour.'"  D. Scott Withers was also in that production and was in finals for the Catch Me If You Can National Tour and "we were both flying back and forth to NYC for our callbacks during that show.  We both got the parts and were on tour at the same time!" Sam is definitely a prominent young actor in the Valley and we all can't wait to see what big things are in his future.

Full Real Legit Name

Samuel Zachary Primack

Where were you born?

Phoenix, Arizona

What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Pets?

I have two siblings: a sister: Lauren, 12, and brother, Aidan, 7. I also have two dogs, both golden retrievers named Cosmo and Zoey.

When and why did you start performing?

My mom says I have been performing ever since I could talk, I always used to do puppet shows in my room. After I saw my first live show when I was 4, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

First show you ever saw?

Aladdin Jr. at Desert Stages

First Broadway show you ever saw?

The revival of Grease with Max Crumm

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?

After I saw Max Crumm [in Grease on Broadway], an Arizona native, star on Broadway, I realized that someone who lived in Arizona all of his life and had done community theatre, could make it on Broadway.

Favorite show you’ve ever been in?

The Addams Family National Tour

Sam in Into the Woods at Valley Youth
Theatre (2015)

And if your favorite isn’t one, favorite youth show? Why?

Into the Woods at Valley Youth Theatre. The cast, crew, and creative team were all so amazing and that really helped make for a really magical and special show.

Most challenging acting experience? Why?

The Laramie Project at Spotlight Youth Theatre. When you are given an opportunity to be in a play like The Laramie Project, you have to push your boundaries and the cast, and amazing director Kenny Grossman helped me to really get into my characters (I had to play a few different characters in that show) and I learned so much during that time.

You were in an episode of The League on FX! What was that experience like? How did it differ from your stage experiences?

The League was one of my all time favorite experiences I have ever done. The shoot was only for one day, which was a lot different from the five to six week productions that I had done in the past. One of the hardest differences for me was the way you have to talk while filming. In theatre, directors want you to project and be loud, while in film, directors want you to be natural and subtle, so that change was interesting.

You also had the opportunity to perform as Pugsley Addams in the national tour of Addams Family the Musical. What was that experience like? How did you get the role?

Sam and the rest of his spooky family in the Addams Family
National Tour

The Addams Family was an incredible experience for me, and to be able to do something like that at a young age was amazing. I was browsing online one day and saw that they were casting the role and the auditions were that next week, so I sent in an audition video to the casting directors. They had me come to New York for a final callback and two months later, I got the job!

How does it feel to be an NYA Artist of the Year? (Junior Division)

It feels outstanding to be an NYA Artist of the Year in this amazing year. This past year, I have been given some amazing roles and I have really been challenged. I am so grateful for an organization like the NYAs for recognizing all the incredible talent that is in Arizona and all over the country.

Do you think 13 really speaks to the experience of being a 13 year old? What was playing Evan like in Theater Works production?

When I turned 13, I was nervous that there were not going to be many parts for me now that I was not a little boy, but I also was not a true teenager, I was somewhere in between. I am so happy that Theatre Works decided to put on an amazing show like 13. Evan and I had so much in common and that really made the whole experience so great. (I had my real bar mitzvah less than a year before I played the role!)

You have been in quite a few shows based on children’s stories -- Flat Stanley, Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach (currently) -- with Valley Youth Theatre. Do you enjoy in performing in these sorts of show? Why do you think it's so popular to take children’s stories to the stage?

Sam in Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat at
Valley Youth Theatre (2015)

Yes, I love doing shows for children. My favorite joy as an actor, is to see a child’s face light up when they see their favorite character come alive onstage and in person. It gives me such a good feeling to know that they will remember this experience forever.

Favorite character you got to play this year?
Jack in Into the Woods at Valley Youth Theatre

Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)

Sophia Drapeau in Into the Woods who played Jack’s Mother.

Dream role?

Pippin in Pippin

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn?

My favorite costume I have ever worn was Flat Stanley. Me and Karol Cooper, the amazing costume designer, worked very hard in creating the illusion of me being flat and I really loved the final product.

Best youth production you have ever seen?

Pippin at Greasepaint Youth Theatre

What is your go-to audition song?

Larger Than Life from My Favorite Year

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

If you are very passionate about theatre, or even the arts, do all the opportunities that come your way.  You won’t regret any of them because they are all learning experiences.

Favorite actors and actresses?

I love Brian D’Arcy James.

Favorite plays?

I love the Laramie Project

Favorite musicals?

Pippin

What is the best showtune of all-time?

I love Moving Too Fast from The Last 5 Years

Sam in The Wiz at Stagedoor Manor in New York
(2015)

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?

I would love to see Hamilton.

Favorite TV Show?

I am a huge Survivor fan

Performer you would die to perform with?

Brian D’Arcy James

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it?

I love how many community theatres are in Arizona and the variety of theatres that are open to everyone.   Our state is unique in the amount of community theatres that we have.

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?

Yes I would love to go to college and continue acting professionally

Sam is currently Earthworm in Valley Youth Theatre's James and the Giant Peach which runs from October 9th to October 25th. Get your tickets today to see Sam and his amazing cast perform!

Also, I just put out quite a few interviews to winners of AriZoni awards, so fingers crossed, I will have more interviews up in the coming weeks.