Directing

Sampson had the great honor of studyingdirecting under Robert Moss, founder of Playwrights Horizons, through Nazareth University where they received a BFA in Musical Theatre. At Nazareth, they directed an all student produced and performed fundraiser performance of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’ This charity production raised over $1,500 for the Golisano Children's Hospital. Also while at Nazareth, they produced and directed a series of five 10 minute plays. Those plays included ‘Traces of Memories’ by Ann Wuehler, ‘The Gas Mart Amendment’ by Nick Zagone, ‘No Such Thing’ by Douglas Hill, ‘The Wedding Story’ by Julianne Homokay, and ‘Phone Arts’ by LB Hamilton.

For the Rochester Fringe Festival, they assistant directed a devised play called ‘Wolf Tails and Stolen Footprints.’ Directed by Lindsay Reading Korth, this play followed several Grimm’s Fairy Tales, showcasing the ugliest aspects of our society and exploring our collective darkness, head-on. This production ignited a love of devised theatre.

Most recently, Sampson self directed three performances with PortFringe, ‘T4T: Theatre for Trans’ in 2023, ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ and ‘Where Grief Sits’ in 2024. All of these performances have continued to grow their skills in devised theatre.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This was Sam's first solo directing gig. He and his colleagues produced this play with music to raise money for the Golisano Children's Hospital. Not only did we raise over $1,000 for the hospital through ticket sales and consessions, but we also received countless toy donations. 

5x10 Festival: A Theatrical Event

Sam created and directed his own series including five 10-minute-plays written by 5 different playwrights, performed by 5 different casts. This was a completely student run and performed festival, taking place in the Master Family theatre.

Core Milestone Experiecne - Received an Award of Distinction from Nazareth College

Sam received a Core Milestone Experience Award of Distinction to be presented at Nazareth Colleges Creative Activities and Research Showcase. His enduring question was "How does collaboration effect art?" To attempt to answer a question, he curated an improvised performance that included music, dance, visual art, and lighting design.