BROADWAY beckons for a Rugby-born actor who is pursuing her dreams of stage stardom in New York.
Samantha Stevens started treading the boards at Rugby Theatre as a starry-eyed six-year-old.
And having been cast in an off-Broadway production of The Handmaid’s Musical – a parody concert version of The Handmaid’s Tale – she is well on her way to achieving her dreams.
Former Hillmorton Primary and Ashlawn School pupil Samantha says she got into acting so young that she doesn’t remember wanting to be on stage – she can only remember being on one.
The 28-year-old told The Observer: “My grandma introduced me to musicals, and my nan regularly took me to the ballet and pantomime too. I don’t think I’ve ever known anything different.”
She joined Warwick-based Playbox Theatre via Rugby Theatre in 1997 when she was just six, which soon led to her first role in The Red Shoes at Warwick Arts Centre.
“I don’t remember much,” she said, “except being a part of a school scene that I can only remember as being dark and scary!
“That same year I auditioned and was part of my first Rugby Theatre show, Carousel – which, to this day, remains my favorite musical of all time. I was the smallest ‘Snow Child’.”
In 1997 at the age of six, Samantha (bottom right) appeared as one of the Snow Children in Carousel, her first Rugby theatre show.Other fond memories include playing Charity in Sweet Charity, and taking part in the theatre’s Youth Projects where she “learned so much from the master performer/choreographer Janet Devenish – she taught me how to be a pro from the age of ten.”
Janet was delighted at Samantha’s success.
She said: “Samantha brought humour, confidence, pathos and assurance to the role of Charity.
“It was no surprise that she has continued to work and train within the performing arts, and her success in the US is testament to her determination and dedication.
“I know Samantha will thrive – it was clear from the first time she rehearsed a show with us that she had the bug and I wish her every possible success and happiness.”
One of Samantha’s favourite performances to date remains her role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma in 2009.
“Helen Dulcamara directed, and it was a dream cast. We became a family. I learnt that I could play the ‘funny girl’.
Samantha (front row, right of centre, in a yellow/white dress) on the Rugby Theatre stage as Ado Annie in Oklahoma in 2009.“Rugby Theatre prepared me for the professional world. You are there to do a job and tell a story – but knowing your lines and what you are ‘feeling’ is the absolute bare minimum.
“What the company created was pure magic. I will never forget it.”
Soon afterwards, aged 19, she was accepted onto the BA Honors programme at the London College of Music, so headed off to the capital.
She left London in 2016 to study Musical Theatre at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in the heart of Manhattan. After months of juggling multiple jobs, fund-raising, and winning a generous scholarship for the school, she boarded the plane – and has been flying high ever since.
“New York culturally is London, but with Americans who, for the most part, adore the Brits. Having a fabulous British accent always puts a smile on their faces!
“The Americans live, breathe and sleep their careers and passion – especially the performers. Just about everyone here is talented, so it’s what else you do that makes you stand out and book work.
“This passion and energy is what I crave, and where I finally feel like I fit in.”
Since graduating from AMDA, she has helped develop new musicals for Broadway, worked with creatives from Broadway hit show Waitress, been mentored by stars such as Eddie Korbich and Forbidden Broadway’s David Caldwell, and regularly sings in jazz clubs across the city.
For her next project, which will launch during International Women’s Month in March, she will star as main character Offred in The Handmaid’s Musical.
“I am a huge fan of the Margaret Atwood novel and TV show, so I am honored to be representing this strong, independent and kick-ass lady.”
Samantha says working in the home of musical theatre has taught her so much, and is something she has wished for since she was a little girl – but she has even higher hopes for the future.
Her ultimate career goals are to star in a Broadway show and work first-hand with Steven Sondheim. And her dream roles are Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes and – turning back the clock – Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel.
Reflecting on her fond memories of the theatre community in her home town, she concluded: “Rugby will always be home, but New York has won my heart!”
Visit www.Samantha-Stevens.com to follow her career.