Sam has been working in the live entertainment industry since the age of 14. His wide and varied career has given him the opportunity to work in animation, television, film, stadium concert events, opera, cabaret, dance, musicals and repertory theatre.
In 1989, Sam took a work experience placement as a stagehand for Jack Watling Productions, one of the world’s last remaining weekly repertory theatre companies. He soon became a paid member of the team and by the age of 16, had become their stage manager. He went on to become the company’s production and technical manager, overseeing almost 50 productions.
In 1996, Sam took a degree in stage management and lighting design at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he undertook work with companies such as S4C, the BBC Concert Orchestra, St David’s Hall and the Welsh National Opera.
After completing his degree, Sam took up a post as lighting designer and production technician for Taffix Solutions in Brunei. This gave him the opportunity to produce lighting designs utilising state-of-the-art equipment for some of the world’s leading international artistes. The post also involved a large amount of consultancy on new projects as well as the design and installation of new venues.
In 2000, Sam looked to diversify his career and moved into the field of education in order to help groom the next generation of theatre practitioners. For seven years, he taught Drama and Theatre at two prestigious independent schools in the UK and in Malaysia, whilst also maintaining a foothold in the profession as a prolific lighting and production designer.
Sam has also worked as Technical Director for Bali’s largest live events production company. From such diverse projects as 5-day long wedding celebrations to the Asian Beach Games, Bali has given Sam a whole new range of skills to add to his portfolio.
Sam has boundless enthusiasm for live theatre in every form and he relishes the opportunity of sharing his enthusiasm with the students of SOTA.