UTS Macbeth 2024
Testimonials
JULIA SEVIGNY
Actor,
Young Macduff
As someone who had no stage fighting experience going into our show, I wasn't really sure how it would go. Sam, however, made me feel instantly safe, comfortable, and confident in my ability to learn what I needed to in order to create a performance I was proud of. He was not only knowledgeable about combat techniques and gifted at choreographing evocative scenes, but incredibly professional and a delight to work with. Our show wouldn't have nearly as cool or fun without him, and I'd love to work with him more in the future.
ROSE CHAMPION
Actor,
Lady Macbeth
Sam brings such an amazing and friendly energy into teaching fights! He’s very experienced and trustworthy. I went from a beginner to someone who can do fights efficiently and safely. Super great teacher and fun to work with!
MATEA HOULE
Ass. Stage Manager
Although I wasn't doing any actual fighting myself, watching Sam work with the actors was just as informative! He really understands how to make actors feel safe and prepared, which is the such a necessary foundation for a realistic looking fight scene. Our scenes for Macbeth are a real highlight of the show!
OSAZE ASUEN
Actor, Banquo
Sam made for a very safe and productive work environment. It was so clear that he knew what he was doing, and he always made sure that we knew the safest way to go about doing it. He was ready to adjust when confronted with obstacles, and made the experience super fun! I would definitely work with him again!
CHANCE KELLY
Actor, Macbeth
Sam is an absolutely incredible fight director. From the get go he took things slow and made sure our bodies were ready and confident to take on the physical challenges of fight choreography.
After that important step, his written instructions had such a clear vision before we had even tried anything, and was so tied into the intention and purpose of the scene that nearly every movement made perfect sense. For the moves that didn’t work because of a lack of comfort or ability, Sam always put the actor’s safety first and adjusted his direction on the spot to something everyone could be happy with. I cannot recommend him enough, he is a wonderful asset to any production.
Sam gave me the most engaging, most logical, and in all honesty, coolest looking fight choreography I’ve had in my whole career.
LARK PETERSON
Actor, Murderer
Working with Sam was an absolute delight. From the get go, his clear love for the craft was apparent. I was excited but apprehensive before my first day of direction and he instantly made me feel welcome, safe, and supported. He initiated conversations quickly about how best to meet me where I was with physical disabilities/injuries and reworked his choreography when needed to make sure that I could still have my moments to shine.
The energy in the room was consistently positive and constructive, even as we worked through some incredibly visceral and emotionally challenging choreography. He did a very good job of keeping us safe physically and emotionally. I’m leaving this production actively looking to get more involved in stage combat because he fostered such a love of it in me. I’d never felt that confident and capable onstage and am so thrilled I got to have the experience of working with Sam.