ABOUT

My first role was a rock.

That’s when I first experienced what most people would call theatre. However, my mom cites the instance of my five year old self directing the other kids on the playground to act out my favorite movie including the casting and blocking, using the swinging bridge in one scene and the slide in the next. My parents saw this and signed me up for my first theatre production. Only for me to be cast as a rock. While they might have been disappointed with their camcorder video of me rolling around on the wooden community center stage, I was having the time of my life.

Early in my career, I headed many different projects including directing a production of 13 the Musical through the Port Huron Civic Theatre and a self-produced, found space production of Jack Heifner's Vanities. Since then I have been a children’s director at the Kalamazoo Civic, wrote and performed my own show, and worked as a scenic designer and artist. However my favorite experience was the pleasure of being a Teaching Artist in summer camps and outreach programs through the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. I collaborated with organizations like Communities in Schools, the Boys and Girls Club, and local community centers to teach kids the fundamentals of performance and design, sparking their creativity and helping them discover new passions. .

Over the past three years, I have been the Performing Arts Center Supervisor and Theatre Program Director for the Port Huron Area School District. Here, I direct two productions every season while coordinating and leading a 100+ team of students and parent volunteers. Additionally, I use my knowledge of theatre design to develop the production and design process while involving students on every level of design such as scenic, lighting, sound, costumes, and props design.

My main methodology in directing is to incorporate play into our discovery of the stories we want to tell. I draw back to my five year old self playing pretend on the playground with my friends. In elementary school, recess was filled with our soap-opera-esc plots and spontaneous musical numbers. That’s the origin of theatre: playing.

My journey in theatre may have started at “rock-bottom”  — although I do not think anything can live up to the joy of rolling around onstage — but my career and artistry have evolved with me. These experiences taught me the power of persistence, creativity, and care, while shaping me into a leader, mentor, and strong collaborator. Seeking out new, first-of-their-kind opportunities in my local community allowed me to explore every facet of the art form, and over time, theater evolved from a passion into my purpose. It has been a journey of growth, discovery, and connection, and every step has fueled my commitment to building inclusive, creative spaces where people of all ages can experience the magic of bringing stories to life.

It is my goal to coach, encourage, and amplify actors and artists, especially those from underrepresented communities within the theatre such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled people. I am committed to ensuring theatre is an accessible, welcoming place for all to call home and I truly believe that we can accomplish this together. So, let's create together!

-Sami Jex