Butler native to take Pittsburgh stage
Butler native Samantha “Sami” Roth has been dancing since age 2 and acting since age 5. Now 22 years old and in her last semester at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, exciting performance opportunities are already presenting themselves.
While pursuing a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting with a minor in dance, Roth simultaneously is attending rehearsals for Prime Stage Theater Company’s production of “A Wrinkle in Time” and preparing to be a dance counselor and choreographer at the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, a summer camp for aspiring performers in New York.
“In my family, I’m the first generation of an artist pursuing it as a career, and on my dad’s side I’m a first generation college student,” Roth said.
“A Wrinkle in Time” is Roth’s first professional performance contract. She said she attended a challenging dance call in January and was offered a role shortly after.
“We had to dance with sheets. Dance calls are at a quick pace; you either nail it or you don’t,” she said. “I’m working with so many people who have their (Actors’ Equity Association) cards.”
The musical is based on a novel of the same name and stars three young children. Roth said she’s enjoyed her time in rehearsal thus far.
“To be in a professional setting and treated with respect has been really rewarding. I’m just so happy; I’m at peace there,” she said. “I love children, and I work with kids. The leads are kids age 10 and two 14-year-olds. I was initiated into their squad.”
Dance, according to Roth, is in many art forms.
“Someone told me once ‘you’re a human first and an artist second.’ Dance makes me feel like I’m a human first,” she said. “I can express myself in a way that’s safe. Dance is in everything. It’s in singing; it’s in acting.”
The show will be performed at the New Hazlett Theater in Pittsburgh the weekends of March 4 and 11.
Getting hired at French Woods was much like a normal job interview process with some extra steps, Roth said.
“I went through a process like you would with a regular job, based on my art and working resume of working with children,” she said. “I sent in reels of my performances and reels of my choreography, and they liked me enough to interview me.”
Roth said she’s always loved children and worked previous summers at Grace Youth and Family Foundation in Butler. She also gives dance lessons at Mandie’s School of Dance in Butler.
“If I wasn’t in the arts, I’d be a social worker,” she said. “At camp, (students) aren’t allowed their phones, so I’m going to be a part of their lives. I get to influence their lives not just through the arts, but impersonally as well.”
The job at French Woods is likely to lead to bigger arts opportunities. Roth said some of her goals include performing on a cruise line or a touring show.
“And within the next five years, I plan to have my masters in fine arts degree,” she said.
To the next generation of aspiring artists, Roth said to never be afraid to experiment and try new things in your craft.
“I love how every generation doesn’t care about the previous generations stipulations,” she said. “Just be outside of the box. Art is supposed to make people uncomfortable and ask questions. I’d rather watch a new show that might not be perfect than watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ seven times.”
