On Teaching, Making and Moving
“I can’t speak about Sammy without being deeply personal. The depth and breadth she has encouraged me to explore within myself — not just as an artist, but as a human being — are immeasurable. She has an extraordinary ability to uncover the purest essence in her students, and with great rigour and even greater love, she helps to expand that essence profoundly. In every role I take on, I draw upon the invaluable tools she has imparted, along with the clarity and discipline she instilled in me.”
— Sam Corlett, WAAPA Graduate 2018
“Sam is an incredible facilitator who embraces the inner power within people. I have been a part of these spaces where vulnerability, self-acceptance, curiosity and creativity drive the process to create heartfelt artistry, and embodiment that is authentic, true and transformative. The trust she builds within a partnership to a group of people is extraordinary. What a gem of a woman to work with and be led by.”
— Natalie Allen, Choreographer and Dancer, co-creator of ‘Julia’
“I found her to be a wonderful creative collaborator who brought expertise, vision, humour and impressive skill to the process. Her excellent relationship with the actors was inspiring as she was able to offer specific feedback that promoted a positive creative environment while encouraging the personal and professional growth of all students. She is a fine colleague and collaborator. I look forward to working with Sam again in the future.”
—Priscilla Jackman, Director
“Sam’s defining strength, I believe, is her, seemingly simple, ability to listen. Fully. … listen to the space, to the body and herself as a movement maker, to a thought, an idea, a story, a memory or a spark… having worked with Sam, learned from and with Sam for over a decade, I find that her ability to be present to her work is her true brilliance.”
—Ekrem Eli Phoenix, composer and collaborator
“Sam has an incredibly unique ability to support emerging storytellers to close the gap between where they are, and where they want to be — on their terms. In particular I have witnessed the uncompromising rigour of Sam’s practice produce ongoing ripples in each river her ethics and principles flow into. A true champion of the self-determined artist and master of her craft, any student and artist who has the privilege of learning from and collaborating with Sam is undoubtedly blessed to do so.“
— Emele Ugavule, Senior lecturer in craft and creative practice, ToTe Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: NZ Drama School
“Sam Chester taught me for three years at WAAPA through my undergraduate degree in acting, through the pandemic and through the height of the BLM movement. She not only made space for me to be and feel heard, both as a training actor and as a woman of colour, she also took on feedback and implemented it for the better of the entire, diverse cohort. Sam is committed, generous and thoroughly inspiring. She taught me the key concepts I use in my work today: to be disciplined yet open, to work in horizontality and without ego, to be in service of story, and to stand strongly in my power.”
— ‘Ana Ika, WAAPA Graduate 2021
Image: Sonya Suares