In this episode, which is hopefully the first of many, we talk about how a strong director's concept of a well-known play can breathe new life into it and reveal themes and aspects of the play that were previously unnoticed or unexplored. And how you can even do this without changing a single word of the script. We're calling this "When the Production is the Adaptation."

We're beginning with Sam Hull's 2003 post-apocalyptic, punk goth production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Yes, you read that right.

In this episode, Sam reveals:

• How he even came up with a post-apocalyptic, punk goth Crucible and why he thought a small, Catholic, liberal arts college in rural Minnesota was a great place to mount it.
• The pushback and ultimate success the production received
• When he thinks a play should be produced "as written" and when it's time to mix it up
• Why he founded a national non-profit for women artists and athletes

And more!

About Our Guest

Sam Hull is the Founder, Managing Artistic/Executive Director of ARTemis Arts a national non-profit that empowers female artists and athletes. Creatively Sam is a professional director, teacher, designer, creative consultant, acting coach and performer. He has directed award winning productions both on stage and in film, won numerous design awards and has appeared as a performer in over 60 productions including Opera, stage, film, and TV. His work in Las Vegas includes contracts as Assistant Show Director and as a Lead Director. He has also directed for Sabre Latin America both in Miami and Orlando, Florida. Sam has worked internationally in Canada and Russia. Nationally he has collaborated with Universal Studios, Disney World, and regionally with Artists Repertory Theatre, Van port Square Studios, Staged!, Running Deer Films, Hot flash Films and the Portland Area Theatre Alliance (PATA) where he served on the Board of Directors as the Auditions Coordinator. He was a professor of Theatre for 18 years and has taught at the University of Florida, St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict, Rollins College, the University of Central Florida, Pacific University, and The Art Institute of Portland in addition to others. Sam has presented at the American Theatre of Higher Education conference in New York City and Vegas and serves as an international consultant to the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance in Vancouver, BC. Sam holds an MFA from the University of Florida and two Bachelors from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Sam has built his career on producing, directing and reinventing artistic opportunities for women. He encourages women to look beyond the limitations set by the industry and find new and exciting methods of communicating with the world at large. His primary mission is to raise the awareness of limited opportunities for women in the arts/sports, with a goal of advancing the individual and creating outlets and partnerships for women in the professional and educational arenas.

Connect with Our GuestSam Hull's Website
ARTemis Arts' Website
Buy the ARTemis Arts Wisdom Anthology

Connect with host Melissa Schmitz101 Stage Adaptations
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