We recently connected with Samantha Ginn and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Most recently, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on was directing a play called “Stellaluna” starring all actors with disabilities. This play was based off the beloved children’s book written by Janell Cannon. The script was then adapted by Aleta Barthell to fit the needs of each actor. All of the puppets and costumes in the play were made by designers with neurodiversity as well.

This project was funded by the C.A.C. (California Arts Council) and was taken on tour to 8 different schools around San Diego County. Each actor in the performance was paid for their work. The school tour was a great success and many students at the school sites gained a deeper awareness of what inclusion looks like. A film company in Nashville, TN (BluStar Productions) got word of this project and they decided to make a documentary about the experience. The documentary, “Extraordinary Character” will be released in Fall 2023.

The entire process was so magical because I got to see firsthand how inclusion not only impacts an individual, but an entire community. Students with disabilities in the audience got to see themselves represented onstage. It was a powerful experience for so many people.

Samantha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Samantha Ginn and I am an actress, director, writer, and Inclusion Specialist. My mother was an incredible Special Education Teacher, and at a young age I would volunteer in her classrooms. Throughout my life, my main two passions have been performing/creating theatre and also working with people with disabilities. I studied acting at Sonoma State University. After I graduated in 2006, I worked as an aide in a severely handicapped preschool classroom for 10 years while I would perform at night. In the classroom, I noticed how so many students would light up when theatre, music, or art was integrated in the classroom. So in 2016, I decided to take a leap of faith, leave the school district, so I could start creating inclusive theatre opportunities around San Diego. I have consulted with La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, New Village Arts, Moxie Theatre, North Coast Rep Theatre School, and Inclusion Films. My mission is to help theaters learn how to include people with disabilities into their programs and performances.

At New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad, CA I started “Monday Night Live” (a sketch comedy and improv class geared for people with neurodiversity). That program grew into producing summer staged productions that were fully inclusive. Past shows include; The Little Prince, Secret Superheroes, The Great, Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog, Stellaluna, and The Mechanicals. In 2023, we took “Stellaluna” on a tour around San Diego to 8 school sites. I also created a program at New Village Arts called “The MainStage Players” where actors with neurodiversity get paid cameo roles in the MainStage productions. Currently, I still teach classes at New Village Arts, primarily scene study classes for professional actors with neurodiversity and seniors. New Village Arts is an example of a “yes and” theatre and they have created a truly inclusive theatre company.

Currently, I am Freelancing and enjoying creating theatre with people with neurodiversity all over San Diego. Right now, I am teaching “Theater Saves the Sea” on the beach with other expressive arts therapists. We take recyclable materials we find on the beach and make sets and costume pieces out of them. I also coach these performers in how to create an original script based off their own ideas. We perform our final show right on the beach free for the community.

I feel like human beings all have a need to find a sense of belonging. I am proud to look back and see how many programs I’ve created that gave people the opportunity to find a space where they belong and to feel like they could express their most authentic self. Theatre is transformative that way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The pandemic was a very tough time for myself, and for many individuals in the disability community. Zoom has its perks, but it’s not accessible for every human. We are wired for community and connection and it’s hard to feel that sense of connectedness when we are on a computer screen. I remember feeling really defeated during the pandemic. A show I was directing was about to open and we had to close right before our first preview. Theatres were shut down. Jobs were cancelled. I had to go on unemployment and move back home with my parents. I felt a sense of hopelessness without my people and creative expression. Creativity is a human need, not just a hobby.

I remember what got me through these hard times was watching a lot of comedy. From watching stand-up, to old reruns of Seinfeld, to “Tommy Boy” on repeat. It was laughing that helped me heal. It inspired me with an idea. One day I thought, “What if I met with some of my students 1:1 outside and we created our own Late Night style YouTube show that was funny and reported good things happening?” From that one thought came the creation of “Late in the Day with Reid and Friends.” It’s a show where some individuals with neurodiversity each have their own unique segment: Reid is the host and writes an opening monologue packed with jokes, Ethan has a taste for travel so he takes us to places around the world, Rachel gives us Celebrity Gossip, Kevin the Baker shows us how to cook some yummy treats, and Brendan gives us the scoop on events around San Diego County. We even had the local band, Jungle Poppins (all band members with autism) record an original intro song. The show was a huge hit and it brought joy to many people. We produced an episode once a month during the pandemic. It helped us feel connected and purposeful during a challenging time.

During the dark times, I try to remember to tap into the three C’s: creativity, community, and comedy.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the power you have to change the frequency of the planet. Through my craft, I can intentionally decide to bring light and love to others. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing an audience walk away from a play feeling more elevated than they did before it started. Storytelling has the ability to impact and transform lives and there is nothing I would rather do than be apart of something so magical.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.newvillagearts.org
• Youtube: Late in the Day with Reid and Friends

Image Credits
Jason Sullivan: Photographer