We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samuel James Pygatt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samuel James, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

This actually made me laugh because I remember vividly the first time I earned money as a creative, At the time, I was living in Harrisburg, Pa working for the Treasury Department and someone I did my first play with in Lebanon, Pa connected me with a local director who needed an extra cast member to do a staged reading at a elementary school nearby. Forgive me, but I don’t actually remember what it was about. All I remember was watching a group of about 300 10-11 year olds walk into an auditorium and before you know it I’m doing a bunch of animated chid like movements. If I remember correctly I had to read a few characters in a strange alienated voice, but they seemed to enjoy it so that made me feel like I was doing something right. I don’t think I knew I was getting paid until the director hands me a check for $100 when we were done. I honestly was in shock because I didn’t think at the time what I had done necessarily earned me $100 so it was a good feeling to know “playing” could get me some money here and there. The idea of actually making it a career out this seemed funny back then because I have never been exposed to anything like that or understood what being a professional meant. I was just doing what I had always done, but now it was in front of a public audience so that realization started to take place.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Samuel James Pygatt and I am an aspiring actor/model from Philadelphia, Pa. After living most of my life as an athlete (particularly basketball) I was encouraged by my now artistic mentor to pursue a career in modeling and theater back in 2016. I wanted to have some sort of acting foundation, which ultimately led to earning a masters degree at the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University which was completed in Spring of 2020. I have a special interest in stage work, but film and television is something I see myself doing when it’s all said and done. Most of the work I’ve done can be categorized along the lines of drama, but I do have a certain “itch” for the comedy world as well. Not necessarily stand-up comedy, but doing comedic scenes, plays or movies is something that I want to explore more of this coming year. I believe I’v done a good job crafting my resume and the projects I’ve said yes to. There’s a beautiful mixture of characters that I’ve been privileged to play allowing me to demonstrate my range as a performer. I’m not sure how other actors feel or think but I know for me that’s what you dream for.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think people just need to be more curious all together. Go to the theater, see movies that wouldn’t normally interest you. I’m not saying you have to like it, but give yourself a chance to not like it. I believe people get married to what what they like and often close themselves off to anything that doesn’t fit their personal interests. Take a chance.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding moments I’ve had being a creative took place after I walked off stage. You always get that one person in the crowd where your characters journey and words have left an certain impression on them and the appreciation and acknowledgment they give you is special because you take that home with you at the end of the night. It feels different than all the others compliments and praise you may get after a show.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: samueljamespygatt
• Facebook: Samuel James Pygatt

Image Credits
Lia Chang Sam Schmitz David Noles