The Actor
Michael Sams
Actor / Writer
Having performed in a range of comedic roles and iconic projects for Full Throttle and Theatre iNQ, Michael Sams is well-known in the local arts scene. You may have seen him in The Lesson by Eugene Ionesco, which was presented as part of last year’s Three Courses In Theatre. Or perhaps he is familiar from the outdoor theatre experience Astronomical, which was the culmination of a script development process he was invited to participate in as an actor. Or maybe you were in the audience for The Crucible, which won several awards in 2014.
When a story is told with passion, truth, honesty and understanding, it comes alive.
For Michael, what lifts a theatre-going experience from ordinary to extraordinary is when everyone involved commits to a shared vision.
“When a story is told with passion, truth, honesty and understanding, it comes alive,” Michael says. “When all contributors believe in the piece and are enjoying the experience, audience engagement flows naturally.”
Michael is currently in rehearsal for Waiting for Godot, which is on at the Courthouse Theatre from 2 to 12 August. Married to a trained actor like himself, Michael says he and his wife Anna are dedicated to fostering a love of the arts in their children, Hunter (11) and Hollie (8). Both Hunter and Hollie have acted on the stage and enjoy playing instruments and singing.
“Townsville’s theatre/arts scene is vibrant, eclectic and supportive, with plenty to see and do,” Michael says. “There truly is something for everyone.”
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TOP 5 ARTS EXPERIENCES
01 Courthouse Theatre
This is Full Throttle’s base and is centrally located in the city. They produce a wide range of theatre, music events and children’s theatre.
02 Riverway Arts Centre
A great venue, both from performer and audience member perspectives. I’ve performed there in many productions, including four of my own short plays in the Festival of One Act Plays (an annual event).
03 Civic Theatre
This is where you’ll find the big touring shows, interstate and international stand-up comics, local musical theatre extravaganzas and other big events such as festivals.
04 School of Arts
DanceNorth’s home, this is a space that can accommodate equally well for small intimate shows and larger-scale productions. I’ve seen some very impressive dance and movement pieces staged here. I’ve also performed here for the Townsville contribution to the international Short ‘n’ Sweet competition.
05 Shakespeare Under the Stars
This annual event produced by TheatreiNQ is an absolute must on the Townsville theatre calendar. Every September sees Queens Gardens transformed into the setting for a wonderfully entertaining night out.