86
Samantha for two years. “Even outside of
her talent, she is a kind, respectful, happy
and sweet little girl.”
When not “in character,” Samantha is
unpretentious, almost reserved. But
when it comes to acting, she goes for it
100 percent, unselfconsciously aiming
to completely transform herself. When
she landed the role she wanted - the
evil stepmother - in Woodland’s spring
performance of Cinderella, it was ironic,
according to her family and instructors.
Evil is such a far cry from what Samantha
is, but she played the part and did a great
job, they said. The chance to be someone
else is exactly why Samantha likes acting,
she said. Of her role in Cinderella she
noted, with a huge grin, “I actually got to
be mean.”
Leadership Qualities
Because musical theater is Samantha’s
passion, and Broadway is her goal, she’s
motivated to work hard, said Kristy. After
being given the lyrics to “One Jump
Ahead” a week prior to her audition,
Samantha watched the Alladin movie
segment several times, learned the lines
and practiced “all day long.”
“She’s self-driven and likes being given
responsibilities,” Kristy said. “She takes
any chance to be a leader.” In fact,
Samantha took it upon herself to ask her
instructor if she could help out in her sixyear
old sister Audrey’s jazz class.
Now she devotes an hour a week to
being the teacher’s assistant. According
to Hernandez, Samantha participates
fully and eagerly, has a great smile and
is always prepared. Thus, she is a role
model for other kids in her own class.
“In every class, there are always a
few leaders, kids with a certain level
of maturity and a positive attitude”
Hernandez said. “She’s a great example
to others.” Danielle DeJesus, the director
of the entire academy, agrees.
“She is sweet as can be,” DeJesus
said. “She’s very committed to learning
her lines and she has good insight
into characterization. She was a bit
Samantha as Toulouse in Aristocats