Sam Johnson-Begay

He/Him
Elective Teacher

Since 2001, Sam has been involved in 180+ productions in the Midwest. With over 15 years of audio experience, Sam has been on the sound production team for well over 160 productions. He serves as the resident sound designer for Civic Theatre. Other theatre sound designs include:  Circle Theatre, GVSU Opera, Mason Street Warehouse, Actors’ Theatre, Heritage Theatre, Forest Hills Central H.S., Rockford H.S., and Victory Garden’s Green House Theatre in Chicago. Some favorite designs include Les Miserables(GRCT), Legally Blonde(GRCT), Hairspray (GRCT),Ragtime(GVSU), Spelling Bee(MSW) and Tomorrow Morning(World Debut in Chicago). Sam won a Grand Award for Outstanding Sound Design for his work on The Mousetrap(GRCT), Thoroughly Modern Millie(GRCT), and My Fair Lady(GRCT). He has taught sound design seminars for AACT Fest and local schools. Since 2010, Sam has taught students of the SRT program (now SRTI) who showed interest in sound design. Sam has benefited from his time at Civic learning much of the craft at this very theatre. He enjoys teaching because it has come full circle for him. He is now the teacher, teaching the future generations.

What inspires you?
My son, who helps keep my imagination fun and youthful. My partner, who pushes me to be better and out of my comfort zone. And this theatre community, whose collaboration unlocks the impossible.

Who is your favorite fictional character?
Neville Longbottom

What was your favorite after school snack growing up?
Oreos and Peanut Butter, also apples and caramel sauce