Newark-trained actress from Balderton will be touring the UK and Ireland with hit musical – Hamilton
A Newark-trained actress has achieved her teenage dream as she secured a part in a smash-hit musical.
Samantha Shuma, of Balderton, will be appearing in the Hamilton UK and Ireland tour starting this November.
The actress went through seven rounds of auditions before making it to Hamilton Bootcamp — a week-long of intensive training and auditions.
Five weeks later, she got a call from her agent to say she had a part in the production’s ensemble.
“I cried tears of joy,” said Samantha.
“Hamilton was a dream show for me when I was in college. It’s one of the hardest shows to get into but hard work and self-belief pay off.”
Samantha’s passion for dancing started at the age of three at her mother’s school, Elaine Varney School of Dance.
She went on to study at Newark Academy before joining the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama.
At 16, Samantha started full-time training at MADD College in Nottingham.
“In college, I started to realise the lack of representation within the industry, which motivated me to become the role model I would have loved to have seen as a little girl, I wanted to make a difference and be a part of change in the industry,” said Samantha.
The young dancer said her mother’s dance and teaching skills were what inspired her to follow her steps and where she developed her passion
Elaine Varney said: “She always wanted to be in Hamilton, it’s a dream come true for her.
“She has done incredibly well and I am so proud and thrilled for her.”
Having achieved her teenage performing dream, Samantha said her favourite performance to date was in The Wiz at The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, where she covered the lead role of Dorothy.
“This was my first job out of college and it was a journey I’ll never forget, performing with an all-black company that celebrated black excellence, being the role model I would have loved to have seen as a little girl.
“Being a part of art that was so much more than just escapism. It was such a special show that inspired me to dream even bigger and achieve everything I thought was impossible when I was little.
“I want to keep pushing my limits, create art or be a part of art in theatre, film and TV that makes a difference and has an impact on audiences as well as myself.”