Hometown: Glen Dale, WV
Education: GED
Select Credits:RENT (Mark, Gallery Players), Kingdom Come (Michael/Freddy, DUTF winner: best musical), Best Imitation (Landon, MITF, FestivALL, and Emerging Artists), Seussical National Tour (Cat In The Hat, dir. Marcia Milgrom Dodge, TheatreworksUSA), Featured Vocalist for Broadway Cares, National Champion in Dramatic/Humorous public speaking.
Why theater?: Some of the best advice I've ever received is, "If you can be happy doing anything else, go do that." And here I am, still in the theatre. When I was 5, I saw my older sister and her friends dancing to Rupaul's "Supermodel" in their school talent show. I looked up at my mom and said, "I WANNA DO THAT!" I've been performing on stage or in my backyard ever since.
Who do you play in Propaganda! The Musical?: I play Rookie, a young man with the innocence and naivety of a young boy...who LIVES for musical theatre. I like to think of him as a cross between Buddy the Elf, Bobby Strong, and mostly, my childhood self.
Tell us about Propaganda! The Musical: Propaganda! is an ORIGINAL, intelligently hilarious, musical comedy that tells the story of innocent Rookie being thrown into a position of world power. The show revolves around a secret government bureau that covers up political scandals. When faced with the hardest coverup to date, Rookie brings in his love of musical theatre to try and do what is best for all of mankind. Matt Webster and Taylor Ferrera (the writers/composers) have created a truly unique and insanely entertaining world for this cast to play in and for these super lucky audiences to experience. Get ready.
What is it like being a part of Propaganda! The Musical?: An absolute DREAM! I have been honored to play Rookie from the show's conception. I don't know a single actor that doesn't want to create/originate a role from the bottom up. These guys have trusted me and given me more creative freedom than I've ever received in this business. I feel lucky as hell every time I step into Propaganda rehearsals.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I have a very eclectic taste. Growing up in a small town, most of the theatre I was exposed to were the shows that everyone knows. Now, my biggest appreciation and inspirations come from things I've never seen or heard of, experimental theatre, new concepts and ideas. Also, I grew up in a big family and we have always been very close. As an actor, I often find myself pulling inspiration from my family's lives, relationships, and experiences to bring as much honesty to my work as possible.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Yeah, A ZILLION! An easy answer right now is Gabe in Next to Normal. There is just so much to explore with who and what he is. The options of how he can be portrayed are endless. The material is so drenched with emotion and beauty. Plus, I have a limited time in my career that I could play him.
What’s your favorite showtune?: HA! To listen to? To sing? To embarrassingly dance down the sidewalk to? Impossible to answer. But at this very second, I have "Die Vampire Die" from [title of show] on repeat. Can't get enough!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Another question too hard to answer with just one! Someone that always comes to mind is Emile Hirsch. He is one of my favorite screen actors. I personally feel that he is underrated. His VAST range of solid and interesting character work really resonates with me. I would kill to see what we could bring to the stage together.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: A younger Neil Patrick Harris! The title would be something like "The Hills Are Alive With Dale Sampson: The Movie Musical" (laughing!) A little shout out to those West Virginia hills and my first show as a kid, The Sound of Music.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Fantasticks! Touching and entertaining. Simple yet complex. People tend to forget about this gem.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Lately it's "We Are Golden" by Mika. I LOVE his music, especially in the summer!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Horror Movies! The good and the terrible.
What’s up next?: I'm in very early development of a new musical with a creative partner of mine, insanely talented playwright and musician, Jeremy Richter. Our ideas and concepts for the project are really special. I'm looking forward to putting a focus on that next.