Sam (he/him) is a puppeteer, teaching artist, and arts administrator whose work bridges tradition, innovation, and community. With a background in theater, Sam discovered puppetry by accident whileperforming. He quickly realized puppetry as a powerful medium for storytelling—one that merges craft, performance, and imagination in ways that engage audiences of all ages.
Sam’s artistry spans multiple puppetry forms, exploring themes of identity, history, and resilience. His performances have been featured in festivals, cabarets, and community events. Sam is also dedicated to creating spaces where puppeteers can connect, collaborate, and grow. As an arts administrator, he has worked to grow and develop programs that support emerging artists, expand access to puppetry education, and celebrate the diversity of voices within the field. He is closely involved with Rough House Puppet Arts and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. Sam’s puppetry practice is grounded in collaboration. He frequently partners with artists in a variety of disciplines. His vision of puppetry is expansive: one that honors its deep history while pushing it into new realms of artistic possibility.
Featured Artworks
Image from "He Worked Hard: The Story of James A. Lewis", 2024
Image by Matthew Gilson Photography
Image from "Black Episcopalian", 2025
Image by Samuel J. Lewis, II
Image from "Black Episcopalian", 2025
Image by Irene Hsiao
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Black Episcopalian, 2025
Produced by Voice of The City
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Praiseworthy, 2025
Performed at The 2025 Baltimore Crankie Festival
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He Worked Hard, 2023
Puppetry by Samuel J. Lewis, II, Noah, and Parker Maxen-Lewis
Music performed by D-Composed