Sam Ashdown (he/him) is an actor, teacher, and audition coach. He received his MFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and BFA in Acting from Southern Oregon University. He has extensive training in the Alexander Technique and stage combat, and is experienced as a Fight Director and Stunt Coordinator. His acting work has been seen on-screen and onstage at theaters across the country. Onstage roles include playing Henry V for the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival and Hamlet for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Other regional credits include the Nashville Repertory Theatre, the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, People’s Light Theater, Northlight Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, American Players Theatre, Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Sam has taught Acting for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and recently was the Associate Artist and Apprentice Company Director for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Working as an audition coach in New York City, he has coached actors to book work at venues such as the Globe Theatre, London. In 2021, Sam became one of the founders of the short film production company, Strange Trio Productions, which aims to create stories that explore the strangeness and beauty of life. Sam is excited to be working with Project Performer and its artists!