Donna Sheridan
Mamma Mia! · 2018
The fierce, free-spirited heart of the show, a leading lady who runs her own world and still aches for love.
live, in color
Samantha
Samantha
Turner
SingerStage actorMentor
A versatile performer who can walk into any room and make it her own. Samantha has never been afraid to explore new arenas, yet her heart always finds its way back to the same place: the artistry of the stage.
in her own words
The girl who fell for the spotlight at ten, and never looked away.
Samantha Turner is a Chicago artist who thrives on range. She is a quick study and an easy fit in any room, never afraid to pivot toward something new. But ask her where she feels most alive, and the answer never changes: on a stage, telling a story in song.
Her stage work spans the full range of the American theatre: strong, independent leading ladies, gospel-belting pop-opera characters, and the kind of beloved children's-theatre creatures that send a whole audience home grinning.
Some of her favorite work has been made alongside her sister, Kendra Turner: tight two-part harmonies, a duet on "Our Prayer" from The Color Purple, and sharing the Mamma Mia! stage as Donna and Tanya.
She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from Indiana University South Bend's Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, after studying at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago. Along the way she trained behind the scenes too, including a professional internship at Chicago's historic Goodman Theatre.
"Strong, independent women deserve to be vulnerable, too. To need love, and to sing about it."
It started at age ten, watching a touring production of The Lion King, and the spark has never dimmed. The stage is still her first love. Close behind it is a gift for guiding others: she coaches students through their collegiate journeys and cheers on anyone chasing a dream of their own.
BFA Musical Theatre · IU South Bend
Goodman Theatre intern
KCACTF MTI finalist
Voice · dance · acting
Chicago based
on stage
Roles she's lived in.
A few of the parts that have meant the most: leading the band, raising the roof, and stealing the scene.
selected credits
The résumé.
A working selection across musicals, plays, and theatre for young audiences. Samantha, venues & years are easy to fill in or correct.
Musical theatre
Donna Sheridan2018Mamma Mia!
Sister ChantelleIU South Bendbare: A Pop Opera
DominaIU South BendA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
LorrellAustin Town HallDreamgirls
Featured soloistRaclin ShowcaseThe Color Purple, "Our Prayer" (with Kendra Turner)
Plays
Lottie / Carmen Levy-GreenIU South BendBy the Way, Meet Vera Stark
Lottie McBrideu/s CarmenFour Old Broads
Waitress · Marci · RhondaIU South BendAlmost, Maine
For young audiences
CharlotteIU South BendCharlotte's Web
Mother Rabbit / Thomasina MouseIU South BendA Peter Rabbit Tale
Judge Wise O. AliceIU South BendThe Trial of the Big Bad Wolf
Training & off-stage
Associate of ArtsChicagoHarry S. Truman College
Casting & production2023The Colored Museum · Austin Town Hall
Co-lighting designerIU South BendAlmost, Maine
in the lights
Moments from the stage.
passing it on
Lifting up the next voice in the room.
The thing Samantha loves nearly as much as performing is helping other people find their own light. She coaches students one-on-one and is always happy to lend her ear, her experience, and her encouragement to anyone chasing something of their own, in any field.
-
Voice & song coachingBuilding tone, range, and the confidence to fill a room.
-
Audition & performance prepMaterial, presence, and walking in like the part is already yours.
-
Students & collegiate goalsCoaching young people through college plans, auditions, and the leap toward the stage.
-
Always happy to helpIf you're chasing a dream, reach out. The door is open.
watch & listen
Hear the voice.
Start with an audition piece, then follow along for more performances as they land.
say hello
Let's make something.
For booking, coaching, collaborations, or just to say hi. The best way to reach Samantha is below.