ROBERT ENCILA Artistic Director
Robert Encila is a seasoned theatre director, actor, educator, musician, and writer based in Tucson, Arizona. With over 40 years of experience in the performing arts, he has directed more than 100 stage productions across various genres, from intimate dramas to large-scale musicals.
A proud alumnus of the University of Arizona, Robert studied Theatre and Music Performance, training in both classical and contemporary styles. His education laid the foundation for a career that bridges disciplines and inspires both audiences and emerging artists. A certified teacher, Robert has taught theatre and stagecraft at various institutions across Tucson, including acting courses at Pima Community College. He has mentored generations of students in both academic and community settings.
In addition to his directing work, Robert offers acting coaching, classroom theatre facilitation, and arts consulting for schools and organizations. As a jazz singer, pianist, and guitarist, his work has taken him to renowned clubs across the country, including New York City's BB King's and Birdland Jazz Club. He has also contributed to the local arts community as a theatre critic and columnist for Broadway World and the Tucson Sentinel.
Robert is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union for professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
SAMANTHA CORMIER Assoc. Artistic Director
Samantha Cormier holds an M.F.A. in Performing Arts from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and a B.F.A. in Directing/Theatre Production from the University of Arizona. She has performed and directed from New York to Savannah to Tucson/Phoenix, with credits at Arizona Theatre Company, The Gaslight Theatre/Music Hall, Live Theatre Workshop, Arizona Broadway Theatre, The Rogue Theatre, Invisible Theatre, Old Tucson Studios, and The Scoundrel & Scamp.
Favorite directing/choreography credits include The Mousetrap, Plaza Suite, Things Being What They Are (MAC Award nomination, Best Director), POTUS, and Snoopy!!! The Musical (MAC Award nomination, Best Director). Favorite roles include Senga in Dancing Lessons (MAC nomination, Best Actress), Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Louise in Always…Patsy Cline, Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (MAC Award nomination, Best Actress), and Frankie in Voice of the Prairie (MAC Award Winner, Best Actress).
With over 22 years of teaching experience, Samantha has taught throughout Tucson and at Stagedoor Manor in New York, the nation’s premier theatre camp. A passionate “theatre magic maker,” she is dedicated to training the next generation of performers, directors, stage managers, and technicians.
Her journey began with Studio Connections, where, under the mentorship of Robert Encila, she transitioned from student to professional. Studio Connections remains committed to bridging Tucson’s community and theatre professionals, providing students—and adults—with high-level training alongside top artists, including those with Broadway experience.