Samo Theater’s performance of “Chicago” by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb perfectly encapsulated the musical’s iconic energy and bold acting. From Feb. 28 to March 9, Barnum Hall was alive with the intoxicating sounds of “Chicago.”

TikTok has given many a place where their artistic self-expression can thrive, while for others, it has become an excuse to hit pause; whether or not the platform is creatively stimulating or artistically suffocating is almost as controversial as the ban itself.

32 schools, hundreds of students, Samo emerges victorious. On Nov. 9 Calliope Kirschbaum (’28), Sage Moore (’28), Alexandra Ornelas (’28) and Lea Zakharia (’28) took first place in the Female-Centric category at the Drama Teachers’ Association of Southern California (DTASC) Festival. Each of the four girls feels especially proud of their performance of “Dance Nation” by Claire Barron.

“The Prom,” at Santa Monica's Morgan Wixson Theater had their opening show on Nov. 9 featuring Samo students Walden Sullivan (’25), Andy Rowles (’25), Sahar Aguilar (’26), Sterling Inatsugu (’27), Maia Goldberg (’28), Cole Huang (’28), Mia Negrete (’28) and Ethan Schwartz (’28). They created an atmosphere of compassion and acceptance that gave the audience an inspired and heartwarming feeling.

Captivating. Heartfelt. Truly immersive. Samo theater’s adaptation of “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton drew the audience into the complex emotional struggles of the young Greasers and Socials. In a mix of poignant and uplifting moments, Samo’s Humanities Center was filled with laughter, gasps, and sorrow.

Samo Choir and Orchestra took center stage in their fall concerts and filled Barnum Hall with their harmonious voices and instruments. Choir showcased their contemporary favorites along with the addition of skillfully choreographed dances, while orchestra played a medley of their most loved Disney songs. Both productions emphasized Samo students' immense talent and dedication to their crafts and left the audience awestruck by their incredible capability fostered at such a young age.

New art clubs across Samo aspire to support student artists of all skill sets and create communities that foster artistic expression and imagination. Collage Club, Crochet for a Cause Club and Zine Club provide a space for students to relax and express themselves. 

Samo students and teachers alike are thrilled to see all their art courses move to brand-new, upgraded classrooms. Photography, Film and Video, Graphic Design, Digital Design, Drawing, Painting, Ceramics and AP Art all find new homes in the Exploration building. These students’ education will flourish with these modern, highly developed working spaces and equipment that support and fulfill their creative drives.