Samantha Fulda is the PWLT Volunteer of the Month for August, 2026.
Samantha is a talented actress, singer and stage manager. Samantha returned to the stage after a 20 year hiatus after the COVID pandemic as Sister Sophia in "The Sound of Music". PWLT sat down with Samantha to talk about her return to the theatre and her passion for the stage.
https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/825787-samantha-fulda
What first brought you to become involved with PWLT in The Sound of Music?
The Sound of Music was a perfect combination for me. I was coming off of a nearly 20 year hiatus from theatre. I had missed it during those years, but a move, small children, health issues, and years as a caregiver had kept me from the stage. When PWLT announced The Sound of Music, the world was freshly out of Covid lockdown, my children were older, I had worked hard to lose weight and become healthier, and I had more time. That perfect combination in my personal life combined with such a beautiful and iconic play and the added excitement of performing with a full symphony orchestra and I was hooked.
Of your many roles that you have done for PWLT, actor, producer, stage manager, publicity, assistant director, which is your favorite and why?
That is a challenging question! Some jobs I do because they need to be done. Some though, especially acting and stage management, have equal pieces of my heart but for different reasons. Acting is a chance to step into another person's shoes and share emotions and stories in ways that are endlessly exciting. Stage management, on the other hand, gives me the opportunity to facilitate the art of other actors and artists, supporting them in their processes and making sure everything is managed in a way that allows for a joyous and successful experience. Both of those roles excite me, and I am lucky enough to get to do both.
What is your theatre experience outside of PWLT?
I grew up doing school plays, thanks to Barbara Full, an inspiring and caring teacher. She introduced me to the world of community theatre as well. Later on, I was involved with theatre as a college student and as a stage manager and assistant director for a not-for-profit theatre company. Theatre brought me countless numbers of joyful experiences and chances to grow as a person. It also introduced me to life-long friends and is where I met my husband!
PWLT has had a long and fruitful relationship with Trinity Episcopal church as its rehearsal home. As Parish Administrator, Could you talk about that relationship?
Trinity Church prides itself on being a welcoming and affirming home for not only its parishioners, but also its community. It strives to use its space for community enrichment in addition to its faith centered purpose. Trinity welcomes the arts in many forms; hosting two independent music studios, recitals for multiple additional musicians, and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra. Their partnership with PWLT is one they are proud to continue, and one which the parishioners support and enjoy as audience members.
What is special about working with PWLT?
I have worked with several theatre groups over the years. Of all of them, PWLT is by far the most welcoming and encouraging. They take including newcomers seriously, proudly involve families to grow the artform through the generations, and encourage members to learn and expand their roles within the organization. They have truly become a theatre home for my entire family - a safe and friendly way for us to grow as artists and community members.
Samantha is a talented actress, singer and stage manager. Samantha returned to the stage after a 20 year hiatus after the COVID pandemic as Sister Sophia in "The Sound of Music". PWLT sat down with Samantha to talk about her return to the theatre and her passion for the stage.
https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/825787-samantha-fulda
What first brought you to become involved with PWLT in The Sound of Music?
The Sound of Music was a perfect combination for me. I was coming off of a nearly 20 year hiatus from theatre. I had missed it during those years, but a move, small children, health issues, and years as a caregiver had kept me from the stage. When PWLT announced The Sound of Music, the world was freshly out of Covid lockdown, my children were older, I had worked hard to lose weight and become healthier, and I had more time. That perfect combination in my personal life combined with such a beautiful and iconic play and the added excitement of performing with a full symphony orchestra and I was hooked.
Of your many roles that you have done for PWLT, actor, producer, stage manager, publicity, assistant director, which is your favorite and why?
That is a challenging question! Some jobs I do because they need to be done. Some though, especially acting and stage management, have equal pieces of my heart but for different reasons. Acting is a chance to step into another person's shoes and share emotions and stories in ways that are endlessly exciting. Stage management, on the other hand, gives me the opportunity to facilitate the art of other actors and artists, supporting them in their processes and making sure everything is managed in a way that allows for a joyous and successful experience. Both of those roles excite me, and I am lucky enough to get to do both.
What is your theatre experience outside of PWLT?
I grew up doing school plays, thanks to Barbara Full, an inspiring and caring teacher. She introduced me to the world of community theatre as well. Later on, I was involved with theatre as a college student and as a stage manager and assistant director for a not-for-profit theatre company. Theatre brought me countless numbers of joyful experiences and chances to grow as a person. It also introduced me to life-long friends and is where I met my husband!
PWLT has had a long and fruitful relationship with Trinity Episcopal church as its rehearsal home. As Parish Administrator, Could you talk about that relationship?
Trinity Church prides itself on being a welcoming and affirming home for not only its parishioners, but also its community. It strives to use its space for community enrichment in addition to its faith centered purpose. Trinity welcomes the arts in many forms; hosting two independent music studios, recitals for multiple additional musicians, and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra. Their partnership with PWLT is one they are proud to continue, and one which the parishioners support and enjoy as audience members.
What is special about working with PWLT?
I have worked with several theatre groups over the years. Of all of them, PWLT is by far the most welcoming and encouraging. They take including newcomers seriously, proudly involve families to grow the artform through the generations, and encourage members to learn and expand their roles within the organization. They have truly become a theatre home for my entire family - a safe and friendly way for us to grow as artists and community members.
