Matt Gawryk

Logan Center for the Arts

I first met Sam as a Freshman at the University [of Chicago].  Sam has a good background in programming and lighting fundamentals, and you can tell that his early experience with professional road crews rubbed off the right way. He knows what he knows and, being still a novice in many things, is quick to learn his way around new ideas.  [...]  This kid is different. He knows enough about lighting systems, equipment and distro and control alike, to be a useful set of hands. He isn’t lazy, he doesn’t want to sit around and just talk shop; he shows up to work and keeps himself focused on it.  [...]  Really, if you need a reliable and stable worker, look no further. He is at a prime time in his life where he can gain a whole lot of valuable on-the-job training at no expense to you. You tell this guy what you need and he will get it done.

Jerry Jacobs

Sound/Video Impressions

Malcolm Gladwell in his book "Blink" describes how some decisions seem to be made in an instant-in the blink of an eye-that actually aren’t as simple as they seem. My encounter with Sam Phillips was a bit like that. Sam's a young man pursuing a career in lighting for feature films. This is a career that requires a range of skill sets that are both technical and creative...all of which he's in the process of mastering. Meet Sam and I think you'll recognize a few more intangible qualities you'll also find attractive: A high level of native intelligence, perceptive, focused, able to listen, able to make decisions, happy to be part of a team, able to take instruction, someone having a right sized ego, articulate and pleasant to be around. I facilitated bringing Sam on board to help out as a freelancer for a day on a video shoot for a client, Dynaco Door. By the end of the day he'd contributed so sufficiently that other crew members were impressed enough to ask for his business card. That's why I'm happy to recommend that you take a look at Sam too.

Steve Wilson

Fond du Lac Performing Arts Center

I have found Sam to be a highly motivated and eager learner.  He is always prepared and contributes valuable insight... I have also found him to be quite a driven young man and one who does not shy away from challenges.  As a consistent member of the theatre's stage and technical crew, Sam knows what he is to do and does it well and without any word of complaint even if the job is a difficult one.  He is also always ready to "get his hands dirty" during work... and does not stand around with his hands in his pockets but seeks out new projects to complete.  Sam also does not shy away from "managerial" tasks...  As his direct supervisor, I would count Sam as one of my most dependable theatre technicians.

In closing, I would like to say this - I think that Sam is a wonderful young man with the skills, ability and drive to achieve whatever he desires.  Sam would make a fine addition to any theatre's technical staff who would have the foresight to employ him.