Samuel D. Walker, Jr. (he/him/his) is an educator, director, and arts administrator based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, specializing in theatre for youth and theatre for social change.

He is dedicated to creating spaces where young people are not only trained as performers, but are supported in discovering their voice, building confidence, and developing a strong sense of self through the arts. His work centers on Theatre with, for, and by Youth, using theatre as a tool for artistic growth, personal development, and social awareness.

Samuel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting from Greensboro College. His work has reached classrooms and stages internationally, including projects in South Africa, tours across New Hampshire and Vermont, and productions throughout North Carolina and Florida. He has also worked alongside actors with Broadway, television, and film credits, experiences that inform his approach to training young artists.

A skilled program builder and leader, Samuel has experience developing and sustaining theatre programs that center artistic excellence, student leadership, and inclusive community. He co-founded and previously served as Artistic Director of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth theatre in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Currently, Samuel leads the theatre program at the premier magnet middle school in Pinellas County, where he guides students through rigorous, student-centered training while fostering creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Across all of his work, Samuel’s mission remains the same: to create healthy spaces where youth can be themselves and believe in themselves.