Samuel Stricklen

Samuel Stricklen serves as Assistant Professor of Acting at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), appointed in August 2023. A professional actor, director, and educator, he bridges academic training with extensive industry experience spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, international festivals, and television.

His educational foundation includes:

• MFA in Acting from University of California San Diego
• BFA in Drama (now Acting) from CCM, University of Cincinnati, recipient of the Dolly Award for sustained excellence

Stricklen’s artistic scholarship centers on ensemble-based theater creation, with deep expertise in the Viewpoints and Suzuki actor training methodologies. His work investigates physical theater’s relationship to text through projects like SITI Company’s The Bacchae and bobrauschenbergamerica, while his clowning specialization (Creation: A Clown Show) explores non-verbal narrative techniques. This practice-driven research directly informs his pedagogy, emphasizing the actor’s dual role as interpreter and creator within collaborative processes.

His significant honors include:

• Dolly Award for sustained excellence in achievement and performance (CCM)
• Emeritus Artist status with SITI Company

As a new faculty member, Stricklen leverages his active industry profile to secure practical learning opportunities. His ongoing SITI Company affiliation facilitates masterclasses and potential student collaborations, while his television credits (Bosch, Mozart in the Jungle) provide direct pathways for on-camera training. His advising philosophy prioritizes professional readiness through union-standard practices (SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity) and ensemble discipline developed over decades of international production work.

Stricklen maintains vital artistic partnerships through SITI Company, where he continues contributing to the ensemble’s mission of boundary-crossing creation. His workshop leadership at Skidmore College, Ohio State University, and Spelman College demonstrates commitment to disseminating rigorous actor training methodologies beyond his home institution, fostering national networks for student development.