Meet Tristan Samson | Actor, Dancer, Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tristan Samson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tristan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to be a performer. The first production I was apart of was Annie and I was portraying Mr. Warbucks in the Philippines. Of course, to task young kids to do an entire production, since I was around 2nd or 3rd grade, was no small feat…so instead of memorizing lines, we were mouthing the words as the movie was playing in the background. We did most of the musical numbers, we had rehearsals…but what was the most beautiful experience that I still cherish to this day is the finale song ‘Tomorrow’.

The day before our performance, our teacher, who was our director for the production, told us he has a surprise for the ending of the show and we just gotta make sure we point to the sky…so, when we finished the last number of the production, the surprise was he lit fireworks to the sky! So, not only was the shock genuine from us in the show, but also the audience as well! As I witnessed the magic happening before us, what was even more beautiful witnessing was the twinkle in the audience’s eyes and it really touched me…how they all took the time out of their busy day to watch our performance and enjoy the wonderful mysteries that is art.

That mindset still resonates with me to this day and why I pursue this artistic profession as an actor, as a performer. Acting is one of the few art forms where we really put ourselves down the line, given the fact that we use our entire being to create art via our body, mind, and soul. I really feel as I am truly living life to the fullest, as different rehearsal process brings forth different experiences that makes us feel more human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m very passionate about delving into all performing art forms, believing the full utilization of the body as the main communicative vehicle to achieve that transcendental state that makes performing feel alive.

Long story short, life brought me to the path of where I’m at now. I was born in the Philippines, exposed to the arts at a young age before moving to the U.S. where I started 4th grade. Moving here was a complete culture shock, as well as dealing with the real facets of life growing up. There was moment in life where I hindered myself pursuing the arts because of pressures from friends, family, society…I actually did not pursue the arts once more until I went to community college. However, I think things happen for a reason and I wouldn’t have it any other way of my upbringing, as it was my upbringing that makes me who I am today, and I’m glad of where I’m at in my life. I feel so connected with my self, which allows me to make daring choices in terms of artistic pursuits, choices, and all the like.

…which brings me to the lesson I’ve learned which is to remember who you are. Remember where you came from and remember where you are going because nothing lasts forever, so “remember your heart is yours to follow, just see to it that you proceed with caution” – Weskham …and yes that is from a character from the video game franchise, Final Fantasy, which I adore haha.

So, in terms of performance, I am an actor who’s interested in all mediums: film, theatre, experimental, etc.

I’m also a dancer! I love learning movement art forms, from jazz, ballet, musical theatre to even cultural dances such as Capoeira, Flamenco, Ori Tahiti….right now I’m very invested in Balinese dance, where I was introduced to the dance form in my first year at CalArts! I fell in love with the dance form due to how integral dance is in Indonesian culture, a way to honor the spiritual side of Indonesian culture, while also being open for everyone to practice the craft. Because of this, I’m actually apart of a Indonesian Gamelan troupe, Burat Wangi (meaning a fragrant offering), founded by Nyoman and Nanik Wenten, renowned maestros in their field, and our group has performed domestically and internationally! Our message is to spread Balinese culture through music, dance, and drama.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think there’s so many places to choose from! In terms of food, Koreatown & Chinatown! I’m a KBBQ and boba fiend, so anywhere from K-town to even San Gabriel are the best food spots. My favorite foods are Thai, Filipino, and Chinese cuisines.

Visits and hangouts, it doesn’t hurt to go the wonderful amusement parks such as Universal Studios, Disneyland, Six Flags, etc…night life my favorite bars/clubs is Normandie Club because there’s an exclusive dance hall inside the bar that’s only open on certain days…only the cool kids know haha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my artistic pursuits to all the professors I trained with, to all my friends and relatives that supported me, and to my mom, Lilibeth.

Website: https://tristanjsamson.net

Instagram: @tjsaaaam