Samantha Girard

I am really proud of all my work I have made at the Academy. I really focused on growing myself as an actress, getting in touch with my own vulnerability and embracing the "Art of Empathy" when embodying these characters. It has been a joy to play people, fully living their own lives. I was raised as a homeschooler in the Bay Area. I fell in love with Acting when I played Ariel in The Little Mermaid; from then on, I was hooked. My journey at the Academy of Art has not only impacted my career but also my personal growth. In 2022, I won Best Actress in a Drama at the NXTUP Festival and in 2023 I was nominated again three times for my portrayal in a dramatic role and won in a tie between two of my roles. Now, I am also focusing on directing and writing my own films. Currently I am working on a short film that discusses the life lessons a young pre-med student can learn from her Alzheimer's patients. My goal in the future is to keep telling my stories, whether it’s through acting, directing or writing.