Honoring the past while inspiring the future. An alum's return home is reimagining Woodside's theater program.
- Andy Vutam
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Legacy Meets Fresh Energy: Ms. Samantha Borthwick Returns to Woodside Theater
When Sam Borthwick walked across the Woodside High School stage as a graduating senior, she never imagined she’d return to the same spotlight—this time as a leader and educator. Today, she’s back, bringing a wave of creativity, passion, and innovation to the very program that helped shape her love for the performing arts.
A Full-Circle Moment
Sam’s journey from student to teacher is more than just a career milestone—it’s a story of legacy and vision. The path to theater wasn’t a straight one, though. “At first, I joined theater because I wasn’t great at sports,” she admits with a laugh. But that decision opened the door to a passion that would shape her future. “I fell in love with storytelling. Theater isn’t about competition—it’s about collaboration. You work together to make something magical happen.”
After years of honing her craft and gaining experience beyond Woodside, Sam felt a calling to return. Her goal? To honor the program’s rich history while infusing it with fresh ideas that excite today’s students.
Honoring Tradition, Inspiring the Future
For decades, Woodside High School's performing arts program has been a cornerstone for young performers, sparking creativity and launching countless careers. Sam knows the value of that tradition because she lived it. One of her fondest memories from Woodside’s performing arts program was playing Sophie in Mamma Mia! “The music was incredible, and I loved having the freedom to add my own spark to the role,” she recalls. That performance solidified what she already suspected—she was exactly where she belonged.
Now, she’s building on that foundation, introducing innovative approaches and opportunities to keep students excited and engaged within the classroom, supporting a new student led theater club as an advisor and mapping out a new season of quality productions that will entertain and engage audiences of all ages.
A Program Reimagined
From modernizing stage design to expanding performance opportunities, Sam is committed to giving students the tools and confidence to shine. Her energy is infectious—students are excited, parents are engaged, and the community is rallying around this new chapter in Woodside’s performing arts story.
As someone who has been on both sides of the stage, she knows what it takes to succeed. “Authenticity matters. Directors want to see you as you are—not an imitation of someone else,” she says. Her advice to future Woodside stars? “Be yourself and be willing to grow.”
The Legacy Continues
Sam’s return is more than a homecoming; it’s a renewal of the program’s spirit. With her at the helm, Woodside’s theater is not only preserving its legacy but writing a bold new act—one that promises to inspire future generations for years to come.
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