29/08/2026
Next up in our The Theory of Relativity cast profiles, meet Sam Robins!
We caught up with Sam to chat about studying Music Theatre at UWA, the rehearsal process, and what audiences can look forward to when The Theory of Relativity hits the stage.
➡ Tell us a little about yourself and the your role in The Theory of Relativity.
🎭 I am a 2nd year student in the Music Theatre Major course at UWA. I have previously studied at WAAPA and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and have been passionate about theatre, music and the arts in general from a very young age. I became especially keen on musicals throughout high school, performing in productions including West Side Story and Green Day’s American Idiot. More recently, I have developed a love for writing my own musicals and composing for the stage, in addition to playing bold and fun characters on stage.
My role in Theory of Relativity varies throughout the show, but is most notably the roles of Adam and Ryan. Adam is a young, nerdy and slightly awkward student who attempts to make sense of the world through logic and mathematics. I would say this juxtaposes my own personality greatly, as I can’t say I am too well versed in a mathematical or scientific sense, so I have enjoyed stepping into the shoes of a passionate and zany mini genius like him. Ryan, on the other hand, is far more sociable and what stands out most to me is his optimism towards life. Each curveball thrown at him is looked at as a new opportunity and he values every single relationships in his life. I would love to carry such values into my own daily life.
➡ What's the best thing about studying Music Theatre at UWA?
🎭 I would say my personal highlight has been being constantly surrounded by such incredibly passionate artists, musicians, performers and creatives. As I have continued to work on not only my performing but also my skills as a songwriter, this is always someone to turn to in my cohort to practice a duet with, pitch one of my compositions to or run some harmonies for an upcoming workshop. I would like to think we have a lot of autonomy as a group of students, pushing ourselves to work on other opportunities outside of class and hone or craft in our own time, and I have absolutely loved doing so.
➡ You recently wrote and directed a show for UDS - University Dramatic Society. Tell us a bit about that experience.
🎭 It had long been a dream of mine to put together a full length original musical of my own composition and writing, and I was finally able to do that in May this year! The production, titled Last Man Standing, was presented through the University Dramatic Society and told the story of Steven Bradbury, the unlikely Australian ice speed skating hero who won our first ever Winter Olympic gold medal in 2002. It was an insane amount of work putting together the script and score for the show, and then working with a huge cast, crew and band to bring the magic to life on stage. But it was all worth it in the end, and I am incredibly proud of the funny, slightly crude, emotional and entertaining show we put together.
➡ What do you enjoy most about being involved in a production?
🎭 I think it would be the togetherness that comes with spending so much time with the same people throughout a rehearsal and performance process. It truely is like nothing else in the arts and, despite being rather cliche, forms a real family of friends for life. I still get the same butterflies side of stage these days I did in my very first performance, but it is looking around and seeing the collective we have built for each show that makes it so worth it.
➡ What do you love most about The Theory of Relativity?
🎭 I would say the music. It is so beautifully crafted and I think having done some composing of my own recently, I have been able to appreciate the incredible harmonies, story telling and melodies that are on show throughout the production. It allows everyones voice to shine in its own way, offering everyone their own unique musical moment while bringing voices together so effortlessly.
➡ Why should audiences come and see it
🎭 This show truely is for everybody. It is about all of those unique everyday moments that are somehow universal to us all, like messing up a handshake or forgetting someone’s name or being too scared to say hello. It beautifully demonstrates the relatability we can all share and the connection that exists between everyone on earth. The music will blow you away, bringing you to tears of laughter while also allowing for delicately solemn moments. And, it is dynamic! The whole show is filled with movement, people switching roles and characters interacting. There is never a dull moment.
See Sam and the UWA Music Theatre students in The Theory of Relativity, Friday 25 September at Dolphin Theatre. Book your tickets now!
🎟️ ticketswa.com/event/theory-relativity
