Sammi Cannold, Broadway, Film, and TV Director
Thu Feb 05 2026
Risk is usually something leaders are told to minimize. But for Sammi Cannold, it’s essential to success.
As an award-winning director across Broadway, film, and television, Sammi has built her career on ambitious projects—like staging Violet on a moving bus and reimagining Ragtime on Ellis Island. What stands out isn’t just the boldness of the choices, but the intention behind them: using place and performance to help audiences experience even the most familiar stories in new ways.
In this episode, Sammi shares how she found her voice as a young woman in a male-dominated field; how she brings new perspective to beloved works while still honoring their legacy; and what it means to be an “actor’s director” whether she’s working on stage or the silver screen. Plus, she shares why advocacy in entertainment doesn’t always have to feel like eating your vegetables, and breaks down the false dichotomy between mission-driven and commercial work.
LINKS:
Sammi Cannold: https://www.sammicannold.com/
The Agnes Index: https://www.instagram.com/theagnesindex/?hl=en
Broadway Briefing: https://broadwaybriefing.com/
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Risk is usually something leaders are told to minimize. But for Sammi Cannold, it’s essential to success. As an award-winning director across Broadway, film, and television, Sammi has built her career on ambitious projects—like staging Violet on a moving bus and reimagining Ragtime on Ellis Island. What stands out isn’t just the boldness of the choices, but the intention behind them: using place and performance to help audiences experience even the most familiar stories in new ways. In this episode, Sammi shares how she found her voice as a young woman in a male-dominated field; how she brings new perspective to beloved works while still honoring their legacy; and what it means to be an “actor’s director” whether she’s working on stage or the silver screen. Plus, she shares why advocacy in entertainment doesn’t always have to feel like eating your vegetables, and breaks down the false dichotomy between mission-driven and commercial work. LINKS: Sammi Cannold: https://www.sammicannold.com/ The Agnes Index: https://www.instagram.com/theagnesindex/?hl=en Broadway Briefing: https://broadwaybriefing.com/