Meet Charleston Stage’s Acting Ensemble Member Samille Basler, Starring as Gramms
Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for the arts?
A: I grew up in a small town called Washington, GA, and have been acting since I was a little girl. My town was very involved in entertainment that involved the entire town. We had parades for every occasion—Veterans Day , May Day, etc , and variety shows that included adults and children. I was always in some kind of revue or doing a skit. I spent my entire Saturdays at the picture show soaking up every word only to go home and perform on Sunday afternoons for my uncles. I got five cents for my expertise. Ha! I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything but act.
Q: Where did you receive training? How did this prepare you for your work in the theatre world?
A: I did not receive any formal training, but I took a few acting classes in college at Georgia Southern University. I was in several plays a year while there, and I am a member of Alpha Psi Omega. What I know about acting I learned from excellent directors I had in the different states where I lived and by watching other actors, reading books on acting, and my own experiences.
Q: What do you enjoy about playing the role of Gramms.
A: Helium is special to me in many ways but especially since I have had first hand experience with someone with dementia. Working on this play is always like working on a new play. I see different parts a new way or find a better way to react. I look forward to bringing Gramms to life with a new dimension and a new family to love and annoy.
Q: You are no stranger to the Charleston Theatre scene. How long have you been in Charleston and where have you performed?
A: Charleston has been my home since 1995. I’ve performed with Charleston Stage since the company’s 19th season and my first show was Glass Menagerie. Some of my favorite shows with Charleston Stage are All My Sons, Moon Over Buffalo, Ballyhoo, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, Gershwin at Folly, Steel Magnolias, To Kill a Mockingbird, Helium, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Foreigner, Our Town, and Footloose. I have also appeared with Footlight Players (favorites Lion In Winter, Quartet, and Suddenly Last Summer); with Midtown Acting Company (favorites Driving Miss Daisy, 4000 Miles, and Collected Stories); with Village Rep at Woolfe Street Playhouse (favorites August Osage Co., Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, Trip to Bountiful, and The Lyons); with What If ? Productions in House of Yes and Kimberly Akimbo and with Threshold Company in Becky Shaw and Uncle Vanya. I am honored to have had so many opportunities with Charleston Stage and to be a part of their Acting Ensemble.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: My spare time is spent traveling, gardening, and spending time with my 11 grandchildren and great granddaughter.