TAP’s Mission Statement
Theatrical Artist’s Prep is dedicated to providing exceptional performing arts education that blends professional-level training with an encouraging, age-appropriate environment. For the past nine years, TAP has empowered young performers to grow as confident, capable, and collaborative artists by embracing our core motto: progress, not perfection.
Our mission is to cultivate technically skilled, artistically curious, and resilient performers while nurturing the leadership, communication, and life skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Rooted in community, TAP proudly partners with local arts organizations—including the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), Brook Arts Center, and various schools, educators, and arts leaders—to create meaningful performance opportunities, outreach initiatives, and inclusive programming accessible to youth throughout the region.
We are committed to celebrating every student’s unique voice, expanding access to high-quality arts education, and fostering an environment where young people feel safe to take risks, express themselves authentically, and grow at their own pace. At TAP, we prepare students not only for the stage, but for life—one step, one class, and one act of progress at a time.
About Sam Hahn-Simpson
Owner & Artistic Director
Samantha Simpson is the Founder and Artistic Director of Theatrical Artist’s Prep, a woman-owned performing arts studio rooted in education, collaboration, and confidence-building. A mom, award-winning and award-nominated choreographer and director, and lifelong performer, Samantha is passionate about creating nurturing, high-level training environments for young artists.
A member of SAG-AFTRA since 1996 and Actors’ Equity Association since 2004, her professional experience includes regional theatre, television, film, national commercials, and modeling. She received professional acting training under Alan Langdon at Circle in the Square Theatre School and Bill Esper at the William Esper Studio.
Having entered the industry at age nine, Samantha understands firsthand the joys and challenges of growing up in the performing arts and is uniquely equipped to guide performers of all ages through every stage of artistic and personal growth.
She earned her B.A. in Communication and Media Arts from Montclair State University and graduated Lambda Pi Eta.