Playwright/Performer

Sam Sherman

Born and raised in Washington, DC and based in Queens, New York, Sam is an actor, director, writer, producer and the playwright-performer of “kaddish.” They are passionate about using art at the intersection of community organizing and spirituality…and just being silly. This piece has been in development for six years since finishing up their BFA at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2020. Recent acting credits include: BAD JEWS (Liam) by Joshua Harmon with Off The Lane and their Bobby Award-winning production of “kaddish” for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival with The SpaceUK. Sam is incredibly grateful to be working with his village on bringing this play (and his grandfather) to life!

Director/Co-creator

Lila Weitzner

Lila Weitzner is a multidisciplinary theater-maker from Washington, DC based in New York City.  who loves every facet of the storytelling process, whether it is directing, writing, producing, or performing. Along with working on kaddish, Lila is currently producing a workshop production of the Princess Grace award-winning play Dirt by Zoë Rhulen at Arts on Site. Recent credits include directing a reading of The Last Movie Star, Magnus Wrench by Tori Lassman with The Motor Company and  stage managing/associate producing End of Incorporated Filth by Chloé Hayat at HotFest@Dixon Place. She is a proud graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Swarthmore College. Lila thanks her family and community for being such a source of love and inspiration.