Artist Statement

Samuel J. Lewis, II 

Sam is a puppeteer, teaching artist, and arts administrator whose work bridges tradition, innovation, and community. With a background in theater, Sam discovered puppetry accidentally, as a performer, but quickly realized it is a powerful medium for storytelling—one that merges craft, performance, and imagination in ways that engage audiences of all ages. 

Sam’s artistry spans multiple puppetry forms, exploring themes of identity, history, and resilience. His performances have been featured in festivals, cabarets, and community events, where he brings a bold visual style and a deep sense of play to the stage. 

Beyond performance, Sam is dedicated to creating spaces where puppeteers can connect, collaborate, and grow. As an arts administrator, he has worked to grow and develop programs that support emerging artists, expand access to puppetry education, and celebrate the diversity of voices within the field. He has been closely involved with Rough House Puppet Arts and the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival, organizations that nurture new works and showcase the breadth of contemporary puppetry. 

Sam’s puppetry practice is grounded in collaboration. He frequently partners with artists in a variety of disciplines. His vision of puppetry is expansive: one that honors its deep history while pushing into new realms of artistic possibility. Through his performances, leadership, and advocacy, Sam continues to help shape puppetry as an evolving art form and a vital tool for connection. 

UPCOMING PERFORMANCeS

• August 20 - "Praiseworthy" during The Mill Variety Show - The Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, 6 PM - More Information

• August 29 - "Praiseworthy" during Back To School Bazaar at Transformation Community UMC, 15446 S. Lexington, Harvey, IL - Noon - 4 PM. (Performance will be in the earlier part of the event.)

• September 19 - "Praiseworthy" at Burlington County Crankie Festival - Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, @30 miles from Philadelphia, PA - More Information

• October 8 - November 1 - Puppeteer in Rough House Puppet Arts' House of The Exquisite Corpse at The Merle at Steppenwolf, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614 - More Information

Press

Selected work

Praiseworthy

Saturday, February 6, 2026

2026 Baltimore Crankie Festival

@Creative Alliance - 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD

Created by Samuel J. Lewis, II

Music: Hunter Diamond

Crankie fabrication: Grace Needlman and Richie Schiraldi

Art Direction: Grace Needlman

Black Episcopalian

@St. George St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Chicago, IL

music by: Sharon Udoh, Anne Harris, Fredrick Jackson Jr., Fredonia Fife and Drum Band, Lester Bowie

multiplane construction by: Richie Schiraldi

puppets by: Samuel J. Lewis, II, and Jacqueline Wade

photos courtesy of The Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension, John Marshall, Samuel J. Lewis, II

He Worked Hard, The Story of James "Jim" Lewis

@Green Line Performing Arts Center

D-Composed 5th Anniversary Event on 12/12/2022

puppetry by: Sam Lewis & Noah and Parker Maxen-Lewis

words: Sam Lewis

music by: D-Composed

additional music by: Hunter Diamond

composed by: Ahmed Al Abaca

Where I'm From

@Links Hall

2022 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival - Nasty, Brutish, and Short

w/ Noah Maxen-Lewis, and Parker Maxen-Lewis

music by: Steve Gaede

lyrics by: Sam Lewis