Hi, I am Rich Sackerman
Owner and Director
Rich Sackerman has been running theatre programs for young performers for over twenty years. He started the August and Finny Theatre Company in order to allow children and young adults the ability to consistently express themselves on stage. Rich believes that theatre is a fun and exciting outlet for everyone, and that actors/dancers/singers all need a place that they can shine.
Director and Stage Manager
Samara Fishkin
Samara (Sammi) Fishkin is a recent graduate of Drew University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Specialized Honors in Theater Arts. While she attended Drew University, Samara auditioned and was chosen to act in, had her written work selected for, and was chosen to direct many plays for Drew’s Plays in Process, a staged reading series for students. Samara also recently performed as a lead in a staged reading of an Oxnam Award winning play, with actors and a Director from New York’s Ensemble Studio Theater. She also just recently received the 2023 Chauncey Lester and Elise Stewart Benedict Memorial Prize for “Best Play” at Drew University. Samara has been acting since she was four years old, all over Morris County. She has been a Camp Director for the past five years, working with ages 5-16, where she wrote, directed, and choreographed her own plays as well directed and choreographed many MTI Junior Productions. Samara’s energetic personality will fill the theatre with enthusiasm, kindness and a loving passion for theatre. Samara’s motto is to have fun while learning!
Choreographer
Lily Jens
Hi! Im Lily Jens, a student at Rutgers University and a choreographer for AFT. I have been involved in Summer Stock since 2017 and have been doing choreography since 2019. Beginning dance at 3 years old and continuing every day since, and even still through college, has led me to have such a strong passion for dance and eventually choreography which I am so glad to keep doing every year with Mr. Sackerman’s shows. I have co-choreographed for Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, and Newsies at Randolph Middle School, Elf the Musical with AFT, and dances for Summer Stock 2023, 2024 and now 2025 as apart of AFT. All of these shows have been so great to be apart of and I’m excited for more to come!
Choreographer
Rose Jens
Hi! My name is Rose Jens, and I’m one of the choreographers for AFT. I’m currently a sophomore at Rutgers University, minoring in dance, and I’ve been choreographing for the past four years. I first joined AFT through Summer Stock in 2017, and I was thrilled to return as a teacher in 2023. Getting to work with the kids, whether for the cabarets or full musicals, is always such a rewarding and joyful experience. I love helping students express themselves through movement and grow in confidence onstage.
Assistant Choreographer
Lucy Payne
I began dancing at age 4 and joined West Side Dance Center 8 years ago, training in all genres of dance ever since. I was first introduced to musical theatre through participating in Mr. Sackerman’s middle school productions, progressing to dance captain in 8th grade. Now as a sophomore at Randolph High School I still return to middle school to choreograph for the plays. I appreciate the opportunity to be creative in expressing story lines and songs through dance. I joined AFT as a staff member for the first time this year and have really enjoyed working with students who share the same passion and enthusiasm for musical theatre.
