BIOGRAPHY
Suzanne is a director, educator, actor, and stage manager working primarily in the Omaha area collaborating with a wide variety of companies and performing arts organizations. Past collaborating organizations include The Bellevue Little Theater, Ozark Actors Theatre (Rolla, MO), The Rose Theatre, The BlueBarn, Nebraska Shakespeare, American Midwest Ballet, Opera Omaha, The BlueBarn’s Witching Hour, the Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer Theater, and Papillion LaVista Community Theatre. She is also the former Artistic Director for RESPECT, an organization that works to build healthy relationships through theatre. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Suzanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and her Master’s Degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric and Composition. Having grown up the child of activists and politicians, Suzanne has always been committed to social justice. That has led her to pursue work in the area of healthy theatrical intimacy, organize workshops and panel discussions centered around theatre and social issues, and develop a "Safe Stages" initiative, which she uses to guide creative projects.
Directing
My directing philosophy focuses on the creation of a safe space in which artists can collaborate within and across disciplines. I bring, not only leadership and artistic vision to productions, but the creation of a community in which everyone learns and continues to grow as well-rounded artists with an ever-increasing set of skills that we can use collaboratively to create entertainment, provoke thought, and, in an ideal world, drive change.
Acting/Theatre Education
Performing and education are what first brought me to professional theater. The opportunity to pass along the lessons I learned about creativity, collaboration, communication, and a solid balance of preparation and spontaneity are things I bring to the stage and the classroom.
Stage management
I have always viewed the role of a stage manager as equal parts communication hub, translator, and creative problem-solver. The diverse group of artists so intently focused on their individual crafts requires someone who can look at the big picture and help collaborators see how they are all working toward the same goal.
