ON CAMERA PERFORMANCE
I am the Artistic Director of Armstrong Acting Studios where I teach on camera performance technique at the intermediate, advanced, and master level to youth and adults. I also work with actors one on one in self-tape sessions, customized coaching, creating pitch packages and throughout pre-production phases. I focus on developing their abilities to consistently translate story into playable behaviour and compelling action within the frame. Through relatable body-centric practices I’ve developed throughout my 15+ years educating actors, I help actors demystify industry terms like “presence” to reveal the physical, mental, and experiential elements that create dynamic performance. As a director and writer for the screen, I’m able to give actors deeper insight into story structure and composition within the frame. To get a sense of my directorial and coaching work, check out this video from a recent training session. To book a session with me click here.
THEATRE PERFORMANCE
In a mash up of body-centric performance training inspired by systems like Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints, somatic experiencing, and ‘Meisner-esque’ action improvisations, I introduce actors to the body as a surface on which performance can be read. Developing a toolkit through the experiential exploration, the actor is freed from the burden of having to “psychologically” generate an emotional state, and a world of dynamic improvisational possibility opens up. Through the exploration of atmosphere and targets - both internal and external - the actor learns how to take responsibility for the collective energy in live performance and understands how to radically alter, subvert, and detonate atmospheres propelling the live theatrical event. These physical explorations, in tandem with detailed text analysis and studying story structure, arms the actor with both theoretical and practical tools. I have taught performance at Toronto Metropolitan University, Randolph College of Performing Arts, Etobicoke School of The Arts, and Cawthra Park Secondary School.
Auditioning for theatre school? I have coached actors through successful auditions into George Brown, York University, Ryerson, and TISCH School of Art at New York University. Book me here.
“Susanna helped me find freedom within my work by teaching me to trust my instincts. I gained knowledge on how to create multidimensional characters by using “targets” within a scene. She also offered her own wisdom as an actor and woman in this intense industry.”
“Susanna somehow finds a way to keep a calm and free flowing class while getting students to tap into deep emotional states. If she coaches you through a scene you’ll see performance results for sure. If you’re an actor that has had the training to be vulnerable but still unsure as to how to direct those feelings/behaviours/emotions into performance, Susanna’s training is one to take. ”
“Susanna’s methods are entirely different than anything I have experienced. The work we did understanding atmospheres and analyzing story structure provided clarity not only in my work as an acting student, but also as a young writer”
“The biggest thing I learned from Susanna was the power of letting yourself be seen on stage and not putting pressure on yourself to ‘entertain’, which was something I struggled greatly with. Thanks to her, I learnt how to connect with an audience by letting myself be authentically vulnerable. I was genuinely excited about learning and going to rehearsals every day.”
“In a seven-week rehearsal process, Susanna’s teaching left an indelible mark on me as an actor and, more importantly, a human being. Her dedication to revealing the character’s emotional truth was crucial to my development as an actor. Her ability to pinpoint and articulate notes with clarity and specificity made her one of the most influential instructors and directors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.”
“Wow! He got called back for the role. This was my son’s best zoom audition ever. It’s clear how much he benefits from working with you and how you’re able to bring out a great performance in him.”