Medium
Actress Susan Chambers On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
[as originally published on medium.com]
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Susan Chambers.
Susan Chambers is a SAG-AFTRA actress who has appeared in such productions as the TV series “Chicago Fire,” the Lifetime film “The Christmas Listing,” and the supernatural drama “Cover Me” featuring Danny Trejo and Jesse Metcalfe. Notably, her role in the short film “V.I.P.” earned acclaim when it won the Bill Murray Short Comedy Award at the Twin Cities Film Fest in 2022. Susan has also showcased her talents on the stage in productions like “Spirit Level,” “Pygmalion,” and “Dearest Mother,” to name a few. Looking ahead, Susan will be seen in such upcoming projects as “My 7 Grandmas,” “Cruel Summer Weekend,” and “For All Eternity,” where she takes on pivotal roles both in front of and behind the camera, overseeing production, casting, and script supervision.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Iwas born and raised in Minnetonka, Minnesota on lake Minnetonka. I grew up in a family with three sisters and a half brother. In the summer, I literally slept in my bathing suit and was down in the lake all day. I loved the water!
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve done many things in my life which were inspired by my parents. My father was an airline pilot, so of course everyone in the family learned how to fly. I was also a flight attendant for 23 years. My mother was in theater and always encouraged me to get into theater as well. So, I took a class in college and found that I loved it. I started pursuing acting in my mid-20s, though I did not have a lot of self-esteem, so it took a while for me to get motivated.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Oh, it’s so hard to choose. I’ve had some really blessed moments. Just being in the right place at the right time has helped. Two films that I had major supporting roles or lead roles in were very interesting situations because I did not audition for those roles. I started off auditioning for smaller roles. Then they asked me to read for the supporting or lead roles and I booked them!
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was a stand in for the main actress Kathryn Erbe on the film “Mighty Ducks” way back when I began acting. It was early in the morning and there was a food truck. I ordered my breakfast burrito and the PA told me to hurry up and get inside. So, I turned to the gentleman waiting for his burrito and I asked him if he would bring mine in when it was ready. I got yanked away and screamed at by the PA who asked me if I knew who I’d just asked to bring me a burrito. He was one of the directors! Luckily the director and crew thought it was funny. From then on, they started offering their food to me whenever they saw me.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m starting to get more involved with producing. I decided to be one of the executive producers for two series that Tati Elsher wrote and will direct. I met Tati working on the film “Cruel Summer Weekend.” I think she’s amazing and talented. We have become great friends and collaborators. One of the series is a comedy, which I will also have a recurring role in. I’m excited for it. We’re in the process of looking for a couple more in investors and then will be off and running.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
Great question. The more you’re in this business, the calmer you feel, I think. You start to realize it’s not you. It could be many things, like your hair color or they’re simply looking for a different type. I usually say to myself, “Rejection is God’s protection” because sometimes that is also true. I think of every audition as being a blessing for an actor to learn more and become a better actor so that, when the right role comes along, you are ready. It’s also an opportunity to get in front of casting directors.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity is key. The United States is full of so many different people. We want to represent everyone. I think everyone should feel included. All cultures.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Stand up for yourself. If you feel something’s wrong, it probably is.
2. Discover the character. There’s more to it than just acting. Character breakdown is especially important.
3. Don’t sit and wait for your agent to get you an audition. Go on Actors Access, submit yourself — 80% of this job is advocating for yourself.
4. Be confident when you walk into the audition room, and feel or exude confidence in front of the camera for self tapes. The camera and the casting directors can see when you’re nervous.
5. Have patience. It typically takes five years to really learn the craft, the techniques for auditioning, and to have the casting directors get to know you. Don’t rush — it’s the journey that is fun. So have fun!
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Have hobbies or another job so you’re never desperate. I know it’s tough, because you want to be available. But having something else to keep you busy can help a lot.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Be kind and forgive one another. This life is already overwhelming. Try to learn to forgive and help others.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
I have some wonderful actor friends. I am very thankful that they are in my life. My coach, mostly for comedy, is Eric Lutes. He was one of the leads in “Caroline in the City.” I don’t know what I’d do without him. There’s also my actor friend Adam Bartley. I met him in Larry Moss’s Master class. He also grew up in Minnesota. He’s one of the kindest men I’ve met, and he’s my inspiration to move forward in this acting world. And I have many other wonderful friends who are very encouraging. I’m lucky to have them.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
You get more from honey than you do from vinegar. Does that count as a life lesson quote? That’s from my grandmother.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
There are so many, but I am going to continue to say Steven Spielberg, because he’s amazing and I love the choices he makes in his filmmaking.
How can our readers follow you online?
Instagram: @susan.k.chambers
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4683264/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!