Vents Magazine

Actress Susan Chambers: Exclusive Interview

[as originally published on ventsmagazine.com]

Susan Chambers is a SAG-AFTRA actress who’s 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 “Spirit Level,” “Grand Opening,” and “Oklahoma,” 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.

How did your mother’s career in theater influence your decision to pursue acting?

She was in theater. I used to play with all her costumes as a child. She encouraged me to take my first acting lesson and my first audition for a play. After that, I was hooked.

Can you tell us about your experience working on your debut role in the TV movie “Lucky Day” alongside Olympia Dukakis and Chloe Webb?

Chloe Webb was wonderful to work with. She was so funny. She kept us entertained during the long hours of that scene. She also made me feel very welcome. I was a game show hostess on that movie, so everyone called me Vanna White [laughs].

You’ve played a variety of characters across different genres. How do you approach preparing for such diverse roles?

I look at what my relationship might be with each character in the script and how I feel about everything in terms of the people, place, and situations—and how my past or childhood affects me in the scene. I do everything I can to put myself in the shoes of the character.

What was it like working on the set of “Chicago Fire” and how did that experience differ from your other television roles?

I was very excited to get that role. I had a nice connection with the Director, Lisa Demaine. She’s originally from Minnesota, like me. The whole cast and crew were really great. Kara Killmer and Hanko Greensmith were a joy to work with. Jake Lockett was so sweet. He introduced himself immediately, which was very kind of him. My favorite thing that happened was when Miranda Rae Mayo gave me her “Chicago Fire” knit hat when we wrapped. I got teared up from her thoughtfulness.

In the Lifetime film “The Christmas Listing,” what aspects of your character did you find most challenging and rewarding to portray?

I got the script pretty late, so I was nervous about understanding my character and knowing my lines. Lexi Giovagnoli was really helpful in going through our scenes together, which helped a lot.

Can you share your experience working on the supernatural drama “Cover Me” with actors like Danny Trejo, Jesse Metcalfe, and TC Stallings?

I didn’t have any scenes with them. My scenes were mostly with the Jules Wilcox, who played my daughter and the lead. I had a wonderful time working with her. I did have breakfasts and dinners with Jesse Metcalfe and some of the other actors quite a few times. He was very kind and charming.

Your short film “V.I.P.” won the Bill Murray Short Comedy Award at the Twin Cities Film Fest in 2022. What do you think contributed to its success?

I worked with Marisa Coughlan, who was Ursula in the “Super Troupers” films. She wrote “V.I.P.” She and I played the main characters. But I give all the credit to her. It was a joy to work with her. She’s very a talented actor and writer.

Having a strong background in theater, what are some of your favorite stage productions you’ve been a part of, and why?

My favorite one so far was “Spirit Level” by Pam Valentine. I played a mischievous ghost with my stage husband. We didn’t want anyone in our cottage so we terrorized those who were trying to buy it. The script was written brilliantly—it was so much fun playing these characters. It was a great cast. It was hilarious.

With new projects like “My 7 Grandmas,” “Cruel Summer Weekend,” and “For All Eternity” coming up in 2024, can you tell us about your roles both in front of and behind the camera?

In “My 7 Grandmas” I played one of the lead characters, a grumpy volunteer librarian who has more story than you expect. It’s a dramedy, one of my favorite types of films, and I can’t wait to see it. In terms of “Cruel Summer Weekend,” I helped to produce, cast, and organize it. Oh, and was also the script supervisor, as well an actor in a supporting role. Lastly, “For All Eternity,” I produced, hired the crew, did the casting, was the script supervisor, and was wardrobe as well. I feel like it really turned out well. Brian Michaels directed it, who’s amazing! I’ve seen a sneak peek and it looks wonderful.

Looking back at your career so far, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned, and how have they shaped you as an actress and producer?

I’ve learned that you never know what’s around the corner. You need to be ready for anything. There can be so many surprises in this business. Sometimes you need to shift to plan B, or even C, D, or E—and you need to be ready for that. You also need to have a lot of patience. There are many different personalities that make up the team. I’ve learned a lot, and it’s been an amazing ride!

Where can we learn more about you and your work?

On my IMDb page. And also on my website, which is susanchambersactress.com.