About
Thespian Journey provides private coaching, consulting, and group coaching to children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old or at a K-12 educational level who are interested in pursuing a career in Arts & Entertainment.
From a technical perspective for film and stage, we teach our students the basics of theatre etiquette, stage direction, blocking, hitting your mark, audition technique, and acting resume/headshot formatting.
From a theatrical perspective, we meet individuals where they are in their artistic process and help them develop from that point forward. Through physical movement, monologue, and scene analysis, we help students step outside their creative boundaries and tap into their unique talents. We help students select monologues and scenes, learn how to dig deeper and connect with a character, develop that character, and be able to confidently perform in front of others.
We also assist those students who want to write their own performance pieces.
From a consulting perspective, we work with high school-age performers to help them decide on the perfect path for their thespian journey by assisting in college selection and preparation for college auditions.
We offer group classes, consulting, and private coaching and we work with students in both dramatic and comedic areas. Due to COVID-19, we also offer online private coaching.
For more information or to request a private coaching schedule of availability, please email [email protected]
I love working with kids and teens who are interested in the art of acting because I get to be a part of their journey. The field of entertainment is broad and open and allows for all types of creativity. As I see students grow in skill and self-confidence, it is exciting. To watch the benefits of acting blossom in my students is an amazing feeling. I watch them become more confident and more self-accepting. They learn performance techniques that end up benefiting them in every day life, i.e. being able to speak in front of a group or present themselves in a job interview with confidence.
I have been coaching for 12 years in stage acting and 5 years in stage and film acting. My first student was my own daughter, who began pursuing her acting dream at the age of seven years old. She is now attending NYU-Tisch School of the Arts for Musical Theatre, one of the top theatrical programs in the country and in the world.
I have worked with many high school students in one-on-one coaching environments to help them prepare for school play and musical auditions. This is extra fun for me because when they are cast, I get to celebrate their success with them and see their shows.
Every student is unique, which is why I enjoy one-on-one coaching, where we can explore their natural talents and enhance their skillset. There is nothing more inspiring and more rewarding then helping young people pursue their dreams.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Every student is unique in their skillset, natural abilities, goals and dreams. Thus, I meet each student where they are and help them grow from there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned a BA in Psychology and an emphasis in Theatre from the University of Missouri, Columbia, where I attended on a theatre scholarship. I am also currently certified with the Colorado Department of Education.
As a child, I studied acting with the Muny Opera in St. Louis, Missouri. I also attended John Robert Powers Academy for stage techniques relating to poise and runway work.
After college, I moved to Los Angeles, where I was cast in several films, television programs and commercials including Sofa Mart, Power Rangers, Danielle Steel's Messages from Nam, Ed Wood, Airheads, etc. I studied acting in LA with a private coach, Tom Babson, Weist Baron, and at the Stellar Adler Academy.
I was represented by Talent Plus and Big Fish Talent.
I have starred in numerous plays and musicals and received awards including Best Actress in a One-Act, Best Actress in a Musical Production, and Best Thespian Award.
As I had children of my own, I switched my creative endeavors to novel writing and have since had eleven books published. I have also written numerous scripts for short films, and ghost-written six novels and biographies. More information on my books can be found at www.SusanClaridge.com or www.GlobalPublishGroup.com
I have been an integral part of the local film and theatre industry in Colorado, working closely with several youth theatres and school drama programs, as well as independent film production companies.
I have been coaching for 12 years in stage acting and 5 years in stage and film acting. My first student was my own daughter, who began pursuing her acting dream at the age of seven years old. She is now attending NYU-Tisch School of the Arts for Musical Theatre.
Through my experiences with my own career in Arts & Entertainment and my daughter's career, I have acquired years of knowledge that benefit my students on their journey. I am able to help them avoid industry traps and pitfalls, assist them in clarifying their vision for the future and direct their steps toward the most successful path.
There is nothing more inspiring and more rewarding then helping young people pursue their dreams.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private Coaching in Person
45 mins - 1-hour = $30.00
Private sessions are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Private coaching is most effective with a minimum of two sessions per week. (Exceptions can be made dependent upon upcoming auditions and student's needs.)
Private Coaching On-line
30-minutes = $35.00
Private coaching is best in-person, but online sessions are available for non-local students and, due to COVID-19, are now being offered for local students as well.
Group Coaching
1.5 hour = $45.00/class (Minimum of 6 classes booked)
Groups are 2 or more students and will focus on both monologue and scene acting.
Theatrical Consulting
1-hour = $50.00
30-min Online = $25.00
Consulting sessions are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Minimum requirement for theatrical consulting is 2 hours. (Either (2) 1-hour In-person sessions or (4) 30-min Online sessions.)
We accept cash, check, Venmo and credit card payments.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always had a love and passion for the arts. Years ago I ran a childcare called Stepping Stones Childcare and found that I enjoyed incorporating theatre into learning. As my own daughter became interested in the arts, I shifted my thinking to making sure she was provided with the best training and resources to pursue her goals and dreams. In this process, working in both the film and theatre industries, I realized that I was continually inspired and excited to work with young artists and help them learn the fundamental basics that would put them on a path toward success.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages from 5 years old to 18 years old.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In addition to working with students, I have also written, produced and directed shows and fundraising events. Most recently, I showcased student's talent at a fundraiser in Longmont in 2018 and one in Broomfield in 2017.
I am also an author, with eleven novels published. I have also ghostwritten six books.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Relationship is very important. A teacher and a student need to be a good fit for one another, otherwise it will be hard to teach and hard to learn.
Clear, honest communication is crucial to the success of a student. A teacher must understand the student's goals, dreams, fears, concerns, insecurities, etc., so that the curriculum can be shaped to fit their specific needs.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think through their goals. Where do they want to be in the next five years? Ten years? What is the ultimate goal? Do you want to be in film? Television? Broadway?
What are their challenges? Financial challenges? Personal challenges?
Realistically, what type of actor are they? The leading lady or leading man type? The comedic relief?
What do they feel are their strongest and their weakest attributes?
Being able to be honest with yourself about who you are, what skills and natural talents you possess and where you want to ultimately end up will help you communicate your needs to the teacher, who can then develop a plan to put your on the right path.