Suzie

Dr. Suzie J. Jarmain

actor | teacher | performance academic

Read This

Working with me is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to access a level of expertise going beyond the ordinary. My approach is rooted in a rare combination of high-calibre academic training, industry recognition, and hands-on, practical experience that you won’t find elsewhere and certainly not in Australia. I’ve earned accolades for my research and practice in acting, including an award-winning project, a scholarship-supported doctoral journey, and industry endorsements from prestigious grants, reviews, testimonials from colleagues, students and mentors. Oh, and a touch of celebrity infamy—but that’s a story for another time. (Clients and students are sworn to secrecy so don’t even try!)

My expertise is entrepreneurial, shaped by groundbreaking milestones in acting training and performance technique. It’s not just reliable—it’s innovative and rooted in a genuine love for the performing arts, particularly theatre, film, television and musical theatre. This isn’t just egocentric chit-chat. My Brag List speaks for itself. Need more proof? Feel free to ask my agent or contact any professionals whose testimonials feature on this site.

MEDIA

Press Praise:

Jarmain’s presence is very slick and sleek as are many of the ideas on the effect of celebrity on society and, in particular, on identity. Jarmain’s ability to capture the way individuals become smitten by narcissism is particularly insightful and one of the strengths of this very original theatrical performance. – Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whispers on Celebrity (AUS)

Performer and Writer Suzie J. Jarmain shines in character work, and her alter-ego Thatcher Christian is a remarkable creation. Fame-hungry but talentless, red-lipped and hiding behind oversized sunnies, she’s the highlight of the show when interviewed by the celeb-journo Dominic Star-Dom. – Australian Theatre for Young People (AUS)

[Jarmain] displays outstanding skill in her writing and acting with each of the three episodes, which partners her thesis on the topic of “the actress”, and performance and construct of gender and character. – Myron My, My Melbourne Arts (AUS)

Suzie’s investigation into the liminal space between self and character in the performance of an autobiographical text allowed for an ambitious and rigorous probing into the very heart of acting processes. Suzie has been able to articulate an acting methodology that explores complex character and physicality resulting in a highly effective approach to developing contemporary performance. – Australasian Association of Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (AUS)

[Jarmain] has created a visceral and sharply realised take on the trauma of identity. The desire for celebrity is a desire for reinvention, longing for the power to start again and again. – Rebecca Harkins Cross, Sydney Morning Herald (AUS)

I was totally sucked into this story; it was wonderfully written and well-acted. It had me think about the role of theatre and how to dramatize trauma. A stellar effort from the entire crew. 4 stars. – Eleanor Lindberg, Planet Arts on Elizabeth Taylor is My Mother (AUS)

[Jarmain] shines as Bintou and displays in fine details the fragility and strength required of a lose canon. – Rosalind River, UK Theatre Network

Her portrayal of a heroin-addicted prostitute was described by one critic as “a beacon in a sea of banality”, giving “a star performance that was both hilarious and moving. – Nick Buchan, The Daily Telegraph (AUS)

A University of New England drama graduate has received an ‘standing ovation’ after being honoured for her work in the theatre industry. Suzie [Jarmain] was center stage with her win of the Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies Philip Parsons Prize for 2016. – ARMIDALE EXPRESS Meg Francis, Wednesday July 20, 2016

Published Articles:

“Remember My Name: The Critical Role of Selves in Transformative Acting.” Australasian Drama Studies no. 84, 2024, pp. 253 – 275.

“Acting Dangerously: Confessions of a Transformational Actor.” ArtsHub, 2022, https://www.artshub.com.au/news/opinions-analysis/acting-dangerously-confessions-a-transformational-actor-2536310/.

“The Paradox of the Actress.” Theatre and Performance, Doctor of Philosophy, Practice-based, Monash University, 4th November 2021 2021, p. 131. https://doi.org/10.26180/16927015.v1.

“Beyond Real(ism): An Investigation of the Twenty-First Century Actor and Identity.” The Official: international journal of contemporary humanities, vol. 5, no. 1, 2021, https://www.theofficialjournal.net/past-issues.

“Slipping into Something More.” Performance Studies International, 2019.

Podcasts:

“Artists in Depth.” In Discussion with Dr. Suzie J. Jarmain, produced by Actor Care and sponsored by Equity Showcase, Toronto, Canada, 29th July, 2024.

“Spotlight on Dr Suzie J. Jarmain – Acting Coach/Performing Artist.” You’re Weird. hosted by Hannah Sainty, 2024.

Memberships & Creative Alliances:

Actors Wellbeing Facilitators Collective (AWFC)
Association of Acting Coaches and Educators (AACE)
Theatre Network Australia (TNA)
Australasian Drama and Performance Studies (ADSA)
Media Arts Alliance and Entertainment (MEAA)

Brag List:

Melbourne Theatre Company (AUS)
La Mama (AUS)
The Performance Space (AUS)
ATYP (AUS)
Shopfront Theatre (AUS)
ABC Radio (AUS)
National Theatre of Scotland (UK)
BBC (UK)
Traverse Theatre (UK)

The Arches (UK)
North Edinburgh Arts Centre (UK)
Victorian College of the Arts (AUS)
Melbourne University (AUS)
Monash University (AUS)
NIDA (AUS)
Performance Studies International (CAD)
AusAct (AUS)
Michael Chekhov Association (US)

I am a staunch admirer of Suzie’s comprehensive approach to actor training. Her care and subsequent expertise in actor wellbeing has established her now as both an advocate and an innovative practitioner in this crucial area. Her commitment to fostering a conscientious discourse on acting processes and research practices is exemplary and has garnered respect within our institution and beyond.

Suzie is without a doubt the best acting teacher I’ve ever had. She took precious time to understand exactly where I was in my process, and then as we began to work, she unpacked all the ways in which I was getting in my own way.

I have had the privilege of engaging with Suzie as she has explored and developed her own distinctive training processes to help both actor ensembles and individual actors find healthier and more sustainable practices to negotiate these formative and transformative experiences. Such training and coaching is sorely needed by actors who often report becoming ‘lost’ and even traumatised because of the burden of expectation to ‘become’ the character no matter what!

It was a gratifying experience. I'm excited to have new tools in my arsenal for future developments of character and not rely on my personal defaults in performance.

The Laboratory is a super exciting learning environment for actors to play and experiment with Suzie’s invaluable knowledge and energy that is so freely shared. Highly recommend.

Suzie brings just the right mix of academia, experience, research, and empirical teachings to deliver a highly unique and valuable course for actors. If you are serious about your craft, there is no doubt, get in touch with Suzie.

I have re-found my passion for acting and truly believe that the technique has really enhanced my acting and also myself as a person/artist. Could not recommend this course and Dr Suzie enough!!!!

Suzie has a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly generous when sharing it and when holding space for actors as people. To dive deep into the techniques of Chekhov, under the supportive guidance and expertise of Suzie allowed me to see what is possible in myself as an actor…

I've loved learning how to use my imagination to take me into unchartered territory.

Suzie is a one-of-a-kind teacher, and the learning environment she has created through the Chekhov Studios is truly like no other. In the gracious way that she teaches, coupled with her passion and knowledge of the technique - I feel like Suzie has given me a superpower! I am able to approach texts through a completely fresh lens, and it has unlocked nuance and artistry in my acting that I never could have imagined.

The Level One Chekhov course with Suzie was fantastic! The techniques we learned were unlike anything I’d tried before, and they truly opened my eyes and heart to the possibilities of transforming in a new and fresh way. I'm super excited to apply the Chekhov tools to different scripts and a range of characters! This experience rekindled my love for acting and I had so many ‘AHA!’ moments which I know are powerful learnings I can bring not only into my work but into my life. Working with Suzie is wonderful—she is present, caring, knowledgeable, extremely funny (just to name a few) and brings a joy and relatability that makes it easy to open up to her.

When you meet Suzie in person you realise what a wonderful actress she is. Suzie possesses that rare ability to completely transform. If it's called for, Suzie can disappear but then be present with you in the very next moment. Capable of powerful turns and the most subtle soft emotions. A master of her art.

Suzie gets it. She knows the depth that actors can reach in their characterisations. She knows the importance of safeguarding wellbeing in the process. She’s been there and back firsthand. She bears the scars that no actor should have to endure. That experience is what gives her the insight and wisdom to guide others.