Susan Ericksen
| Susan Ericksen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Illinois, U.S. |
| 🏫 Education | Macalester College, St. Paul, MN (BA) Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX (MFA) |
| 💼 Occupation | Actress / Audiobook Narrator |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | David Colacci |
Susan Ericksen is an American audiobook narrator renowned for her versatility in vocal performance across various genres. With a background in theater, Ericksen has brought life to numerous characters, from classical literature to modern thrillers. Alongside her work, Ericksen is also recognized for her collaborations with her husband, fellow narrator David Colacci.
Early Life and Education
Susan Ericksen spent the early part of her life in Illinois, where her father, Don Ericksen, was a Victorian literature professor at Illinois State University. "My father is a Dickens scholar, so stories and characters are what we grew up with. People have always read aloud in our family."[1]
Ericksen moved to St. Paul, Minnesota to attend Macalester College and began her theatrical career there, acting at the Children’s Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and on other local stages. She later attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas for her masters of fine arts in acting. That’s where she met fellow student David Colacci, an Augsburg University graduate from Minneapolis.[2]
Career
Audiobook Narration
Both Ericksen and her husband David Colacci began their audiobook narration careers over 20 years ago, during the early days of the audiobook industry. Since then, Ericksen has narrated over 500 titles[3], gaining praise for her adeptness at transitioning between different fictional scenarios and her capability to represent an array of characters with diverse accents and backgrounds. She likens her approach to audiobook narration to her theatrical roots, studying characters thoroughly and finding physical characterizations to inform her narrations[4].
Ericksen also shared insights about sustaining characters across book series. Having occasionally chosen challenging character voices that became taxing to maintain throughout a series, she now evaluates the potential long-term role of characters when determining their vocal representation[5].
Ericksen's work spans multiple genres including mystery, suspense, romance, history, essays, biographies, classics, and fantasy. She has frequently collaborated with renowned audiobook producers such as Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, and BBC Audio[1].
Notably, Ericksen was chosen to narrate the ''In Death'' series by J.D. Robb, a pseudonym for author Nora Roberts, illustrating her capability to consistently voice characters across a long-running series. Upon her portrayal of V.I. Warshawski for Sarah Paretsky's series, the author remarked, "She's so got the V.I. voice and it was quite reassuring to me. I thought: 'She gets it.'"[6]
Ericksen is also a member of SAG/AFTRA[7], and is currently a member of the SAG/AFTRA Audio Book Steering Committee which makes recommendations to the National SAG/AFTRA Board regarding policy issues affecting the Audio Book industry and its members.[8]
Stage Productions
As an actor, Ericksen has performed in regional theaters Across the country including The Cleveland Play House, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Baltimore Center Stage, Virginia Stage Company and the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival.
Her many performances include: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky[9], Gint by Romulus Linney at New York's Theater for the New City, [10] Seth Greenland's Jerusalem at the Cleveland Playhouse,[11] and Bright Ideas by Eric Coble at the Cleveland Playhouse.[12]
Hope Summer Repertory Theater
For many years Ericksen has been actively engaged as an Actor and Director for the Hope Summer Repertory Theater in Holland, Michigan. Her credits include two performances of I Do, I Do both of which she co-starred with her husband David Colacci. The first performance of this play happened just after they were married in 1990, and their revival of the roles in 2010 opened on the couple's 20th wedding anniversary.[13]
Susan’s acting and directing contributions for HSRT include:
| Year | Role/Contribution | Production |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Actor: Beatrice Carbone | View from the Bridge[14] |
| 2017 | Actor: Miss Hannigan | Annie[15] |
| 2015 | Actor: Judith Bliss | Hay Fever[16] |
| 2014 | Actor: Dollie Levi | The Matchmaker |
| 2013 | Actor: Margaret Johnson | The Light in the Piazza |
| 2011 | Actor: Marta 'Mama' Hanson | I Remember Mama |
| 2010 | Actor: Agnes | I Do, I Do[17] |
| 2008 | Actor: Sister Aloysius Beauvier | Doubt: A Parable[18] |
| 2005 | Actor: Hannah Ferguson | The Spitfire Grill |
| 2003 | Director | Once Upon a Mattress |
| 2002 | Actor: Sam | Fully Committed |
| 2001 | Director | The Wizard of Oz |
| 1999 | Director | The Tempest |
Personal Life
Ericksen and husband David Colacci were originally based in New York and eventually moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota with their two children. In their residence, they maintain a professional recording studio where they continue to work on various audiobook projects.
Susan is also known for her volunteer work in her community, including as a volunteer for the "Health in the Park" initiative for the City of St. Louis Park.[19]
Media Appearances
Ericksen and Colacci's contributions to the audiobook industry garnered attention from mainstream media. On November 3, 2019, the duo was featured on NBC's Today for their longevity and voice-over artistry in audiobook narration.[20]
Reception
Ericksen has received several accolades for her narrations from Publishers Weekly:
- Regarding "Critical Mass" by Sara Paretsky: "Susan Ericksen, who has narrated several books in this series, gives V.I. a serious, level-headed tone..."[21]
- In reference to "Carthage" by Joyce Carol Oates: "The husband-and-wife team of Susan Ericksen and David Colacci are gifted professionals who narrate this novel and embroil us in the tragedy of the Mayfield family..."[22]
- For "Desperation in Death" by J.D. Robb: "Narrator Susan Ericksen's performance vibrates with energy as she portrays old and new characters in this series."[23]
- Concerning "The Abundance" by Annie Dillard: "Ericksen’s narration flirts with glee. A complex journey beautifully told commands listening over and over to fully appreciate its layers of meaning and lyrical storytelling."[24]
- In reference to "The Detox Strategy" by Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith: "Her deliberate pacing and sturdy resonance convey thoughtfulness and confidence."[25]
- For "Treachery in Death" by J.D. Robb: "The combination of Robb and Ericksen make for addictive listening."[26]
- Pertaining to "Girls Like Us" by Sheila Weller: "Susan Ericksen reads like one of the girls, picking up from Weller's tone and sounding like a woman of the era..."[27]
- In "Family Ties" by Danielle Steele: "Susan Ericksen demonstrates competence and attention to detail in bringing the dialogue to life."[28]
- Commenting on "The Diary" by Eileen Goudge: "... the versatile Susan Ericksen gives the characters the life, color and personality they deserve..."[29]
- On "L.A. Outlaws" by T. Jefferson Parker, which she co-narrated with David Colacci: "David Colacci's and Susan Ericksen's strong vocal talents bring his main characters to life with energy and wit... The two narrators and Parker's bristling tale makes a fast-paced and winning combination."[30]
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Ericksen has been honored multiple times by AudioFile Magazine, with several of her narrations listed as "Best" in various categories over the years. Among her notable works, her narration for The Abundance by Annie Dillard was recognized as the AudioFile Best of 2016 in Nonfiction & Culture.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "AudioFile Magazine Spotlight on Narrator Susan Ericksen". AudioFile Magazine.
- ↑ Tribune, Kevyn Burger Special to the Star. "St. Louis Park couple are 'rock stars' of audiobook narration, famous for accents and acting skills". Star Tribune.
- ↑ "Susan Ericksen Bio Page". Tantor Media.
- ↑ Becca, Martin-Brown (May 6, 2018). "The Face Behind The Voice Actress joins authors at annual Books in Bloom". Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ↑ Becca, Martin-Brown (May 6, 2018). "The Face Behind The Voice Actress joins authors at annual Books in Bloom". Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ↑ "Meet the husband and wife voice-over artists narrating audiobooks". Today Show. NBC. November 3, 2019. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Twin Cities Local Fall Membership Meeting: Looking Back and Moving Forward". SAG-AFTRA. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ↑ http://www.sag-aftra-actors.com/SAG-AFTRA-National-Committees.pdf
- ↑ Pollack, Joe (January 15, 1995). "The Brothers Karamazov". Variety. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ↑ "Linney Americanizes Ibsen Epic Peer Gynt'". Playbill. 1998-02-04. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- ↑ "Cleveland Play House Premieres Greenland's Jerusalem, March 13". Playbill. Playbill. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ↑ "World Premiere Dark Comedy Bright Ideas Opens at Cleveland Play House, Oct. 18". Playbill. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- ↑ "They did! They did!". Holland Sentinal. June 24, 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "HSRT opens 'A View from the Bridge' as season's final production". Holland Sentinal. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "HSRT TO PRESENT "ANNIE" BEGINNING FRIDAY, JULY 7". Hope College. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "Noel Coward's 'Hay Fever' rounds off season with farcical fun". Holland Sentinal. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "I Do! I Do! takes you through a musical journey of life lessons". Holland Sentinal. June 24, 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "Don't Miss: Season continues with gripping play". Holland Sentinal. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
- ↑ "The Future of Health in the Park". PBS. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ↑ Today Show Feature - Meet the husband and wife voice-over artists narrating audiobooks
- ↑ "Critical Mass Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Carthage Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Desperation in Death Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "The Abundance Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "The Detox Strategy Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Treachery in Death Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Girls Like Us Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Family Ties Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "The Diary Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "L.A. Outlaws Review". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ↑ "Desperation in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Desperation in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Dark in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "The Abundance by Annie Dillard". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Carthage by Joyce Carol Oates". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Thankless in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Critical Mass by Sara Paretsky". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 "2012 Audie Awards®". Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on 2023-02-27. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Celebrity in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "New York to Dallas by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "2011 Audie Awards®". Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on 2022-12-07. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Body Work by Sara Paretsky". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Fantasy in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "The Liars Lullaby by Meg Gardiner". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Hardball by Sara Paretsky". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Kindred in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Promises in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Strangers in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "LA Outlaws by T Jefferson Parker". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "2007 Audie Awards®". Audio Publishers Association. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 "2006 Audie Awards®". Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on 2023-03-01. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Survivor in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Naked in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Reunion in Death by JD Robb". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ↑ "Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews". Audiofile Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
External links
- Susan Ericksen Official Instagram Page
- Susan Ericksen Official IMDB Page
- AudioFile Audiobook Talent & Industry Guide
- The Audies official website
- Past Winners - APA Archived 2022-01-18 at the Wayback Machine lists Audie Award winners from 1996 to the present
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