I am a multidisciplinary immersive theater artist specializing in immersive production, direction and narrative design. My experience as a writer, educator, musician, and circus artist informs my approach to storytelling. LA Weekly describes my work as utilizing “a fine balance between physicality and introspection".
Current Projects/
Artist in Residence
Coming in the Fall:
Cirque du Grunge
Following on the success of previous forays into Rock and Roll history, Cirque du Grunge is coming to plunge you into the world of the underground grunge scene. Brooklyn rockers PERSONS play a full set like its 1989 in Seattle, WA all over again. Surprises await as rockers climb high in the air, moshers perform herculean feats of contortion and spurned girlfriends spin fire! Participants are encouraged to dress in their best flannels and docs prepare for a night to remember.
The Tiger's Bride
A feminist retelling of famous fairytales, this immersive project features circus, dance, theater and a live soundtrack featuring the music of singer/songwriter Lily Desmond and instrumentalist projections by Liquid Light Lab. Developed with the support of Anver Entertainment, Shotgun Players and 5th Wall Studio. Currently in residence with The Cell Theatre.
Learn More:
Press/
Reviews
Bottom of the Ocean
Lamia
The Tiger's Bride
True Genius
“Themes of change, death and rebirth abound in this peculiar production, a triumph of style and low-budget ingenuity.”
"Lamia is more than a show—it creates a full theatrical experience that engages the audience in thought and action, calling into question the faith we all place on love."
-Theatre Is Easy
"Beautiful voices, haunting music, and surprises that are in store in what is truly immersive theatre done to perfection by a very talented troupe."
- Electronic Link
"Suzanne Karpinski’s direction utilizes a fine balance between physicality and introspection to create an eerie sense of foreboding throughout a play that even has the audience questioning reality at times."
-LA Weekly
Gallery
Cirquedelic
Conceived and Directed by Suzanne Karpinski
Lighting Design by Liquid Light Lab
Sound Design by J Warner
Choreography by The Ensemble
Live Music by Ellis Ashbrook
After Burn
Written by Barbara Garshman
Lighting Design by Cate DiGirolamo
Costume Design by Magdelen Zinky
Sound Design by Jessica Hart
Stage Manager: Rebecca Shafer
Cirque du Punk
Conceived by Suzanne Karpinski and Torrie Ogilvie
Choreography by The Ensemble
Music by TREADS
Lamia: A Dance-Theater Exploration
By Molly Haas-Hooven
Choreography by Shannon Stowe
Lighting Design by Alejandro Fajardo
Costume Design by Tilly and William
Music Composed by John Barber and Janna Pelle
Tracks
By Esti MacInnes
Set Design by Rochelle Voyles
Lighting Design by Alejandro Fajardo
Sound Design by Eben Mannes
Stage Manager: Jonathan Steiger
Music performed by Jared Fontaine
Standard Aptitude
By Sam Byron
Set Design by Anshu Bhatia
Costume Design by Caitlin Cisek
Lighting Design by Dante Olivia Smith
Sound Design by Beth Lake
In the Hand of Dreams
Written and Directed by Suzanne Karpinski
Original Score Composed and Performed by
John Barber and Alex Major
Set Design by Brittney Vasta
Costume Design by Tristan Raines
Lighting Design by Graham Kindred
Sound Design by Ien DeNio
Madness In Valencia
By Lope de Vega, trans. by David Johnston
Set Design by Kurt Boetcher
Costume Design by Wes Crain
Lighting Design by Karyn Lawrence
Sound Design by Suzanne Karpinski
Prop Design by Laura Napoli