Standout Spartan: Susan Sanford

Middle School Theatre/Upper School Public Speaking Teacher Susan Sanford loves all aspects of the theatre: teaching, directing, and acting.

Ms. Sanford is currently in rehearsal for “Misery,” which will be performed at Virginia Repertory Theatre August 31-September 29. She plays the role of Annie Wilkes in this gripping stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Earlier this summer, she played Violet in “9 to 5: The Musical” at Virginia Repertory Theatre. 

“I was thrilled to play Violet again!” she shared. “I played her 10 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I loved inhabiting that character. She’s in charge but human, and very funny. I really love the music, and the two women who played the other roles were amazing. We formed a bond, which I think showed onstage.” Asked what it’s like to portray characters so vastly different from one another, she said, “I love that 180-degree change. I rely on my director to help me make role choices that are as different from me as possible.”

Ms. Sanford was thrilled to learn that she was nominated for two Artsies Awards (for “9 to Five” and “Into the Woods,” a Richmond Shakespeare production that was performed at Steward in the spring of 2024). “A committee of critics and designated members of the Richmond Theatre Community Circle are charged with collecting nominations,” she explained. “It’s always an honor to feel like your work has been recognized. I’m also pleased that that so many people involved in both productions have been acknowledged as well — including Lower School Music Teacher Sandy Dacus for Best Musical Direction in ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’” The awards night will take place October 13, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Theatre Artists Fund of Greater Richmond. 

“Acting is an opportunity for me to feed my soul, work with amazing people, and remind myself of who I am and what I love to do,” said Ms. Sanford, who looks forward to directing “Spamalot” at Steward in 2025. “It’s such a fun show and I think the students will be excited about it!” she said.