Meet NYC-based Artist Susan Campochiaro Confrey
SUSAN CAMPOCHIARO CONFREY is a NYC-based actor, writer, director, producer and the artistic director of Theatre 71 at Blessed Sacrament NYC. Visit her website at LightfieldEntertainment.org.
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?
SUSAN CAMPOCHIARO CONFREY: Yes, I serve the Lord in everything I do. It doesn't preclude me from secular world and bringing the Lord to them as well.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
Our pastor, Father Nolan, of Blessed Sacrament Church NYC has given us the blessing to film the Sunday Masses all through the pandemic, to bring God's word and spiritual communion to our parishioners and beyond!
Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
My acting company CBU Actors Studio, my production company LFE, and other industry-related folks who support my efforts to bring God into the entertainment business.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I believe that the Church can participate more in programs and volunteer for more projects that are brought to them, and even invent ways in which they CAN participate.
How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
I feel that if we, as Catholics, make ourselves more available to listen to what is wanted and needed in the artistic world, and provide it, the people will recognize the difference we can make for them.
Where in NYC do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
Blessed Sacrament Church NYC, Theatre 71, The Joy J Initiative (which works with the homeless), and other churches I visit in and around the city to meditate on God's word.
What is your daily spiritual practice? Do you have a spiritual director?
I attend Daily Mass at the church of The Blessed Sacrament. Fr. David Nolan, pastor, is my spiritual director. I am a EMHC and a Lector at the parish, and I lead the Rosary every day on Zoom to our parishioners and other who join, some from all the way from Australia! I also lead the St. Michael Chaplet via Zoom every Wednesday at 8:30 am.
What is your daily artistic practice?
I recommend finding a good acting class, or voice teacher if they sing. Go to dance classes if you are a dancer, practice, rehearse, get coaching from a coaching professional about the industry you are trying to break through in. CBU Coaching is my company.
Which neighborhoods would you recommend to artists moving to New York City?
Inwood, Astoria, and Midtown East.
What other practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in your city?
Any job is good as long as the boss knows that you have to have it be flexible for auditioning and taking acting jobs. I highly recommend Task Rabbit and Apple.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
Daily Mass, becoming a LECTOR at the church they become a parishioner at, and learning business of the business.