We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Campanaro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I received my work ethic from my father, Richard Campanaro. My dad was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. No matter what job he was accomplishing, it has done with professionalism and gratitude. Even when he was sick with Cancer and had 7 months to live he was wanting to look for a job. He always stayed busy and found the most out of everyday of his life. If it was a day of house chores, it was done as if he was being paid. He had pride in work and in success for a job well done.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have been working in entertainment for over 30 years. In March of 2023, I took a trip to The United Kingdom to assistant direct and choreograph the London Company of Tony -N-Tina’s Wedding. This is a mock Italian Wedding that was one of the longest running hits in Off-Broadway History. I decided to try my hand at the Stand-up Comedy scene in London as my Alter/Ego Lavinia Draper (IG/FB/TIKTOK @mslavinianyc) I found myself meeting Comedy producers, Elaine & Graeme Blackmore (Wholelottacomedy.com) They loved my work and asked me back. September of 2023, I did two weeks of hosting & comedy spots all around London and Brighton. At two local theaters in the South of London, I performed my Award winning musical DOING TIME WITH LAVINIA (2022 NYC United Solo Festival:Best Musical & Best Composer Composer LYNN PORTAS emusiapp.com) A dream come true. I plan to go back to Europe to bring my musical to the London end of July & August to Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
I also will be back in Denver for the Pridefest to continue my work with Chocolatin Q Dessert AKA The Pie Queen of Denver (thepiequeen.co). We just had a wonderful Holiday this December with shows at Hamburger Mary’s and Fortissimo.
I had my 24 Annual Holiday Hop with Dance Molinari. We do this benefit each year for The Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in NYC. We are looking forward to year 25 this December 2024! the show features Broadway Talent from 14 to beyond and performed and produced with the help of Open Jar Studies in NYC.
I will also continue my work as a creative mentor with RoadRecovery.org serving the needs of at risk youths in the tri-state area. I work at The Center in NYC with the LBGTQ Youth Center.
For fun on Monday Nights I am producing events as Lavinia Draper at The Stonewall Inn. This year I will again be hosting the Oscars and the Tony’s from this legendary nightlife establishment. The Stonewall Inn is one of New York’s Landmark Buildings and establishments.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I was taught to do everything with 100% of my energy. I do not sleep walk through life and if I am not inspired by something I do not do it creatively. I have to have integrity in my work. I also was taught to be Fearless. I was told by my voice teach, Mary Setrakian ( Her Book: Sing: Find Your True Voice can be found on Amazon Best Seller List) that the difference between the Stars and everyone else is that they fully commit to what they are doing.
I also live a life of service. If I can help another Human Being on this earth that is my purpose. When I am asked to do a service for someone, I say yes to it! From doing dishes at a dinner party to standing up for someone in court, I am there. In my performance also I see mentoring and helping to create artistic work with a person is an act of love and service.
i also believe that Love and Tolerance is needed in this World we live in. We have to Live and Let Live. i try to be better than the world I live in. I see all people as the same and I treat everyone as I would love top be treated. If I am disappointed by a person, I just pull back and let them go with out argument. people come in and out of our lives and life is like school. We spend time with others for a short of long time. Everything has its season pr seasons if we are lucky.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I try to breath and take the next right action. I assess what needs to be done and I ask myself, “What would a Wise Person do?” I ask myself each day, “What are the actions I need to take to make this a successful day.” Each day I live as it is my last. If I am agitated, I look at myself. Where am I unable to accept my life and situation as it is and how do I change the day to get it back on track. I also can start my day over at anytime. If things are not going right I can pause and say, “Time to start over with a new attitude of gratitude.”
Contact Info:
- Website: thepiequeen.co
- Instagram: @mslavinianyc @susancampanaro
- Facebook: @mslavinianyc @susancampanaro
- Youtube: Lavinia Draper
Image Credits
Billy Hess Photography
