Actor's Experiences
Actors Transformational Intensive

Dear Susan  and Padraic,

I know that I've said Thank you before but I wanted to say it just once more.  I have never met more warm hearted people than you two. Susan- The Intensive was a jump into the unknown, but I have to say, you made it so full of passion and inspiration that it turned out to be more like coming into the light or awareness.  So much love and useful tools and dedication that I will hold this in my being forever.  Padraic - your talk gave me the tools to start to protect that light, that hope,  that drives me to want to connect with people through acting. 

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Love Always,
Lulu   (Jan ATI 2010)

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Susan and Padraic,

I can't begin to tell you how important this weekend was for me. It was great to meet all the business professionals yes, but more importantly, like I said on the tape, it helped me believe I myself again. I forget, or use to, that I am worthy.  How appropriate that I took the Intensive at the beginning of a new yar, at the beginning of a new decade.  I am empowered with the knowledge that and can change my life, my train of thought, and I can succeed in this difficult business.

Susan, you are one of the most optimistic people I have ever met in my life. It is infectious.     Merely being around you, hugging you, smiling back at you, makes my spirit lighter and positive.  I thank you for it.

Padraic, I have struggled with "the conversation" my whole life.  I know and have always known, that there's a beautiful light within me that wants to share with the world.  After our talk on Sunday, it is shining little by little with every "thank you for sharing". Thank you, guys, so much.

Warmly,

Bradley ( Jan ATI 2010)

Dear Susan,

       I don’t have enough paper and ink to thank you, but you can’t blame a girl for trying! I just wanted you to know how much being a part of the Intensive and knowing you has done for me. Your kinkness and desire to help others shines through in everything you do. It is so wonderful to feel that you have someone truly on your side in this big bad city. So thank you for that. And thank you also for providing an opportunity for actors to find themselves/what they love again. That is what I feel like you have given me through the Intensive. It is a freedom and a joy in performing that I haven’t felt in a long time (even if that “performance” is an audition). I fell like I have the tools to go out there and make things happen for myself, and the understanding and patience for when they may not happen exactly the way I want them to. God bless and keep finding Starfish!

With Great Love and Affection,

Laura Hartle – NY ACTOR

I feel like I can tackle anything! It’s such a great feeling to have! The money that I spent on the intensive was the best money I have ever stpent! I’ve been telling all my friends that  above all, you made me feel welcome and loved.

Thank you so much, Love Ya,

Lauren Wightman

From: "Stephan Stubbins"
To: "'Susan Campochiaro Confrey'"
Subject: good news!
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:29:48 -0400

Hey Susan!

I wanted to thank you for all of you help and guidance this past six
months!!! I just booked my first Broadway show! I just got an official
offer for Mary Poppins! I can't thank you enough for all you've helped
me achieve!

Lots of love,
Stephan

Stephan Stubbins
January Actors Transformational Intensive 2008

Susan's Actors Transformational Intensive Acting Weekend is a wonderful 
well-rounded package.
By experiencing a little bit of everything, I received a whole lot of 
something. For me, the something, was not only a rigorous workout in 
honing my acting chops and in being seen by numerous industry 
professionals; it was also a place for me to witness my own personal 
barriers I create in this glorious, yet challenging world of acting, 
where rejection and competition can easily eat away at your spirit. 
Susan and her staff offer a relaxed, professional, and nurturing 
environment to reclaim, nourish, and own it all over again. A great 
blend of business savvy and artistic expression. On a scale of 1-5, I 
would give it a 6!  .... Miriam Kulick

JANUARY 2007 ACTORS TRANSFORMATIONAL INTENSIVE

How would you rate the quality of the Career Breakthroughs Unlimited 3-Day Actors Transformational Intensive and why?

  Scale 1-10 CBU = 10 +++++! I am so inspired after this weekend. I feel like my world has opened up and my future holds tons of possibilities. I learned about acting- myself and Showbiz. Thank you so much! I now have a new life to live!

Jen M. -NYC Actor

 Quality = 110%!!! The time and dedication you put into developing these weekends is obvious and very appreciated.

Jennifer H. -NYC Actor

 A Ten. It asks each actor to climb up the mountain and hit their edge and keep going.

Angela A. –NYC Actor

 Very high – focused on the spiritual/creative side that we often ignore once we start pursuing the business – proved that you can do both.

Todd F. – NYC Actor

 I would rate it a 10 – because it forced you to break down your walls & open up. I opened up & became the person I used to be that I thought I lost.

Alexa S. – NYC Actor

10+ Just a feeling of completeness and total concentration on what I LOVE to do!

Kathleen C. -NYC Actor

 Good but hard. Breakthrough is the key word, it is hard to break down those walls but in the end it was a good experience.

Caitlin B. – NYC Actor

 The quality was amazing because I had the complete freedom to grow & be open.

Mandy M. – NYC Actor

 Was a wonderful experience. I came away feeling confident, powerful and having made a bunch of new friends

Michael W. – NYC Actor

 My experience was very overwhelming both professionally and personally. I got to know me once again. I rediscovered my passion and myself. Acting work and confidence, both increased.

Bijou K. – NYC Actor

Jan ATI 2006 Testimonials

I would give this experience a very high rating. I have been to workshops and classes but I think that this intensive was better. There were not too many other actors so everyone was allowed to get a good portionof attention during the 3 days.
Brian, NY actor

Off The Charts! This is an opportunity to answer every question, doubt, or fear, you’ve ever had and blow them out of the water. It’s an opportunity to breakthrough and out of the chains people allow themselves to be held back with.
Bree, NY actor

I give it an excellent rating. All aspiring, talented actors should experience it.
Kiki, NY actor

My expectations were more than met in that we got to spend so much time one-on-one time with the industry reps.
Allyson, NY actor

Fantastic! It gave me exactly what I needed at this point in time & in an environment in which I felt comfortable enough myself.
Drew, NY actor

10 ! Because it brought me back to life!
James, NY actor

1to10, it was an 11 ! It was more than I expected and or wanted. New Friends and a chance of another industry person seeing my work.
Eric, NY actor

(scale 1-5) 5! It was great and wonderful to act for 3 days.
Kostas, NY actor

Jan 2006

Dear Susan,

I am resending the card I sent you in order to thank you for all that you have done for me. I’ve lost 20lbs now, I made a CD of my singing the National Anthem and because of it I am on call to sing it at NJ Nets basketball games. I am in AFTRA now; I am flying to North Carolina in a few weeks to record my aunt and uncle on camera to interview them on their exodus out of Iraq in 1941 and will be entering it in the Iraqi Memory Foundation in their Oral History Archives.

I am going to be on the 1^st and 3^rd episodes of the CBS series LOVE MONKEY. Also starting an on camera film class – went to LA in November and loved it and am working my way to be there by this time next year .Finished writing my play “two-mur humor and getting it up on it’s feet and starting a non-profit to help those who are uninsured get help paying their medical bills. I continue studying and performing at open mikes. I’ve been doing sketch comedy shows out of town and getting paid and have been auditioning a lot.

I owe all this to you – Thanks again - Valerie

"I wasn't sure what to expect going into the intensive, but I kept an open mind and did my best...and it was SO worth it! I am now signed with a legit agent as a direct result of the weekend. It certainly was "intense" and I would recommend this three day whirlwind of getting trained and coached by casting directors, agents and managers to anyone who is struggling with finding their place in the business. Susan is a skillful guide and her positive energy is an inspiration to actors."

Christian, NYC Actor

I got your email, and I wanted to really thank you for
the work that you have helped me to do. I owe a lot
of my sucess to you. Not just any of the jobs that I
will book, but instilling in me the passion for this
business which I had lost, and didn't think I would
get back. Close to a year ago I would have never
thought that I would be signed by an agent or be
appearing on a soap in any capacity. Once again
Thanks so much

Michael A Blackmon - May Intensive 2005

Dear Susan, Thank you so much for tonight!!
I have had so many breakthroughs these 2 days!! My stagefright,...and numerous things.
being in a group,..remember I WAS SO AFRAID TO BE LAUGHED AT BY PEOPLE!!!

And tonight!!! I realised that all those tears were a waste, ..and i just concentrated on
the bad,...I had no clue about the good intentions and the way he thought,
...because I had that chip on my shoulder. I could not believe that he was so excited!!!
And that because of your coaching,..i got over my stage fright and for the
first time am actually enjoying being up there!!! Susan,..do you understand what a
gift that is that u gave me!?

Susan,...if God has an Angel on this earth to watch over me,..it must be you!!!
I truely believe that God brought me to you. For you to guide me through him.
I SINCERELY MUST TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! sleep well!!
sas
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Testimonial from Celia Kimberg on her results from Coaching with Susan:
My life is getting fuller and more exciting every day. I am actually sending out my head shot and resume every week. I go to my auditions having a great time, feeling confident and related to the casting directors. The result of that is that I book the jobs. As soon as I know I’m taking something personal, I do something about it right away, instead of bottling it up inside. I have a new monologue which I am exited about. I practice my voice regularly now. I started doing yoga and biking regularly. Lost 13 pounds. Also got married to my soul mate. My world is transformed. Forever thank you Susan!
Celia Kimberg
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"I found the actors transformational intensive to be a very fulfilling experience.
So much of the doubt, negativity, and uncertainty of the business of acting is removed.
You leave with a sense of purpose and intention. The process successfully marries your artistic calling
with nuts and bolts about the business, making it more accessible and human.
There is no way to accurately explain the weekend. The analogy would be like trying to describe childbirth.
You can give all the ideas, facts, and expectations you want, but it doesn't make sense until you experience it.
The transformational intensive allows actors to give birth their "creative being".
Mike Dressel - NYC Actor

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Susan--
I just wanted to send a thank you your way for continuing to support me and my progress, even after the Intensive is over. You seem to have a boundless amount of energy and joy, not to mention a great talent in what you do. I really appreciated the viewing of our monologues last week. I am STILL learning valuable lessons from the experience.
Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Kate
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Testimonial:
"Working with Susan has been an incredible learning experience! I have learned a great deal about myself and my true goals and I now have a process that will enable me to achieve those goals. There are days that I would not have gotten through the down spots in this business without Susan. There is a reason why they call this "Show BUSINESS." First and foremost this is a business and must be worked as a business"
Suzan Perry, actor, nyc
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Actors Transformational Intensive June 2002
My experience was not only invaluable but life changing. I not only became a stronger and more confident actor. I became more in touch with myself as a stronger and more confident soul. It felt amazing to not only make my own personal breakthroughs but to experience our classmates as well. I will never forget the special union our class bonded in those three days. I can only say, "Bring on the auditions." I'm a whole new Fawn now!!!!

Gracias, Merci, and Thank you to the phenominal Susan and Padriac. The two of you are a dynamic duo. I love learning, growing and working with you both. "Working" will be the operative word in my career because of your love and support.
Fawn
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Hi Padraic,
I wanted to think about this a few days, so there are so many things to say about how wonderful the intensive was. I think the most important thing I have realized is that, being a working actor doesn't lie or lay, no lie in the hands of the agents or anyone but myself, it is about empowering myself and doing the work to get there.

So many times actors lose their empowerment by thinking it is in the hands of other people. Yes, meeting and knowing the right people is a must, but that comes from doing the work.

The benefit of the fellow actors also is so special, to share a common passion and really get it. WOW, but the biggest benefit is finding you and Susan, and having her to coach with afterwards to keep the momentum. I will value what I learned about myself, the industry and others for the rest of my life!!!
Thanks again guys
love Kristen
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Testimonial:
Coaching with Susan Campochiaro Confrey helped me to become more confident, focused and proactive in the pursuit of my career. I found her to be professional, organized and genuine in her caring and concern for my well being. I trust every piece of advice that she has given me because I know that she has my best interests at heart. Even though she has a lot going on in her life, Susan always makes me feel that our scheduled times together are important and she makes sure that they are productive. If you want to jumpstart your career, I recommend that you coach with Susan Campochiaro Confrey.
Gretchen Gale
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"The biggest news is I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN WAIVERS, AND I WILL BE JOINING SAG NEXT WEEK!!!! It is something I have been working for since the intensive...It it wasn't for you letting me into the intensive, I would not be where I am right now..So thank you for all your help....I have also worked on three student films and have been cast in three indie films that will shoot in the next four months..All this since Feb./Mar!!! Please keep in touch"
Love, A. Michael Elian, NYC actor
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The actor's transformational intensive was one of the most gratifying experiences in my acting career! It was so great to get to meet and work with 21 of the top industry professionals. They helped to create an environment in which actors could feel safe and get the most from their time and work. I am a different actor since the intensive. I'm more confident, relaxed, and centered than ever! I also got to work with some amazing actors. I think that since Susan auditions everyone, a certain caliber of person is hand-picked to attend. You know that you'll be learning from them as well, and that they are serious about their work. It's a great weekend all around and well worth the time, effort and money put into it! Thanks a million!
-- Krista Gillen
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It was a wonderful experience to be a part of Susan Campochiaro Confrey's Actor's Transformational Intensive. The feedback that I received from Agents, Casting Directors, and Managers was extraordinary! I feel much more confident in myself and I'm able to make better decisions regarding my career. I also got a wonderful opportunity to work in an environment with extremely talented actors who gave so much of themselves during the 3 days that we were together.
Thank you Career Breakthroughs Unlimited for a great experience!
--Liz Tapia-Zeigler
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Actors Transformational Intensive / Feb 2002
The Career Breakthroughs Unlimited Actor's Transformational Intensive takes the concepts of showcase, audition, interview, and professional/personal preparation and melds them into a welcoming, yet intensely challenging, 3 day event. Under the supportive guidance of Susan Campochiaro Confrey, I found the intensive to be everything it promised to be and then some... After just one weekend, the vacuous entertainment industry became, not only a much smaller world, but a more human world. Perspective & knowledge are two powerful tools... Through the Actor's Transformational Intensive, It doesn't just hand you the tools to do with as you will, but shows you how to use them for maximum effect. I don't think I was wasting my time/energy before taking the Actor's Transformational Intensive... I learned a lot the hard way :)... but now I can see exactly where I'm going... so there's no need to spread out my energy in a feeble attempt to cover my bases. In short, Susan brings people and talents together in such a way that the business of show business becomes more tangible and the show of show business becomes more magical!!!
--Berly
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"I can't express the power this transformational workshop has given me as an actor and more importantly, as a person. I was able to learn about acting as a business. Susan's workshop has given me some much needed confidence in my acting and in how I portray myself in front of industry professionals, as well as in front of myself. I am eternally grateful. I recommend any actor, artist, or anyone at all to allow this wonderful transformation to happen within them. This casting intensive works!" Thank you again for everything.
--Michael Elian
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The three days I spent at the Actor's Transformational Intensive exceeded my expectations. I went from being scared, to being frustrated with myself, to feeling like I was 40 feet tall. I have never loved acting so much as I do now after finishing the intensive. Yes, it is intense and it's great. Everyone should do this life altering, enhancing experience!
--Chalet Nechtman
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The three days were really overwhelming. Luckily, I took good notes, otherwise my brain would have retained very little since so much was put out there for me to learn. It's been one full week now. I've met with a few other CD's, agents, had a few auditions and callbacks, taken class, did laundry, burned some popcorn and lived life for a week. I have very strong marketing skills that I utilize, but I knew that was only one piece of a very big puzzle. I met with 21 people who are in this business with me. There are two operative words in that sentence: 'people' and 'with.' Neither of which my brain fully registered before the weekend intensive.
--Jennifer Bernstone
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Of all the courses and workshops I've taken, and there have been many, Susan's Actor's Transformational Intensive is by far one of the best investments I've made thus far in my career. No only did I receive a plethora of very valuable information from 21 major casting directors, agents, and managers, I was, also, able to audition, receive personal feedback, and learn how to make myself more marketable. Actor's Transformational Intensive helps a serious actors put all of the uncertainties about their career and the business into perspective. The casting directors, agents, and managers that Susan chooses are major players in the business. And because they understand why they are there, they give honest, useful feedback on each actor. I learned tips on audition etiquette, what they look for at auditions, and how to improve my audition. And actors, "You think you know, but you have no idea." There are many things we do that we don't know to sabotage ourselves from getting these jobs. Most importantly, I gained contacts and I networked with some very wonderful, topnotch professionals and fellow actors in the business. If you are serious about acting and serious about your career, this 3-Day Actor's Transformational Intensive is your obligation to yourself and your career. Hands down, it gets my highest recommendation. It's intense, and lots of fun.
--Kyona Levine
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Susan's energy and love towards actors is boundless. I achieved breakthroughs that I couldn't have realized anywhere else. As primarily a theatre actress, it was wonderful to acquire knowledge of what the commercial acting business is really about. An actor must know how to market herself, and most of all, that an actor really must bring herself to each character. "Just be yourself" and "live in the moment" is what I constantly heard from many casting directors. It was great to get feedback on my performances from agents and casting directors - that usually does not happen when you audition. It was a wonderful experience and recommend it to all actors.
-- Adile Istarki
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Actors Transformational Intensive / Jan 2002 I would first like to say that the weekend was filled with such love and support that made anything possible. There was no judgment or competition, just creative energy where everyone was out for the same goal. Auditioning for and receiving feedback from the casting directors and agents that attended was not only helpful but informative as well. Overall it was an excellent experience that I would recommend to any performer who is interested in learning and growing towards a career as a working professional. Thank you for everything.
-- Edward V. Lacina
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I entered the Actor's Transformational Intensive frustrated and resigned as an actress. I had pretty much stopped going on auditions altogether. When I did muster the energy to go, the huge amount of pressure I put on myself to do well killed any possibility of that actually happening. At the end of three days, I was ready to go for it. Not in the semi-committed, on again off again way I had been, but full on. I got my self-expression and my confidence back, and I feel passionate about acting again!
--Lorelei Young, NYC
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The experience that I had with the Actor's Transformational Intensive was wonderful. The program was better than I had imagined. Susan's ability to put the right people together, a great, small group of actors and influential and informative casting directors and agents, in a space that was spacious and comfortable were key elements of the success of the program - as compared to other workshops I have been involved in. But the most important element in the Actor's Transformational Intensive, was Susan herself. Susan showed her true interest that each of the actors' excelled meeting and exceeding their goals in performance and learning about the industry. Her relationship with the casting directors and agents is obviously one of great mutual respect, making the actor's association with her very valuable. I am very proud to be associated with Susan and her programs. Best wishes & Keep Succeeding!
--Dee Cooke
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Susan --
I am totally looking forward to meeting with you next Monday - boy oh boy am I ready to get this career going! I was feeling a bit down - you know those post-I just had an amazing weekend, why can't my whole life be like that" blues. I wanted to let you know -- I just got a call from one of the Casting Directors to come audition for her one act that she's directing late February. I just got the sides (their funny :) ) and the audition is next Tuesday night. Woohoo!!!! I really liked her --. It was so clear to me that she was passionate about the projects she was working on and truly invested in the people she worked with -- I was thrilled she was part of the weekend (and even more thrilled that she commented on the air of support and inspiration in the room).
Susan, I am so thankful that I was a part of this weekend. I had absolutely no idea I would walk away feeling as I did, with 12 people rooting for me every step of the way. A truly unique experience and I thank you for leading us through it. Like I said, I am looking forward to working with you more. :)
Love,
-- Amy C. Peterson
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I was floating between the two ends all weekend and after 12 auditions and 22 industry professionals. All the presenters held my attention. I learned so much about the industry, casting, agents, casting directors, managers, their interactions and that these people were all on the actors' side (I'd always believed otherwise, except in the rare case where one unpredictably thought an individual actor brilliant or was attracted by a look, talent or personality). I feel so much more marketable, professional, prepared and "part" of the industry in terms of acceptable range of possible work available.
The intensive served to counterbalance years of horror stories about cattle calls and joblessness. TV/Film/Commercials/Industrials, the areas I'm interested in, are now possible. Nonunion status is no longer an issue. Contacting casting directors directly is no longer a waste of time, money, supplies and energy. The respect the industry pros show for Susan makes it viable to remind them about having auditioned. Lack of formal training (which I've never been willing to get) is no longer an issue. I was already doing very well on a beginning level for only having been auditioning for a year. Now I will move ahead considerably and much faster, from the information, contacts and encouragement I got. The students and the interconnectedness Susan fosters with her and within the group are amazing.
A little more than a year ago I reinvented myself and began auditioning. Recently I updated my wardrobe with auditions and work in mind. People have been bugging me about my hair for years, and I've agreed to get professional coloring before setting up a photo shoot for updated headshots. Next level coming up; look out! Meanwhile, it's back to work on my next short film and an audition this weekend. As more occurs, you'll hear from me. I wish everyone luck and strongly encourage anyone serious about the business to become involved with Career Breakthroughs Unlimited.
--Elli Fordyce
P.S. The following Thurs. I got a call from an agent who participated on the agent's panel during the 3- Day Actor's Transformational Intensive. Unfortunately, I couldn't make their schedule since I'm on-set for a film shoot. On Friday I got a call from Scott at Charles Rosen Casting for a go-see. It was my first, fun, a zoo; looking forward to more now that I know the drill. Hope to have more to report.
--Elli Fordyce
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"Thank you so much for such a wonderful and inspiring class. I left feeling like I could conquer the world! I have never acted on-camera before and your advice was invaluable. Thank you for making my introduction to this side of the business so utterly positive and encouraging." --Annamieke Farrow

"I can't tell you how grateful I am for today. I was ready to doubt every inch of talent I have, and then you came along with your wonderful sincerity. I will cherish everything you have said to me. You're a superb teacher, and I value your wisdom and person tremendously. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." --Jonnan Reade

"You ROCK! Always a lady and always so fun and supportive." --Berly Ellis

"Working with you has been wonderful and enlightening. I appreciate your generosity in s haring your vast expertise in the industry." --Elli Fordyce

"The class was excellent and helped me grow as an actor on many levels. You provided us with a great learning tool by creating the circumstances of an actual audition and then giving us positive feedback. It gave me practical knowledge and demystified the process. I also appreciated your sharing your philosophical approach to acting. I understood what you said and it gave me a useful context for approaching my work."--Julie Crotty

"I really learned a lot, and thanks especially for helping me reconcile my "Legit" and "Commercial" techniques." -- Jamie McAllister

"Awesome, awesome, awesome! That's you."--Kyona Levine"

Such a wonderful session, you offered amazing comments"--Sheryl Matthys"

Thank you for your insight, your feedback and your time. They were without a doubt , invaluable" --Kate Van Devender

Contact us
212-978-0715
info@cbucoaching.com