Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

"Dreams are possible." These three simple words capture the essence of Susie Carroll's extraordinary journey from a determined 10-year-old in Utah to a Broadway performer in hit shows like Back to the Future, Mean Girls, and The Prom.

In this heartfelt conversation, Susie reveals the beautiful paradox at the core of her success: while adult Susie battles perfectionism, young Susie possessed a fearlessness that propelled her forward without doubt. "Little Susie had way less doubts than Susie does now," she reflects, describing how she'd ask her mom at age 10 if they could leave Utah for New York because "I think I should be on Broadway."

That early certainty carried her to Pace University and eventually to Broadway, where she's thrived in the demanding role of a "swing" – covering multiple ensemble roles simultaneously. This position, which Susie calls "the best thing that could have happened to me," has become her greatest teacher in balancing meticulous preparation with the flexibility to embrace inevitable imperfections.

Beyond the spotlight, Susie shares her evolution in creating a sustainable life in New York. After experiencing the stark emptiness when shows close, she's cultivated what she calls a "pie chart" of fulfillment – building community, diverse work opportunities, and meaningful connections that sustain her regardless of her performance schedule. Her infectious optimism isn't naive; it's earned through hard work and conscious choice: "I work really hard to make those things true, while also living a very full life of all different emotions."

Whether you're pursuing creative dreams or seeking more authenticity in your life, Susie's insights on forward motion, perfectionism, and creating a balanced life will inspire you to embrace both the challenge and joy of pursuing what lights you up. As Susie demonstrates, sometimes our childhood certainty holds wisdom our adult doubts try to obscure.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg