Sue Schaffel

Meet Sue

It all started when…

I fell into acting when a good friend of mine was directing a community theater play and thought I should be in it. I, one who had never acted before (you can't count being a fairy in Hansel and Gretel in the 4th grade as acting!) agreed to help my friend out and was in his play. To say that I loved it would be an understatement. From rehearsal, to learning lines, to costumes and makeup— it all just came together as one big grand experience that I could not get enough of!

I act for the sole reason to entertain. I love to hear the audience react. Whether it is with laughter, sighs or even angst, that is what I strive for. I want the audience to escape for 2 hours and leave their worries behind.

I am not sure that acting is a passion because there have been many years that I have not acted and my life continued just fine. But when I am in a show, if it's a good show, with a great cast, a fabulous director, and seats filled to the max with audiences, then it is the greatest feeling and I am truly passionate about it.

The Art

As far as my art is concerned, I am not sure that I ever was not creating. I remember that I used to rearrange my bedroom furniture multiple times a year. I remember taking all different types of art classes in school. I have been told that I have a knack for putting outfits together. I have helped friends remodel their homes.

Some of my current artwork is inspired by pieces that I see that I take and re-create them into my own design. Other times, it's just sitting there with the clay and seeing what comes out of just playing around with it. My clay pieces are usually not functional, but pieces that are unique yet hold no "purpose" except to be one of a kind.

EMC

Actor Status

SW FL

Based In

2x Winner

Best Actress

Selected Work

On Stage & Screen

A selection of memorable roles and projects that showcase the range and depth of Sue's performances.

I Like Me: A Self-Focused Guide to Self-Help

Lead Role — Maggie

In the midst of family tensions, an egocentric free spirit who hits rock bottom finds unexpected success as a self-empowerment guru after publishing a self-help book. Released worldwide in 2019 by Gravitas Ventures.

🏆 Best Actress in a Feature Film — Sunny Side Up Film Festival

🏆 Best Actress in a Feature Film — Reading Film Fest

Type Feature Film

Genre Comedy

Year 2019

Watch on: Amazon iTunes Google Play Vudu YouTube

Official Website

What Viewers Are Saying

"A very funny story is brought to life with the fine cast. The story revolves around one sister (played by the excellent Sue Schaffel) who finds success by portraying herself as something she is not and the film examines how this affects her relationship with her more sincere sister."

— Michael Rosenthal

"The story line is current as is the soundtrack. Both of which were very enjoyable. The writing is well done, not annoying or trite at any time and the acting is superb! Anna Fagan and Sue Schaffel are a tour de force!"

— Christine Trent

"I saw this movie at a film festival and it had me laughing throughout. Part satire, part absurd, all enjoyable. I would recommend this movie if you're in the mood for a lighthearted flick that does pack an emotional punch at times."

— Danielle M.

"Such a sweet and enjoyable film. Very well written and acted by a talented creative group. Amazing what can be done with a limited budget. I expect great future for everyone associated with this film."

— Sarah J.

"No way this is a low budget film. Engaging, witty story line and believable characters are just 2 reasons why this is worth watching. These guys may be new to film but they write, edit and produce with quality, intelligence and flare!"

— Lisa

"The characters were really fun and quirky and crazy but a good kind of crazy! The actors did a phenomenal job and the script was well written. Good, funny dialogue! I definitely recommend this movie."

— Jimbo

Recent Theatre

Southwest Florida stage highlights from Laboratory Theater and Off Broadway Palm

Now Playing

Jan–Feb 2026

Fiddler on the Roof

Yente

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

The Tony Award-winning classic. Playing through February 14, 2026.

June–July 2022

The Birds: A Parody

Lydia Brenner

Laboratory Theater of Florida

World premiere Hitchcock parody. "Excellent comedic timing, added a lot to this show." — BroadwayWorld. Fun fact: Sue sourced 7,680 Peeps for the production!

June–July 2021

Sunset Schmoulevard

Norma Desmond (Lead)

Laboratory Theater of Florida

World premiere parody of the film noir classic. "She's incredible. She's very, very funny. I think when people see her in this show, she will be in great demand." — Artistic Director Annette Trossbach

2023

The Foreigner

Betty

Players Circle

Larry Shue's beloved comedy about a shy Englishman who pretends he can't speak English when visiting a Georgia fishing lodge.

Additional credits: Patsy Price in A Doublewide, Texas Christmas, Lottie in Crazy For You, Victoria in Murder in Paradise, Blanche DuBois in Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, Velma in Hush Up Sweet Charlotte, and more.

Press

What Critics Say

"What a fabulous part for an actress, and Schaffel is perfectly cast. Her rapid fire speech and unfailing optimism come through."

— BroadwayWorld (on Fiddler on the Roof, 2026)

"Schaffel makes the most of every moment she's on stage as Yente the Matchmaker... Schaffel's timing and presence add both humor and depth to the role. I loved her."

— Gulf Coast News Now (on Fiddler on the Roof, 2026)

"She's incredible. She's very, very funny. I think when people see her in this show, she will be in great demand in other theaters in Southwest Florida."

— Annette Trossbach, Artistic Director, Laboratory Theater (on Sunset Schmoulevard)

"Delivers a convincing Patsy Price, the Scrooge-like character who is miserable with the world... her physical comedy had me laughing out loud."

— NBC2 (on A Doublewide, Texas Christmas)

"Excellent comedic timing, added a lot to this show."

— BroadwayWorld (on The Birds: A Parody)

"The undisputed audience favorite is Sue Schaffel."

— The Journal

"Schaffel is nicely neurotic as Othello's fast-talking gal."

— The Journal

"…But it is Sue Schaffel as therapist Charlotte Wallace who steals the show."

— Sentinel Critic at Large

"My favorite performance of the evening was Sue Schaffel's, who plays Betty Chumley, the kind (if somewhat daft) wife of Dr. Chumley. Breathy and birdlike, her sweet and gullible nature is nicely honed by Schaffel."

— DC Metro Theatre Arts

"Sue Schaffel (Betty Chumley) is sweet and quirky as Dr. Chumley's wife. Schaffel's remarks about Dr. Chumley's 'irritableness' are said in such a manner that induces giggles and appreciative applause."

— BroadwayWorld.com

"The play features effective cameos and especially Sue Schaffel as Dr. Chumley's dim yet scheming wife. Schaffel gives significant nuance in only a few lines, and I look forward to her future work."

— DCTheatre Scene