Today we’d like to introduce you to Suki Lopez.
Suki, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as a dancer. I always loved being on stage! I knew from an early age I wanted to be a performer but I was initially on the ballet track, training at MVSA during the year and attending summer programs with The Rock As I bopped in my seat watching the cast of hairspray dance and belt their faces off and I just couldn’t help but think, “Hey I can do that!” There was an instant switch. I joined the Thespians at school and started taking private voice lessons along with maintaining my dance training.
When it came time to apply for College I knew EXACTLY what I wanted, yet the audition and application process stumped me. There are only a few professions where you’re required to know exactly what you’re major is from the point of application. Musical Theatre is one of them. The programs are competitive with few available openings and the process is layered with the material you must prepare to even be considered. I found myself scrambling to find a photographer for headshots, a recording studio for quality audio pre-screen, in addition to appropriate songs and monologues for my auditions, and a coach to run the material with. Not to mention my school guidance counselor has never heard of the programs I was applying to and had no idea how to guide me down my particular path. I was lucky to find assistance in amazing teachers some at school, some from my private voice coach, some from my studio but I was left alone to piece this giant puzzle together and it was difficult.
Fast forward to present, I have a successful career in the entertainment industry from my first job leading shows on Disney Cruise Line to the Broadway Tour of West Side Story to my current work with Sesame Street where I have been a cast member for almost five years. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish and I can say dreams certainly do come true. Now that I’ve made my way back to Miami I want to help others fulfill THEIR dreams.
There’s a lot of talent here in Miami and the entertainment industry needs more diverse stories and actors. We have so much to offer! I created maps to bridge the gap in college prep for the performing arts here in Miami but the process starts long before college. I’ve been working with students on audition prep for shows, magnet programs and high school as well. The process is as unique as each individual. It’s about making each student shine their brightest, working with them to discover their strengths and weaknesses, understanding type and finding material that highlights their best qualities.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We’re still very new, less than a year old. Starting it was scary. I didn’t know if anyone would be interested in the classes we were offering. Now we have regular classes running at MVSA for Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance for students from 2nd – 11th grade and we’re doing very well with those classes.
I would say our biggest obstacle at the moment is getting parents to view this program as something Boys can and should participate in. I’ve got boys as private students but not in my classes which are built to work in tandem with audition prep. I think that will change as we grow.
Tell us more about the business.
I was a dancer first and my dance training got me my first jobs so I put a lot of value on the triple threat. That’s what we specialize in, Triple Threat Training, putting the dancing, singing and acting together. My Musical Theatre Class is structured differently than most. I believe in promoting a personal identity and giving the students agency. With the right tools, we can trust them to make smart, unique character choices and teach them to take direction in a professional setting. There aren’t many classes out there that teach this.
We also offer audition workshops + mock auditions where we practice performing the material in an audition setting, entering a room, slatting material and performing without letting those pesky nerves get in the way.
We also have a roster of private students we work with in preparation for auditions, helping with everything from selecting material, coaching material, resume formatting, finding photographers for headshots sessions and assisting with wardrobe selection for headshots and live auditions. Whatever they need. We’re here to guide and assist them.
I’m most proud of seeing students in moments of accomplishment, whether it be completing a good class or making a vocal or acting break through. Those are the daily successes we all look forward to and remind us we’re on the right track.
I think what sets us apart is our commitment to the individual student, both in class, where we encourage them to bring in and utilize their personality and in our privates where we take time to dive into what makes each student unique, build repertoire and select audition material that highlights all their best qualities.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe you have to get in the way of luck. You have to be prepared to meet it at any moment. If you’ve done the work you will be able to ride the winds of luck to success when you find them.
Contact Info:
- Address: Our Triple Threat Training program is housed at Maria Verdeja School of the Arts
Coral Gables: 5574 sw 8th street
Miami: 8871 SW 132ND Street - Website: miamiartsprep.com
- Phone: 3054313845
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @miamiartsprep
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
