Suzanne Dean

Suzanne Dean isn’t your run-of-the-mill film and theatre powerhouse—she’s the mind and muscle behind Rebelfilm Productions LLC, not to mention the driving force for Shakespeare by the Sea in Los Angeles. Honestly, this woman barely stops for breath. She kicked off her career over 25 years ago, wrangling both film and video projects like it’s just another Tuesday. And, oh yeah, she’s got an Emmy nod for her commercial work—no big deal—plus she’s managed more than 120 spots. That’s not counting the 170+ stage productions she’s brought to life all over the map, from wild new plays at her annual New Works Festival to the classics at Little Fish Theatre, which she co-founded because apparently, she doesn’t believe in sleep. Suzanne’s also the genius behind the We Are Shakespeare Digital Video Festival, keeping the Bard alive and well for anyone with a WiFi connection. She’s that person who sits on film festival panels, judges student work at the ATAS College Television Awards, and mentors up-and-coming producers at the American Film Institute—like, does she ever take a break? Oh, and she’s deep into the professional scene, rolling with SAG-AFTRA, BAFTA, Women in Film, Theatre Bay Area, and basically every big league association you can name. Her work bounces between LA and the Bay Area, but she’s no stranger to the international stage either. Prague? She’s guest directed there. The Arabian Shakespeare Festival? Yup, she’s there too. If you’re looking for someone who lives and breathes the arts, Suzanne Dean is basically the blueprint.