Susan Ericksen

Susan Ericksen
Born
Illinois, U.S.
EducationMacalester College, St. Paul, MN (BA)
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX (MFA)
OccupationActress / Audiobook Narrator
SpouseDavid Colacci

Susan Ericksen is an American actress and audiobook narrator.

Early life and education

Born in Illinois, Susan Ericksen earned her Bachelor of Arts at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she began her acting career. Ericksen pursued her Master of Fine Arts in acting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she met her husband, David Colacci.

Audiobook narration

Ericksen has narrated over 800 audiobook titles, and has said she applies her theatrical experience to her audiobook narration. She has worked with various audiobook producers, including Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, and BBC Audio. Her notable works include the In Death series by J.D. Robb and the V. I. Warshawski series by Sara Paretsky. In addition, Ericksen is an active member of SAG-AFTRA and contributes to its Audiobook Steering Committee.

Accolades and recognition

Year Title Award Result Ref.
2025 Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2022 Desperation in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2022 Abandoned in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2018 Dark in Death by J.D. Robb Audie Award for Romance - Best Romance Audiobook Winner
2015 The Abundance by Annie Dillard AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2014 Carthage by Joyce Carol Oates AudioFile Earphones Award - David Colacci and Susan Ericksen Winner
2013 Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb Audie Award for Romance - Best Romance Audiobook Winner
2013 Critical Mass by Sara Paretsky AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2012 The Nightmare Thief by Meg Gardiner Audie Award for Thriller or Suspense - Best Thriller/Suspense Winner
2012 New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb Audie Award for Romance - Best Romance Audiobook Winner
2012 Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2012 New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2011 Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb Audie Award for Romance - Best Romance Audiobook Finalist
2010 Body Work by Sara Paretsky AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2010 Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2010 The Liar's Lullaby by Meg Gardiner AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2009 Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2009 Hardball by Sara Paretsky AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2009 Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2009 Promises in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2008 Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2008 L.A. Outlaws by T Jefferson Parker AudioFile Earphones Award - David Colacci and Susan Ericksen Winner
2007 Born in Death by J.D. Robb Audie Award for Romance - Best Romance Audiobook Finalist
2007 Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2006 Origin in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Audie Award - Best Romance Audiobook Winner
2006 Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Audie Award - Best Romance Audiobook Finalist
2006 Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2004 Naked in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2002 Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
2002 Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Stage productions

Ericksen's stage career includes performances in regional theaters across the United States, such as The Cleveland Play House, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Baltimore Center Stage.

Hope Summer Repertory Theater

Ericksen has been involved with the Hope Summer Repertory Theater (HSRT) at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, both as an actor and director. Her performances include roles in productions such as A View from the Bridge, Annie and Hay Fever. She has also directed several plays for HSRT.

Ericksen’s acting and directing contributions for HSRT include:

YearRole/ContributionProduction
2017Actor: Beatrice CarboneA View from the Bridge
2017Actor: Miss HanniganAnnie
2015Actor: Judith BlissHay Fever
2014Actor: Dollie LeviThe Matchmaker
2013Actor: Margaret JohnsonThe Light in the Piazza
2011Actor: Marta 'Mama' HansonI Remember Mama
2010Actor: AgnesI Do, I Do
2008Actor: Sister Aloysius BeauvierDoubt: A Parable
2005Actor: Hannah FergusonThe Spitfire Grill
2003DirectorOnce Upon a Mattress
2002Actor: SamFully Committed
2001DirectorThe Wizard of Oz
1999DirectorThe Tempest

Personal life

Ericksen resides in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with her husband David Colacci and their two children. The couple operates a professional recording studio from their home, where they do the majority of their audiobook work.