Richie Suwa

He/him

Meisner Instructor

Richie Suwa is a Meisner instructor and actor whose creative journey first started with a knack for playing instruments, eventually learning seven of them. Originally from Los Angeles, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business in San Francisco before moving to Chicago for his Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability. Along the way, he found the courage to step fully into what he truly wanted: acting. His training spans Green Shirt Studio, Acting Studio Chicago, Second City, and IO Theatre. After completing Green Shirt’s Meisner program and teacher training in 2026, he joined the ensemble for The Great God Pan and participated in multiple 10‑Minute Play Festivals. On camera, he’s appeared in Calling Cara and What’s Left of Me, with upcoming works including Souptacle, the Broken Windows pilot, and Softshell Monsters.

Richie is drawn to Green Shirt’s supportive and collaborative community. The Meisner Technique has become a key tool in his work, helping him stay present, connected, and responsive whether on stage or in front of a camera. His classes aim to be warm, approachable, and gently challenging, giving students space to stretch both creatively and personally. Outside the studio, Richie loves spending time with his partner Joel, hosting game nights, struggling through yoga or pilates classes, watching a curated selection of Bravo shows, and working as a real estate agent who’s always excited to collaborate with fellow creatives.