Actor - Writer - Movement Director/Choreographer - Director. Work; prev / next

Hi, I’m Vanessa. What’s your name? I am the daughter of Brazilian parents who immigrated to the Unites States. I am the product of two people who risked everything so I can be here, in front of you, telling a story.

Vanessa is passionate about utilizing the element of Suzuki method in her work to challenge the boundaries of storytelling, and explore the depths of movement, composition, and the power of stillness.

Written and performed by Vanessa Severo Directed by Joanie Schultz. FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT WEBSITE HERE. CURRENT: Writer’s Theatre, 2025. UPCOMING: Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, 2026. PAST: Kansas City Repertory Theatre, World Premiere, 2019 Portland Center Stage, 2021 Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 2022 Pittsburgh Public Theatre, 2023

Read this article in american theatre interviewing vanessa about her movement direction on shane! “Movement Director Vanessa Severo created one of the most fascinating elements of this production. Her movement choices are integral in telling this story.

“Severo’s work demands our respect for one simple reason: Integrity.” - Bob Trussell, KC Studio

There is blood-letting, of course. But it takes place offstage and is represented by the stage being bathed in red by Pablo Santiago’s lighting. Same with the violence inherent in a vampire tale. We see very little of it. Severo and Schultz aren’t trying to …

World Premiere by Vanessa Severo Directed by Rusty Sneary Movement Directed by Vanessa Severo Spinning Tree Theatre, 2024. Rubik is a story about Tomas and a group of young people with an array of developmental challenges standing on the cusp of the next phase of their lives. This heart-felt story follows them as they encounter love, fear ...

“ I admired the directorial discretion shown by this production’s titular captain Vanessa Severo. ” — Alan Portner, Broadwayworld.com

“ It is a testament to their acting, and to the skill of director Vanessa Severo, that these characters feel real enough for us to see all their nuanced, unneighborly flaws, and not find them blatantly unlikeable or otherwise reduced to caricatures. Similarly, the swift play keeps its lighthearted tone throughout without ever feeling like it ...