Involved in the acting community for much of her life Vanessa graduated from Toi Whakaari/NZ drama school in 1997.

For acting work offers please contact me via the contact form on the next page.

Having also worked with students at Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School in a ‘moderating’ & teaching role, one of her strengths is fostering talent. She is also passionate about encouraging resilience and a sense of individual voice in the acting industry. Vanessa is a champion of diversity in terms of gender, neurodiversity & in support of marginalized voices.
She has also written and directed theatre.

Vanessa is Pākehā and of Ngāi Tahu descent on her mother's side.

 

Credits include:

Web Series

2022 Self help, 'Jojo' Wrestler Ltd Dir: Rawiri Jobe/Michelle Ang

Short Film

2022 Memories of a Mother, 'Lily Jameson' No Knead Productions Dir: Jack Arbuckle

2020 The Flame, 'Matilda' Victoria University Film School Dir: Kieran Charnock

2019 Perfect Prom, 'Peggy' Dir: Jaimee Poipoi

2019 Rift, 'Sonya' NZ Film and TV School Dir: Himiona Grace

 

Theatre

2016 Far Away, 'Harper' BATS Dir: Tabitha Arthur

2016 Love & Information, 'Various' BATS Dir: Tabitha Arthur

2015 The Quiet Room, 'Dr Elaine Lee' BATS Dir: Jane Yonge

2015 The Runner (public reading) , 'Various (solo show)' Dir: Self Directed

1996  Vinegar Tom, 'Alice' BATS  Dir: Murray Lynch

1996 Pentecost, 'Tunu' Taki Rua Dir: Robin Payne

1995 The Fairy Queen, 'Puck' Downstage Theatre / The Pocket Opera Company

 

Television Commercials

2022 Whittakers NZ only
Waitemata Film  Dir: Peter Burger

Training
2024 Intimacy Coordination with Romy Hooper
2023 Rehearsal and Performance  with Loren Taylor
2023 ScreenFit NZ with Nikki Si'ulepa
2020 NZ Casting Hothouse with Kerry Barden and others
2015 Screen Masterclass with Miranda Harcourt
2015 Character Based Improvisation with Rob Marchand
1997 Acting Graduate Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School
2005 MA Scriptwriting with Distinction IIML Victoria University
1991 BA Theatre Major Victoria University of Wellington