Episode 69: Vanessa Sears; Shedding A Skin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Vanessa opens up about her upcoming solo show Shedding a Skin and we get into all the things that come with it: identity, storytelling, and what it means to truly be seen on stage. We talk about stage fright (yes, even the pros get it), the wild ride of doing a show solo, and how accents can shape a whole character. Vanessa also shares her journey as an actor, what directing has taught her, and how bold casting choices can change the game in theatre. At the heart of it all? Community, connection, and showing up for each other as artists. GET YOUR TICKETS FOR SHEDDING A SKIN HERE: https://www.showpass.com/shedding-a-skin/DESCRIPTION OF SHEDDING A SKIN:On the 15th floor of a London tower block, a revolution takes place. Myah has ejected herself from a corporate hellscape only to crash-land in the spare room of an elder named Mildred—an evasive auntie with laminated house rules and hidden wounds. But healing takes many shapes, and sometimes it looks like sneaking your roommate’s duckanoo.Shedding a Skin is a one-woman buddy comedy for the heartbroken—a series of exquisitely observed, quietly radical scenes that offers a hand to those feeling the weight of the world. It’s a play about finding kindness in unexpected places; about understanding what our elders can teach us; it’s new skin honouring old. It’s a play about joy, healing and protest. Drop your baggage at the door. Connection is resistance.Amanda Wilkin’s Shedding a Skin is the 2020 winner of Soho Theatre’s acclaimed Verity Bargate Award. The play premiered at Soho Theatre, London, in June 2021.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 'Shedding a Skin'02:45 The Challenges of a Solo Show06:00 Exploring Accents and Identity08:47 The Importance of Collaboration11:40 Facing Fears in Performance14:56 The Journey to Becoming an Actor20:51 Career Milestones and Reflections27:35 Favorite Roles and Projects29:51 Reflections on Broadway Experiences31:00 The Importance of Continuous Learning34:10 The Art of Text Analysis36:10 Exploring Unique Theatre Spaces38:52 The Shift to Directing41:09 The Relevance of Art in Today's World44:16 Casting and Representation in Theatre45:56 The Journey of Auditions and Self-Discovery50:10 Advice to Younger Self