I’ve enjoyed working with improv teams over the years and feel lucky to still be coaching during the pandemic. It’s been fun and challenging to find ways to keep sessions fresh while meeting virtually.
My fave is working with teams on how to deepen their scene work and find better connections. I love working with teams once, twice or regularly!
Here’s what people have said about Vanessa’s coaching!
“Vanessa Anton is a one of a kind teacher. We (Thespianage Productions) were lucky enough to have a session on long form improv with Vanessa, which we were all terrified about trying. Not only did Vanessa put us immediately at ease with long form, she was so encouraging with every scene, every suggestion and idea that we couldn’t help falling in love with long form! She made the session so fun and was so warm and generous with her encouragement that honestly I think we all fell in love with her a little bit. DO NOT miss an opportunity to book a session with Vanessa, she will revolutionise your approach to improv!” – Lizzie Blowey, Shipley, Bradford, UK
“Vanessa Anton is a coach who brings out the best in performers. She takes real delight in helping people to see what they are doing well and expanding on that. Her work with Rug of Love helped is to grow into our form, expand on what we had learned, and feel more comfortable as a team. She is a joy to work with.” -Dave Lindsay, San Diego, CA
“Vanessa coached my troupe through an inspiring and beautiful workshop on vulnerability and authenticity in improv. She reached out to our cast before her arrival and asked us direct questions (privately) about our insecurities or self-judgments which was way beyond anything I’ve experienced with other coaches. She then took the time to lovingly respond to each one of our responses and came prepared and already aligned with us on the day of the workshop. We were mesmerized by the scene work we did that day and how much bravery each cast member was able to muster, as well as the growth and bonding that transpired over those few hours… it was truly ineffable.
Her presence was grounding, engaging, caring, and sincere. Vanessa is to improv what a cool summer rain is to a long drought – she’s just what you needed to restore balance. Her energy and expertise are unparalleled. I sincerely can not recommend her enough!” -Jacqueline Martell, Portsmouth, NH
“Vanessa started coaching me and a group of friends through Zoom during COVID. We were with her for over 12 weeks. The warmups, games, and other exercises opened up new aspects of improv to me, helped me be less scared of showing vulnerability, and really improved my EQ while in-scene.
What I loved most about her approach is that I learned to THINK less and FEEL more – which made me think better! Connecting to feelings in our scene work helped me find the game of each scene more quickly and helped me become more flexible as a player. It also made improv more fun and embodied for me. I had no clue how guarded I could sometimes become with scene partners. Learning to just open up, let go, and find a specific feeling to work with is magical. Also, it was FUN. Thanks, Vanessa!” -Sean EC, Sacramento, CA
“Vanessa Anton is a highly sought after coach and my improv group has been lucky to have had her as a coach not only in person during the Before Times, but also for virtual Pandemic practice. Before we brought her on for a coach, I was a little worried that someone with such a sweet personality would be able to curb some of our improv bad habits, but she’s been very effective in gently and consistently reaffirming where we are wanting to stick to our improv principles and we’ve gotten better as a team. Most importantly, Vanessa’s experience from festivals, training, and performing has given her tons of ideas for warm-ups, games, and exercises keeping us going in Zoomprov. If you’re considering Vanessa as a coach, get her quick before she’s snapped up by someone else or realizes what’s she’s worth and raises her prices.” -Jennifer Mason, San Diego, CA
“I feel so fortunate to have had Vanessa Anton as my improv teacher, and coach, during much of 2020. She has the rare ability to combine mirth, humor, delight, and wit with a structured, thoughtful approach for each of my group’s weekly classes on zoom. Not easy to do on zoom. Our two hours flew by and I learned so much. I think I especially deepened my intuitive grasp of improv under her teaching. She is skilled at identifying what works and doesn’t work, is very attuned to group dynamics, makes everyone feel supported and included while noting our unique styles and personalities. She’s smart and knows the improv world too. Vanessa is a rock-solid good person who clearly loves teaching and doing improv. I recommend her highly.” -Bill Anelli, Modesto, CA
“Vanessa is an amazing coach! Ever wonder what 5-hour energy drink spiked with 1000% daily value of positivity is like? (Don’t say Bernie with mittens.) Vanessa brings that every time! There is no substitute for being coached by Vanessa in person. However, virtual Vanessa is tendies! (Or whatever is being referred to as “awesome” now.)” – Tai Tran, San Diego, CA
“I signed up for improv with no background in performing and Vanessa was my level 2 teacher. Her ability to make things fun while teaching various concepts elevated everyone and was especially good for someone not comfortable getting out their comfort zone. Her goofiness and quick wit on stage bring joy to the room. After graduating, I was able to join a team that brought Vanessa in as a coach. She has the ability to play openly and also gently steer you to understand the form and find your best presence on stage. Vanessa is a master improviser and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve on their improv.” -Kelly C, Ocean City, NJ