Uncategorized – Page 2 – Vanessa Anton

Blog When the Magic Happens

February 7, 2021 admin

Thank goodness I finally found my way to the good vibes felt in the improv jams hosted by Michelle Gilliam and MKE Improv. Should’ve happened sooner, but the new year finds me with a change in routine and structure in my calendar and headspace. So really, I think I made it at just the right time. The MKE jams have such great energy and I’m just sitting here at home going from anxious and blah to feeling like my cup was just filled within 75 minutes. And sometimes when you least expect it, there’s a moment of improv magic. The…

Blog Teaching Again!

January 12, 2021 admin

So 2020 was something wasn’t it? And 2021 is already acting up. But here we are. While I’ve been lucky to coach improv teams online during the pandemic, I haven’t taught a regular class or workshop in a while. Aside from coaching, I spent much of 2020 in the student seat. Losing the opportunity to travel, teach and connect with folks in person was such a shock. And it’s one that we’ve all dealt with in so many different ways. I couldn’t handle not staying connected to others in some way. Online improv has been such a gift! And it…

Blog Thoughts of being alone

December 25, 2020 admin 5Comment

This is my first Christmas alone. I’ve never really had a holiday tradition to follow each year. I’ve been with my dad or my mom, or with my aunt and uncle, or with partners’ families. But I’ve never been alone. I’ve always been with others.But here I am. The theme of 2020. I’m alone in my space as another holiday rolls through. I’m honestly mostly comfortable on my own. But there is some shame that comes with it. With finding myself in this solitary space time and time again. With being that one who is always kind of roaming about and…

Uncategorized Everything is Very Normal

December 5, 2020 admin

During these times that are anything but normal, it’s extra wonderful when people find unique ways to connect us, especially creatively. Kelly Buttermore and Justin Peters are carrying on the improv festival vibe even when we can’t be together in real life. I’m extra thankful that it’s happening during the holiday season which feels a little extra challenging this year. Also, it’s quite lovely how Kelly and Justin have brought people together with weekly zoom hangouts and have scheduled check ins with each of the teams/performers. There will be four days of very normal bits, characters, standup, sketch, variety acts, music, improv,…

Connection Life in little boxes

August 5, 2020 admin

*See bottom for photo info!Over four months into the pandemic and here we are, living a life where much of our entertainment is found online. Live comedy, music, art, theater, sporting events. This has been such a strange time with so many unexpected turns. I feel lucky to be where I’m at. Able to safely work from home for a job I’ve wanted to leave so often in the last decade to follow my passion. But here I am with the steady job to catch me. I can’t complain. I’m lucky. Just missing that passion part. Which feels so extra right…

Blog Thoughts During A Global Pandemic

March 31, 2020 admin

I don’t know if you need to hear this, but:It’s okay if you normally love living alone, but feel lonely.It’s okay if you live with a big family and feel lonely.It’s okay if you aren’t feeling like you’re appreciating your loved ones right now.It’s okay if you haven’t started writing the book you wanted, or getting that painting started, or putting up the cabinets in the garage.It’s okay if you’re afraid of running out of your favorite food/snacks, even though you probably have enough.It’s okay if the laundry is piling up. It’s okay if there are dishes in the sink.It’s okay…

Improv Ireland

December 23, 2019 admin

I brought in the last month of 2019 in Ireland, one of the most magical places I’ve ever encountered. I paired an improv festival with a solo weekend trip and with that so many of my little fluffy dreams came true. My journey started in Galway which was buzzing with Christmas markets and twinkle lights at every turn. It was my third trip to Ireland and I was finally visiting this lovely little land. I wandered streets and drank tea and took a tour of the Cliffs of Moher. It was all the things I’d wanted to do for so…

Uncategorized The Thing About Birthdays

September 27, 2019 admin

Birthdays are always so interesting. We get this time each year to take stock and think about what’s working and maybe beat ourselves up over what’s not. And think all the things like what am I doing, how did I get here, why haven’t I gone further by now, I should’ve cleaned the house before today, my clutter pile is growing, what is that noise in my car, will I ever get my kitchen outlets or that bathroom leak fixed, what would my child have been like if I had one, why do I have so many plastic bags, how did…

Camp Improv Camp

September 9, 2019 admin

For six years Camp Improv Utopia has been filling my life with all kinds of joy. And it is a fantastic thing to see how many lives are constantly changed along the way. This year I taught a vulnerability workshop which was wonderful and terrifying and life goal reaching. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to join me on the journey to authenticity and vulnerability. So thankful. Camp reminds me to embrace the delicious moments and to be present with others. To think outside of myself and appreciate all the many perspectives and outlooks. To be quiet and…

Chicago Lessons from Chicago

June 7, 2019 admin

Last week I returned to Chicago for an intensive at one of my favorite theatres, The Annoyance. I was pretty excited to get back there for the advanced version, and to catch up with great people. There’s something about that city and theatre that feels like home. It felt amazing to be back. I haven’t been a student this intensely in a while and have been teaching and traveling and going through a lot of transition in my own community. I didn’t get to many touristy things this visit. It was more about the theatre and the people. Spending time catching up….