Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Kenney.
Hi Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have over 10 years of experience within performing arts, including classical music, opera, theatre, improv, comedy, and storytelling. I studied classical music in college. and within the past few years, shifted my focus to storytelling & collaborative performance art. My understanding of stage presence, narrative, and acting bolster my approach to Performative Storytelling. The style of Storytelling I teach is similar to that of The Moth, Mike Birbiglia, Brene Brown, and RISK! Podcast to name a few examples.
Storytelling found me- it wasn’t something that I initially sought out. The first time I heard of storytelling was while working an office job and stumbling upon The Moth podcast. During that time, I felt extremely shut down and, in order to get by, I had to silence many parts of myself. So, listening to real stories from people being vulnerable and candid provided me catharsis, and I instantly fell in love with the art form. The moment I learned of a storytelling class being offered by Sydney Plant (Producer of Women of Candor), I immediately signed up! I was so grateful when Sydney invited me to TA her next class, which was an invaluable opportunity that shaped me as a teacher. For the past year, I have been performing, teaching, and producing storytelling shows in partnership with local theaters. Getting to play a part in artists finding their authentic voice has reinvigorated my passion for the arts and gives me purpose and drive to keep moving forward.
After working in partnership with local theaters for the past year, I am excited to begin producing shows and offering workshops and classes independently under Curiousifi!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started out, I had a rigid mindset around the arts. I went on the traditional route and paid my dues, but I burned fast and bright until I burned out. My college experience was challenging and disheartening. I had undiagnosed learning disabilities that I didn’t understand until years after graduating. In the hustle and grind, I had lost touch with my passion for the arts and had lost faith in myself as an artist. I took a step back from performing arts after graduating and chose to focus on becoming financially independent. Later on, I began dipping my feet back into the pool of the arts, and I tried my hand at a wide range of creative expressions. I tried to give myself permission to explore and reconnect with performance simply for the joy of it. Storytelling hit this sweet spot of emotional authenticity and flexibility for collaboration with other media. While it is a craft that requires skill and structure, there is a freeing notion that nothing is strictly “right” or “wrong” as long as you’re being emotionally honest. No one’s going to boo you off stage for dropping lines from a script or hitting a wrong note – the more vulnerable and transparent you are with your audience, the more you are celebrated.
The first storytelling show I produced was incredibly validating, proving to myself that my artistic vision was not only good in concept but successful in reality. It was also my first experience in the arts not waiting for anyone else to say “yes”. There were no barriers to creating and leading according to my vision. It was so freeing to set the tone in the room, to have more creative autonomy, and to be in a position in which I could empower others. By leading my own initiative, I’m able to stop gatekeeping and discrimination from happening within my classes and shows. I’ve witnessed people realize their own value and “light up” after participating in my shows. It’s so fulfilling to give that to others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are four main things I am currently offering artistically: producing live collaborative performance art events, teaching storytelling workshops & classes, performing & presenting at public speaking events, and private coaching sessions for professional speaking.
The events I produce involve several art media connected by a common theme for the night, centering on real stories shared on stage. Storytelling is about human connection and sharing our real, lived experiences. In the classes and workshops, I offer, I provide my students with the structure and tools to uncover the stories that are already inside them and instill the confidence to share their stories with others. During my private coaching sessions, you get a personalized, focused session to help you identify the words and strategy for optimized engagement and connection with your audience.
I am excited to announce the launch of my production brand, Curiousifi. Building community and featuring local talent is a focus for my events. As such, I am currently seeking partnerships with local small businesses. For inquiries, please email info@curiousifi.com. To keep up to date on what’s next, visit curiousifi.com and subscribe/follow on social media. You can view pictures and clips from the previous shows I’ve produced by visiting @curiousifi_dallas on Instagram.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite movie as a child was The Sound of Music. I would rewind the two-cassette movie set and rewatch it all by myself, completely entranced by Maria’s charm and irreverence towards societal expectations. As a child who loved singing, climbing trees, playing make-believe, and not always fitting in with others my age, I identified with the main character. That movie was the start of my love for singing and performing; a catalyst launching me into the arts. I still identify with Maria and view myself as someone who is unconventional. To the tune of “I Have Confidence”, I continue marching forward, paving my own path. I may not always know the proverbial, “how to get there”, but I always know where I’m going and what brings me joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curiousifi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiousifi_dallas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086927987885
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/curiousifi_dfw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO1KfgqXL-Iji7KJH1vlA6A
- Other: https://linktr.ee/curiousifi
Image Credits
Tina Bui Photos
