Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Duron.
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey into my career when I was older and after I raised my children. I was rasied by a single mom and my grandma. My life was anything but easy there was a lot of trauma. I was introduced to theatre through a community theatre that was renting out space at my middle school (Vantage Theatre). I was getting in trouble a lot my teacher gave me a choice get suspended or try out acting. I chose acting. my first role was a donkey and I loved it. I began to be involved with theatre. I knew I wanted to be in theatre but I never saw people like me up there, I felt like there was no space for me. as time went on but life throws curve balls and I became a mom. I didnt think I could follow my dream anymore I had to raise my children . I started to work a nine to five which was killing my soul. When my children were old enough I went back to school to become a Speech therapist however I took theatre classes and remembered how much I loved it. I was in a play that my counsler saw who told me I should be doing that! I did. I changed my major went to theatre. I took every opportunity that came my way. I’ve interned, I’ve been back stage many times as an ASM (assistant stage manager), I’ve helped produce, i’ve been an assistant director and then I took a job in Box Office at MOXIE theatre with hard work and the encouragement of one of the founders Jen Thorn I became an Associate Artistic Director which has been a goal of mine for a long time.
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?
Being a sngle mom and figuring out how to balance my time between school and kids, trying to put food on the table. Also feeling like I dont belong in the theatre world has been challenging I dont see a lot of girls that grew up in neighborhoods like mine on stages or in positions that make desicions,.
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?
I’m the Associate Artistic Director at MOXIE Theatre. I get to support in making theatre. I get to help decide what goes on our stages and support the arts. Recently I produced a successful New Works Festival The Lamoise New Works Festival, celebrating woman playwrights. I’m a freelance director and intimacy coordinator. focusing on representing underrepresented voices.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve been fortunate to meet people that have believed in me. I’m so grateful to have amazing friends and colleagues around me that are supportive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: vduron1127
- Facebook: Vanessa Duron
