Articles

From Broadway to Hallmark films, Vanessa Sears has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances. Now, she returns to Toronto for her most personal project yet: Shedding a Skin, a groundbreaking one-woman play about identity, burnout, and the radical power of connection.

In this intimate conversation, Vanessa opens up about:

• The emotional challenge of her first solo show and why this story resonated with her
• How her Guyanese and Jamaican roots shape her artistry
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Kinky Boots and Caroline, or Change
• Why she’s pivoting toward directing—and her dream to helm a big Canadian musical
• The transformative experience of working with an all-Black cast (Passing Strange, Is God Is)

Directed by Cherissa Richards and presented by Nightwood Theatre, Shedding a Skin is a "quietly radical" tale of intergenerational healing. Vanessa reveals why this role feels like coming full circle—and what she hopes audiences take away.

About the show

Shedding a Skin is a Nightwood Theatre production in association with Buddies in Bad Times. Written by Amanda Wilkin and directed by Cherissa Richards, the play is a one-woman buddy comedy about burnout, resistance, and renewal. Set in a London tower block, it tells the story of Myah, a young woman who walks away from a corporate life and into the home of a Jamaican elder named Mildred—where unexpected lessons and quiet revolutions begin.

🗓 Run Dates: April 22 – May 4, 2025 (Preview: April 22 & 23)
📍 Venue: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., Toronto
🎟️ Tickets & More Info

Key topics & timestamps

02:20 – Taking on her first solo show
Vanessa talks about the emotional and creative challenge of stepping into her first one-woman performance and why now was the right time.

03:48 – Research & honouring Amanda Wilkin’s vision
She reflects on interpreting a role originally performed by the playwright and finding her own voice in the process.

05:29 – Working with director Cherissa Richards
Vanessa shares how their collaboration shaped the production and how Richards helped create space for play, exploration, and honesty.

08:23 – Intergenerational connections & cultural identity
Vanessa discusses the parallels between the character Myah and her own experiences as a first-generation Canadian with Caribbean roots.

13:08 – Discovering theatre through family support
How her mother’s encouragement led her from small-town community theatre to professional training and a career on the stage.

16:49 – Landing her first major role in Kinky Boots
She recalls the nerves, excitement, and affirmation of being cast straight out of school—and what that experience taught her.

20:52 – Making bold career moves
Why she left Kinky Boots to take on new roles like The Wizard of Oz—and how those decisions shaped her growth.

23:54 – Obsidian Theatre & Black artistic community
Vanessa reflects on what it meant to perform in all-Black casts and stories, and how it helped her embrace the fullness of her identity.

29:50 – Audience as scene partner in solo work
She describes how solo shows create a unique intimacy with the audience and how she prepares for that vulnerability.

33:38 – What’s next: Directing, originating roles & more
Vanessa shares her future goals—from directing big musicals to developing original work for stage and screen.

35:47 – Final reflections on Shedding a Skin
Vanessa offers a heartfelt invitation to audiences and reflects on the healing and community-building power of the play.

Impactful quotes from the conversation

“I feel more excited than I am scared. But a lot of it will be just me—that’s cool, and intimidating.”
— Vanessa Sears on taking on her first solo performance

“I want to connect. I want to claim my heritage. But I’ve felt like an imposter in both worlds.”
— Vanessa Sears on cultural identity and belonging

“When you’re doing a solo show, the audience becomes your scene partner. You’re talking to them—not just performing for them.”
— On the unique demands of connecting with an audience

“Representation matters. If you don’t see the path, you don’t know it’s an option. I didn’t think theatre was a real thing I could do—until I saw it.”
— Reflecting on her journey into professional acting

“Shedding a Skin is about finding yourself and your community. When the world feels heavy, come see this show and remember—you’re not alone.”
— Vanessa Sears on the heart of the play

“Philip Akin once told me: we’re all weaving a tapestry together. Everyone brings their own color to the thread—and that’s what makes it beautiful.”
— On mentorship, creativity, and collaboration in theatre

Show info

Book tickets

Connect with Vanessa

• Instagram: @vanessa_sears

• See the Show: Nightwood Theatre’s Website

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• Website: AfroToronto.com

• Social: @AfroToronto (Instagram, Twitter)

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Final thought: "Drop your baggage at the door. Connection is resistance." — Shedding a Skin