Venessa Mings

A theatre major, Vanessa Mings’ days were packed with classes, labs and rehearsal. Many times she went a full day without sleep.

Vanessa struggled financially, as well, finding it difficult to pay for basic student essentials. Fortunately, close friends pitched in.

Despite her challenges, Vanessa became the only FIU theatre student intern at Royal Caribbean, working as a stage management intern in the largest entertainment studio in the U.S, located at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

She also was part of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society and was accepted into the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 4 State Directors and Choreographers Society Fellowship, joining the best student directors in the southeast.

Among her accomplishments, Vanessa worked as a stage manager and sound designer for FIU’s Alternative Summer Theater Festival and was the head stage manager for FIU’s “The Pot,” a play that addresses immigration. She directed the performance showcase “Act Against AIDS” to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Organization, was the assistant director for FIU’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” and directed a piece for the New Plays Festival.

She has worked closely with Miami New Drama, a nonprofit theatrical company, and theaters like New Theatre and Island City Stage. Vanessa credits her mentor, theatre professor Michael Yawney, with helping her develop as a director.

After graduation, Vanessa hopes to pursue a master’s in theatre.