Anessa was born in Wisconsin and grew up in the Keweenaw peninsula of Upper Michigan. Although a shy kid, she was intrigued by theatre, and in sixth grade was cast in the annual middle school play. Since then, it’s been a lasting passion.

After graduating high school Anessa attended Grand Valley State University, where she tried nine majors before realizing her passion for theatre couldn’t be calmed. Although her degree is incomplete, she does plan to resume her education in the future.

After leaving college she spent eight months in Chicago. There she met some amazing artists and particpated twice in a theatre experiment called Chicago Madness, was an extra on a small-budget film, and was a featured extra in a music video.

After several months back in Upper Michigan, a heavy work schedule and a fantastic production of “Seussical the Musical” under her belt, Anessa returned to Grand Rapids to take part in a production of Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona”. She has stayed busy since, with a role in “Poltergeist: A Musical Parody”, then worked as a Rehearsal Stage Manager for Shakespeare’s “All’s Well That Ends Well” before jumping back into acting with The Stark Turn Players’ annual playwright competition, and “Draw Me Out”, an original full-length play by local playwright Laura Uzarski. Anessa is thrilled to be living in Grand Rapids and excited for what this year has in store!

Thank you so much for your continued support!