"[The] roles were perfectly cast... the wonderful Vanessa Strickland as the innocent Mina who, although taken aback by her friend's tales of amorous escapades, secretly loved hearing about them... One chilling note: When the young Mina is taken over by the spell of Dracula, her slow, demonic contortions were horrifyingly reminiscent of 'The Exorcist.'"

- Lisa V. Proulx
Theatre Critic for the Frederick Gazette on "Dracula" by the Maryland Ensemble Theatre

"Vanessa has a rare ability to consistently put her full attention and presence into what she is doing, which translates to exceptional work ethic."

Her keenness to the moment results in a remarkable ability for improvisation, as well as a genuine aptitude to listen and recieve (and do her part to achieve) a director's vision. Perhaps most notably, she is able to do all of this in a spirit of playfulness and without taking herself too seriously, which is a breath of fresh air for a director."

"What was immediately apparent about Vanessa was her amazing preparedness and willingness to work. She is thorough, generous, and attentive... What is fun is that somehow she is able to anchor the rest of the group, to be that one whom everyone can count on, and to unintentionally inspire others to be more fully invested..."

"Vanessa was able to bring out her character subtleties, conflicts, and paradoxes with merely a look, a pause, or a simple gesture, in such a way as to command the eye of the audience and evoke compassion. This is a rare skill she has- to be able to communicate succinctly and with depth at the same time. She is able to fully embody the characters and sustain them with an honesty that is unparalleled. We submit our highest recommendations for Vanessa Strickland."

- Kimmie Dobbs Chan & Enoch Chan
Founders and co-directors of Deviated Theatre

"As an actress, Vanessa Strickland is detailed, imaginative, daring, and has a certain magnetism on stage which is brought out by her honesty and dedication to the character. It is no surprise then, that her other professional pursuits reflect this in every way.

The epitome of team player, Vanessa is extraordinarily reliable, executes each task to the tee, and always puts her own ego aside. Constantly drawing out the positive, Vanessa can be innovative at times when resources are few. Anyone who is lucky enough to hire her will get an investment that pays ten fold."

- Erica McLaughlin
DC/NY actress, playwright, and and UMBC theatre classmate

"Vanessa was a joy to work as the lead actress on my latest film, Broken Wings. She was very prompt, professional, courteous and I couldn't have been more pleased with her compelling performance. Her make-up skills and creature design also bumped up our production value significantly. At the risk of losing one of Baltimore's best kept acting secrets, I highly recommend Vanessa for any film or theater projects you may have."

- Dean Storm
Director and Producer of Running Storm Productions
Co-founder, 29 Days Later Film Project

"I had not worked with Vanessa prior to Ma Lien. I cast her based on the performances I saw on her website and from the recommendation of a fellow colleague, and I could not have been happier! Vanessa brought a level of professionalism to the show, entering rehearsals prepared and with a positive attitude that the other actors stepped up to. I felt confident giving her notes as well as letting her take the characters on their own journeys, knowing that she would hear what I was asking for and turn it around into something exciting and creative. She had a constantly engaging stage-presence and a conscious playfulness, which was critical for this children's show. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Vanessa again on any side of any theater's curtain."

- Allison LePelletier
Company Member of Maryland Ensemble Theatre
speaking as director of MET's Fun Company production, "Ma Lien and the Magic Paintbrush"

"It was excellent working with Vanessa, as she provided equal parts professionalism and energy in her acting abilities. Despite the arduous task of repeated takes, she was on her mark consistently each and every time, and was a pleasure between shots as well. I admire her talent, skill, and experience, and will look for any opportunity I can to work with her in the future!"

- Peter Wood
Creative Director and Founder of Shazam Magic
on the "Do Some Magic!" Instructional Magic DVD Series

"Vanessa was not only a skilled puppeteer, but she was an excellent teacher to the other performers. Her voices and characterizations enthralled our young audiences and she was engaging and patient when interacting directly with children after the shows. I hope to work with her again!"

- Jillian Finkle
National Children's Museum

"Vanessa was with the Puppet Co. as a lead performer for our 25th Anniversary season. Her more than a dozen roles ranged from Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to Alice in Alice in Wonderland, to Mother Wolf in The Jungle Book, and many more. Each role required the use of a different kind of puppet, and a different kind of characterization."

"Vanessa approached each role with understanding and the kind of diligence that’s necessary when you're manipulating what might be a very heavy puppet in a very long show. Vanessa has been a genuine asset to the Puppet Co. as a performer and a friend."

- Allan Stevens, Christopher Piper, and Mayfield Piper
Founders and puppeteers of The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park, MD

"I first began working with Vanessa in the summer of 2004. We corresponded quite heavily by email for months before ever meeting one another. Vanessa's ability to handle business on behalf of her business associate, in regards to a project she knew second hand was truly inspired. She continues to impress me with her work on all sides of the curtain."

- Michelle Johnson
"The FacePaint Lady"
President, Painted Faces Inc!

"You are a VICIOUS actress!"

- Tra Kinney
Bell Multicultural High School Student and YPT program playwright