Vanessa Reseland (ze/they/them) is a union-strong actor and singer, best known for playing the Witch in Fiasco Theater’s Into the Woods in London and on the US National Tour. While building a career in musical theatre, Vanessa originated the role of the groupie-turned-bandmate, Farrah, in Michael Eisner’s HDNet TV series, The All-For-Nots. Vanessa performed with the fictional TV band from the The All-For-Nots as the musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Vanessa wrote songs for the show.
Vanessa co-created and starred in the independent comedy series, Remarkable Women, with Alexandra Lenihan, and after playing original music with beloved bandmates in their original Glam Rock project, WIFEY , for 5 years, they recorded the EP “Must Keep Going” for a solo Glam Pop WIFEY album.
Vanessa holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University. After graduation, Vanessa studied with Meisner-apprentice-turned-famed-acting-instructor, William Esper, at the William Esper Studio in NYC. They also trained in improv comedy at the UCB Theatre in New York and Los Angeles.
They currently split their time between Pittsburgh, PA and NYC and have performed alongside legendary actors like Randy Graff, Beth Fowler, Alice Ripley, and Bob Clendenin.
They participate in the Walk to Defeat ALS every year in honor of their beloved mother, Kathy Reseland, who passed away from ALS in 2022. After taking time away from performance to grieve their mom Kathy and adored father, John, who suddenly passed away in 2025, Vanessa is stepping back into the arts to connect and heal with their fellow human beings. If you would like to donate to the Walk to Defeat ALS, follow this link https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2?PROXY_ID=8844270&mfc_pref=T&idb=940899983&df_id=44881&PROXY_TYPE=20&44881.donation=form1&FR_ID=17400&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAacDy6UBl8hAqJ_5g3fSO08LWLFV7Mw_eSdJJZXLnse-O_U7iEuSL-FVcueEpA_aem_tFEobzwQDcNwDMETgOt78Q
Upcoming roles will be announced soon…
Vanessa is a long-time supporter of animal rights and a cruelty-free lifestyle. They adore children, animals, plants, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. LA Story, A Hard Days Night, When Harry Met Sally, and Speed are some movies they can recite by heart. Current reading: The Culting of America by Daniella Mestyanek Young.
Photo by Tony Moux