THE CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Co-Founder, Host, Comedian & Poet
Host / Managing Director / Comedian / Writer
To describe what she does in a few words is an impossible fete. One half of the founding partnership of AV, poet, comedian, host, writer (we’re still trying to figure out if she’s a baker and a candlestick maker)…. Quills uses words and wit to knock her audiences out and keep them coming for more. She has hosted many shows around town including Comedy Night at Kill Your Idol, South Beach Comedy Festival, and more.
She is Jack's ever growing sense of wit mixed with an illegal dose of an 8 year old boy's surge of adrenaline.
Her comedy is based on real life observations with a touch of story-telling and wit. Her quick tongue and wordsmith fire will stun you, maybe even surprise you. Her poetry ranges from heartbreaking, to edgy, to sassy, to just plain nuts. Ever seen an 8 year old comedian with the mouth of a 30 year old sailor? Say hello to the Q.
Co-Founder, Actress & Singer
Artistic Director / Actor / Singer / Director
Vanessa Thompson is a local actress, producer, director, singer, and acting coach. She’s been performing since she could walk and considers herself lucky to have always known what she wanted to do. Throughout her career in Miami, she’s had the pleasure of working with many venues and theater companies across the city as an actress, vocalist, stage manager, producer, and director. After many dedicated years of collaborating with other companies, she decided it was time to bring her own special brand of art to Miami and went on to co-found Artistic Vibes and its sister company AV Kids Miami. Both remain staples in the Miami performance community today, providing a platform for artists of all types and ages for nearly a decade now. As the Artistic Director of these two companies, she has produced, directed, and performed in a multitude of shows ranging from open mics, festivals, and live music showcases, to full length plays and children’s theatre. She’s proud to continue providing a home where artists can train, perform, or produce their work while exposing Miami audiences to the amazing talent we have in our own backyard.
Supervisor, Sound Engineer & Drummer
Stage Manager and AV go to guy!
Kenny "Smash" Cortina, the man responsible for the smooth sounds and awesome stage at AV. A drummer, musician, and an all around busy guy.
Kenny has been part of South Florida's music scene for over a decade. As a drummer, he has performed with several bands that range from metal to jazz. Kenny also has been a stage manager and running sound for performances at Miami-Dade College.
Production Assistant
Rules & Regulations Enforcer
Sammantha Hernandez, she does not know how to write a bio herself. She made her debut in the Miami theatre scene as one of the original RK18 players as Dolores in Andrew Lippa's Wild Party since then she has worked for New Theatre as assistant stage manager and stage manager. With the help from New Theatre she met Vanessa Thompson and worked along side her in Jorge Ignacio's Bird in the hand as a glamorous flamingo and was introduced to Artistic Vibes. Since then they have not been able to get rid of Sam and found it was easier to add her to the AV TEAM then kick her out.
