Vanessa Leuck

Vanessa Leuck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College, where she contributes to the theater program as a dedicated educator and mentor. She is based in Nugent Hall, Room 152A, and brings extensive professional experience from New York City's vibrant theatre scene.

Vanessa holds an MFA in Costume Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in Fashion Design from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her academic journey has included teaching roles at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Pace University, Five Towns College, FIT, and as a full-time Assistant Professor at Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY).

Her research and creative work focus on costume design, theatrical storytelling, and the integration of fashion with stage performance. She has designed for numerous productions across the U.S., including Emojiland, Godspell, Wonderland, and Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate. Her designs blend narrative depth with visual innovation, emphasizing collaboration between performers, directors, and design teams.

Vanessa's accolades include a 2020 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Costume Design and recognition from the Outer Critics Circle for her work on Emojiland. She is also a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, underscoring her standing in the professional design community.

• 2020 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Costume Design (Emojiland)
• Outer Critics Circle Award (Emojiland)

As a mentor, Vanessa values collaborative learning and student engagement. Though no formal advisees are listed, her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on creativity and professional preparation. She has been involved with Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS and continues to bridge academic and industry practices.

Vanessa leads and contributes to design teams for major theatrical productions and educational projects, fostering dynamic creative environments in both academic and professional settings.