Vanessa Codorniu, also known as “The Biz Bruja” is a seasoned intuitive healer, hypnotherapist, and spiritual guide with a passion for using the transformative power of improv to empower individuals and foster resilience. With over two decades of experience in her field, Codorniu has discovered that improv is not just an entertaining art form; it’s a vital tool for healing and self-discovery.
The Art of Improv and Empowerment
Codorniu’s journey into the world of improv began as a way to manage her move from NYC to Central PA. At first it was only a personal interest but quickly blossomed into a central aspect of her work. Training at renowned institutions like the Harrisburg Improv Theatre, Magnet Theater in NYC, and the Baltimore Improv Group School, she honed her skills in long-form, character, dramatic, and musical improv. Today, she teaches Improv for Resilience at Hershey Medical Center and Improv Level I at the Harrisburg Improv Theatre, as well as offering Improv for Business and Communication workshops both online and in person in NYC.
“Improv was a hobby, and I found myself adding it to my retreats and began to have people reach out and hire me,” Codorniu shares. “In a world that is more divisive than ever, we need sacred spaces that are inclusive, healing, and fun. “
In her work with the Bella Abzug Young Women’s Leadership Institute in NYC, Vanessa brings her Improv for Collaboration & Communication to gifted teens for over a decade and supports confidence in self-expression and the power of the “Yes and,” mindset that is at the heart of improv. The teens may start off cautious but as they feel more comfortable, they relax and enjoy the process of collaborating to create scenes, characters and dialogue.
Building Community Through Performance
In addition to her teaching, Codorniu is the producer and performer of “LoS CoMpLiCaDos,” the first Latino improv team in Central Pennsylvania. Launching on October 11, 2024, at the Harrisburg Improv Theatre, this groundbreaking group is part of the Raices Creativas Collective, a project that brings together five creative entrepreneurs to celebrate and elevate Latino voices in the arts.
Photography Landon Wise
“Representation matters!” Codorniu emphasizes. “It’s happening as part of the Raices Creativas Collective—the Creative Roots Collective. I had to wait about seven years for there to be enough Latinos in the theater trained in improv. There is still a feeling that improv may be a “white people” activity or hobby, when the truth is we are all creative. This is a dream come true for me and I hope that there are teens and adults in the audience that say- improv is for me as well! “
The Healing Power of Play
Codorniu believes that improv offers profound healing benefits, particularly in addressing ancestral trauma. “So much of my work deals with transforming ancestral patterns and trauma; improv became a way to reclaim play and joy through freedom of expression! We heal our ancestral trauma by reclaiming joy and play as well!” she states. Improv allows participants to reconnect with their inner child and express themselves freely, which is crucial for emotional and spiritual growth.
Her pop spirituality improv team, “Cosmic Trash: Advice for Your Garbage Problems with a Semblance of Spirituality,” exemplifies this spirit of joy and creativity. Reviewed for their performance at the Gamut Theater during the Harrisburg Fringe Festival by Broadway World in 2023, “ This all-female ensemble of performers offers a high- energy show that shows off their versatility and improvisational skills. The show is pure fun with a message we all need to remember–be true to yourself.”
In 2024, Codorniu returned to the Harrisburg Fringe Festival in 2024 with “Cosmic Trash the Musical: The Next Adventure!” Through musical improv, she and her team combine rapping, singing, improv performance with elements of spirituality, creating a dynamic experience that resonates with audiences. “When we engage in play, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and pathways for healing. We laugh at what makes us cry at times and we see how we may be stuck and how we may move forward in our personal struggles,” she adds.
Empowering Individuals and Communities
Codorniu’s improv workshops focus on empowerment and resilience, equipping participants with skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and creativity. “Improv for Resilience and Improv for Healing Justice is a powerful tool for personal and professional development,” she notes. “These lessons extend beyond the stage and into our everyday lives.”
Whether in the context of a healing retreat or an improv workshop, Codorniu emphasizes the importance of community and support. “Creating an inclusive environment where people feel safe to explore their emotions is paramount,” she says. “Improv fosters collaboration, empathy, and connection, allowing participants to feel validated in their experiences. In a world, where we have had to code-switch or adapt to societal expectations, improv allows us to collaborate, create and make room for our different experiences.”
A Vision for the Future
As Vanessa Codorniu continues to blend her intuitive healing practices with the art of improv, she remains committed to empowering individuals from all backgrounds. Her innovative approach encourages people to embrace their creativity and tap into their innate power, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Codorniu’s upcoming events and workshops promise to be more than just performances; they are opportunities for healing, connection, and celebration of cultural identity. As she continues to lead retreats in Mexico, Peru, and the U.S., she invites individuals to join her on this transformative journey of self-discovery through the joy of improv.
Vanessa Codorniu’s work serves as a source of hope and inspiration. By reclaiming joy and community through improv, she empowers others to navigate life’s uncertainties with creativity, resilience, and authenticity. Learn more about Vanessa and her work by visiting https://thebizbruja.com/ and following her on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
