Vanessa Marano is widely recognized for her role as Bay Kennish on SWITCHED AT BIRTH, a series that merged drama with a strong message about communication. In a thoughtful conversation, she reflects on the show’s highlights, the experience of working alongside her sister, Laura Marano, and her contributions to environmental causes through Global Green USA.
She notes that the best part of the show is the warm, collaborative atmosphere created by a supportive cast and crew. The on screen use of sign language raises awareness for Deaf communities and opens up opportunities for Deaf actors to perform in projects that highlight their talents. Vanessa entered the project without ASL skills and learned through the process, discovering that sign languages vary by country, including American Sign Language, British Sign Language, and Spanish Sign Language among others.
She emphasizes how much there is to learn from a cast with deep industry experience. The ensemble features pioneers and award winners whose careers span decades, and Vanessa believes that professionalism shines brightest when it is paired with enjoyment on set. The team works long hours, typically twelve a day, five days a week, yet they value the time spent together and the chance to grow as a team.
Regarding memorable moments, Vanessa hints at a highly anticipated upcoming episode eight that promises a different energy for the show. Past milestones include a wedding episode and an all American Sign Language episode, and she teases that the new installment will stand apart in a meaningful way. Viewers are invited to tune in to witness this distinctive chapter.
If given the chance to inhabit another role, she is drawn to Toby for his enigmatic nature. The character arrives with surprising energy and keeps audiences guessing, a challenge she would relish. She praises Lucas Grabeel for his portrayal of Toby and believes exploring the character further would be both fun and intriguing.
In addition to SWITCHED AT BIRTH, Vanessa is involved in a new film titled SENIOR PROJECT. The story follows a diverse group of students working on their final year project, blending heartfelt moments with humor and capturing the stress and identity questions that accompany senior year. She was thrilled to collaborate with longtime friend Meaghan Martin in this project and looked forward to sharing the screen with her again.
When asked to compare television and film, she says both mediums offer unique experiences. Theatre provides broad scope and immediate audience feedback, with nights that can differ dramatically. Film allows a more focused journey from start to finish, with intense collaboration from the director and a tight production schedule. Television sits in between, offering ongoing character arcs and weekly storylines, paired with extended hours and a stable group of colleagues. Each medium has its own rewards, and she appreciates the balance they offer in a career.
Family connections in the industry have shaped her path as well. The first time Vanessa and Laura worked together, they shared the screen on a project for Without a Trace, where they played sisters. Since then they pursue separate projects, but the shared experience remains meaningful. Having a family member in the industry provides a comforting sense of understanding and a dependable support system that enhances her creative life.
As Earth Day approaches, her involvement with Global Green USA grows from a family connection to a personal commitment. A family friend invited both sisters to participate in environmental events, and the conversations about caring for the planet resonated deeply. The message is clear: protecting the environment today helps future generations, and her participation reflects a broader call to action for audiences to engage with sustainable causes.
In closing, Vanessa expresses gratitude to viewers for their ongoing support. The acting world thrives on audience engagement, and she acknowledges how essential those who watch, share, and respond to the work are to the industry’s vitality.