Hi, I'm Melanie.

I'm a Chicago born and bred actor based in Los Angeles. When I'm not auditioning, on set, or in rehearsal, I'm teaching acting or coaching actors on their auditions, writing screenplays, or directing a show.

Follow along on social media, check the news section, and for acting, directing or coaching inquiries, reach out below.

Thanks for being here!

REEL

Reel

Credits

CREDITS

SAG-AFTRAe | EMC

Height: 5'7" | Hair: Blonde | Eyes: Brown

IMDbPro

Resumé Headshot PDF

Breakdown Express

FILM

Rendezvous in Chicago

Etude*

Let's Tattoo Our Newborn Baby*

The West Virginian Starfish

Malady

Goodbye, Janet

Forever

Compartmentalization Storage Facility

Nicki and Adam

Critical Nexus

Vanguard: Siren

*indicates coming soon

Supporting

Lead

Supporting

Michael Glover Smith, Dir.

Ross Compton, Dir.

Paul Restivo, Dir.

Hyten Davidson & Tommy Martin, Dir.

Will Schneider, Dir.

Lydia Smyth, Dir.

Eliaz Rodriguez, Dir.

Kacem Khalife, Dir.

Turf Alexis, Dir.

Matthew Brezina, Dir.

THEATRE

Title X

Digging Up Dessa**

Eb & Belle**

Constellations**

Amicable**

Sunday Evening

Memory Foam

West Side Story

Billy Witch

Good Kids

Great American Trailer Park Musical

Bachelorette

Sunday on the Rocks

*indicates coming soon

**indicates company member

Rachel/Norma/Annie/Kimi

Esther

Cecily

Marianne

Shannon

Jenny

Natalie

Velma

Jenny

Brianna

Lin

Katie

Elly

Artemisia Theatre - Julie Proudfoot, Willow James

Theatre Above the Law** - Tony Lawry

"

Rose Valley Theatre - Zlatomir Moldovanski

Paragon Play Fest - Tommy Martin

Cardinal Stage Co. - Randy White

Bloomington Playwrights - Rob Heller

IU Theatre - Jonathan Michaelson

" - Corinne Florentino

"

VOICEOVER

Smithsonian Magazine

DePaul University Animation Projects

Roundtable Learning

Indiana University Tech Services

Illinois Fair Tax

EDUCATION & TRAINING

BA Theatre and Drama-Acting

Minors: Dance & TV/Film

Certificate of Acting

Emotional Accessibility Workshop

Feminine Comique - Stand Up Comedy

Virtual Auditioning

Advanced Pro On Camera

Soar Workshop - Elite Acting Program

Shakespeare Acting

Acting for Musical Theatre

Acting for Camera

Audition for Film & TV

Voice

SAFD Combat

Movement

Devising Theatre

Dance: Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Ballet, and Tap

Indiana University - Bloomington, Indiana

Gaeity School of Acting - Dublin, Ireland

Alexandra Wright (LA)

Deanna Ortiz (CHI)

AJ Links, CSA (CHI)

Janelle Snow (CHI)

Brittani Ward, CSA (CHI)

Cathy Reinking (ATL)

Henry Woronicz (IN)

Andy Hite (CHI)

Robyn Coffin (CHI)

Sarah Cayce, CSA (CHI)

Melissa Foster (CHI)

Ciarian O'Grady (DUB, Ireland)

Adam McLean (IN), Stephanie Courtney (DUB, Ireland)

Clare Maguire (DUB, Ireland)

SPECIAL SKILLS

Dialects: RP British, Southern, Dublin Irish, Chicagoan, New Yorker

Sports: yoga, running, biking, CrossFit, weight lifting, swimming, volleyball, soccer, canoeing, kayaking

Misc: professionally trained barista, fire-building, cooking, experienced child-care provider, teaching artist, first aid/CPR certified, valid California driver's license, Int. Hip-hop, Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, SAFD Stage Combat/Movement

Gallery

GALLERY

FILM/TV

THEATRE

INSTAGRAM FEED

NEWS

JOSEPH JEFFERSON EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE AWARD NOMINATED
DIRECTOR

My direction for Cry It Out at Theatre Above the Law was nominated for BEST DIRECTOR at The Joseph Jefferson Awards, which celebrates Excellence in Chicago Theatre.

teaching

LEARN WITH ME

Actor Coaching + Consulting
Los Angeles, CA + Virtual

Actors + parents of young actors! Work with me one-on-one or in small groups up to three virtually or in my home studio. I will teach you or your child how to analyze text to serve the story, develop character that's authentic to you, and to find your creative process to build the confidence necessary to nail any audition.

Just need someone to be your reader and film + edit your self tape? I got you.

Want to improve your actor materials? Need a second look at your self tapes, headshots, resume, website, reels, etc.? I consult too.

Parents of actors - do you have questions on how to get started in the biz, get an agent, and all that jazz? I'm here to help!

Available for 30, 45, 60 and 75 minute sessions. Fill out my contact form above to inquire about pricing and services.

PREVIOUS WORK INCLUDES

Actors Training Center
Wilmette, IL

On camera acting can be a challenge for the young actor whose instinct is to “show” instead of “tell” when what casting is looking for is for actors to bring their authentic self to the work.

Actors Training Center in Wilmette gives a practical approach that will help students gain the confidence to say, “I am enough.” Train in ATC's professional studio, getting in front of the camera each week with commercial and film/TV copy and receive adjustments and notes after watching playback.

You can also coach with me for auditions or private lessons out of ATC's space. Reach out for more info!

Skyline Children's Theater
Chicago, IL

A unique theatre experience where students meet new people, develop interpersonal skills, build confidence, and enhance self-esteem while creatively challenging their bodies, voices and hearts.

Offerings include Junior shows, showcases, classes and workshops for K-8th grade students at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park.

All students involved will perform at the Greenhouse Theater Center in Lincoln Park!