Melissa appeared in the world premier of Jeffrey Hatcher’s newest play, What’s the Word For, presented at the Illusion Theatre from March 29 to April 21, and directed by Michael Robins.

Melissa played Big Mama in the Guthrie Theatre’s production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof which ran from Jan. 14 to Feb. 26, 2012.

Melissa has shaken the dust off her directing career having directed three plays in 2011: Surly and Disrespectful, Open Eye Theatre; Full Gallop, Les Reines Formidables Theater Company; and Yarrrh!! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical, Minnesota Fringe Festival 2011 and Open Eye Theatre.

Melissa played Frauline Schneider in the Frank Theatre’s production of Cabaret. This brings her full circle with the show having been Sally Bowles in the original production on Broadway and the First National tour back in the day. This production ran from March 4-27, 2011 at the Centennial Showboat on Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN. Click for more information…

Melissa appeared in Hedda Gabler, directed by Genevieve Bennet, at the Southern Theatre February 11 – 14, 2010.

Melissa performed a reading of The Laramie Project on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Guthrie Theatre.

As of the Fall of 2009, Melissa is teaching at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.

Melissa appeared in the world premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Enemy: Time at the Gremlin Theatre, June 12 – June 28, 2009.

Melissa conducted a master class at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists on Friday, April 10, 2009. The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists provides a world-class, professionally-guided academic and artistic environment to train aspiring pre-professional performing artists in the areas of instrumental and vocal music, theater and dance.

Melissa conducted a master class at the MacPhail Center for Music on Saturday, March 28, 2009. The emphasis of the master class was to help the young singers incorporate acting into their songs, and therefore experience acting and singing the lyric.