About Melissa
Melissa was born and raised in Orange County, California, and basically started singing before she could talk! She received her B.A. in Music from UCLA (go Bruins!) where she studied classical voice and created life-long friendships. While at UCLA, Melissa won first prize in the Carol Burnett Awards and played Lady Larken in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS under the direction of Ms. Burnett.
After college, Melissa began studying voice with renowned singer and director Calvin Remsberg and earned her Equity card working under the steamy tent at Sacramento Music Circus, playing Star-to-Be in ANNIE, Fruma-Sarah in FIDDLER, and Townsperson #7 in THE MUSIC MAN. Soon afterward, she traveled the U.S. and Canada for several years with the Broadway Touring Company of LES MISERABLES and was the final Eponine when the production closed in 2006 in St. Louis.
Melissa is the singing voice of Barbie for numerous films, albums, and toys, including the animated features BARBIE AS THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER, BARBIE AS THE ISLAND PRINCESS, BARBIE IN THE DIAMOND CASTLE and BARBIE IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Her singing voice is often recognized by fans of the Barbie series, and is currently a bit of a thing on TikTok (so she’s been told)!
Melissa has worked extensively in concerts and theatre throughout California. She was a principal soloist in “Les Mis meets Bernstein” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for the California Philharmonic, and she has recorded and performed with some of musical theatre’s finest new composers, including Georgia Stitt, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Kerrigan/Lowdermilk. Some of her favorite theatre roles include Jane in JANE EYRE (Fullerton Civic Light Opera), Peter in PETER PAN (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Grizabella in CATS (Cabrillo Music Theatre), Rose in THE SECRET GARDEN (MTW Reiner Series), Gabby/Bobbi in CITY OF ANGELS (MTG), and Svetlana in CHESS (MTG).
In addition to performing, Melissa owns a private voice studio in Orange County and is on the adjunct voice faculty of the Musical Theatre Department at Fullerton College. She holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Cal State University Long Beach, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and Musical Theatre Guild.
MTG Show Credits
Fun Facts
I'm proud to be an MTG member because
I am constantly amazed and inspired by the talent in each and every member of our company. It's such a privilege to work and play with LA's brightest theatre folk!
Dream Role
Fanny Brice
Favorite Role I Have Played
Eponine in LES MISERABLES
My Favorite Musical
Definitely LES MIS!
Favorite MTG Show I Have Been In
CHESS
Funniest / Most Memorable Thing That's Happened to Me on Stage
The first time I played Peter Pan was in high school; we performed in a beautiful, large theatre and used Flying by Foy. Peter's first entrance involves flying from behind the set through a big window into the nursery. In one of the performances, they flew me way up high to clear the windowsill, and then something happened and I suddenly dropped way down and smacked my shins--hard--on my way through the window. I have no idea who was in charge of flying me, but this was not my only flying accident during the run, haha! I ended that show with a TON of bruises! =)
Languages Spoken
English
Pronouns ?Click here to learn more about personal gender pronouns and why they're important.
she/her/hers
Special Skills
Singing, Teaching Voice
Private Lessons Offered:
- Voice/Singing
- Audition Prep
- Music Theory
Representation
Musical Theatre Agent