2017 Arts Education Summit
Presenter Biography
Melissa Chin-Parker is Western Stage’s Artistic Program Director, overseeing TWS programming since 2001. Her artistic work ranges from teaching and actor coaching to acting and directing, production design and photography, and creating original performances. Melissa founded the Young Company, and produces a pre-season SpringFEST of classes and Open Studio performances. Melissa’s theatre training has been through professional mentors and formal coursework. Her favorite acting roles include: Forgiveness from Heaven (The Waiting Room); Creator (East of Eden); LeeAnn (A Piece of My Heart); Denise (The Baker’s Wife); Connie (A Chorus Line); and Linda Low (Flower Drum Song). Directing credits include Miss Electricity, Voices of a People’s History, GAMAN, Afternoon of the Elves, Painted Rain, The Outsiders, Luna, BOCON! and The Baker’s Wife (The York School) and most recently Assistant Director for Nice Work If You Can Get It. Melissa is a 2017 Arts Council Champion of the Arts Luminary.