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Melanie Grace Gillespie

Founder/Artistic Director at Mel O Drama
Studied Theatre at Emerson College
(Attended from 1998 to 2001)

Hey, it’s me! Mel! I’m so glad that you’re interested in finding out more about Mel O’ Drama and what we offer both in our community and online! I founded Mel O’ Drama in 2011 and with the help of my dedicated team, have grown the school into a multi-faceted performing arts school, offering various programs that enable students to learn about theatre and the performing arts. We believe strongly in inclusion and continue to develop programs that help us grow more and more diverse so that every child who wants to engage in the wonderful world of performing arts, can find something in our curriculum that they can try! We offer a wide array of year-round classes from beginner drama to our advanced musical theatre production program. We also offer improv classes, acting for the camera, beginner musical theater, intermediate musical theatre dance, inclusive theatre classes and scene study, to name but a few! Besides creating a safe environment where kids can come to explore and find their people, our main goal is to empower kids by boosting their self-confidence, strengthening their self-belief, and teaching by modeling our kind & nurturing behaviors as teachers in Mel O’ Drama. We hope you’ll join us at some point to get a taste of what we do!

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Mel's Bio

Melanie Grace Gillespie was born in Dublin Ireland and moved to the USA in 1994. She grew up in a theatrical family and theatre became a second home to her at an early age. She received her BFA in theatre training at Emerson College in Boston and went on to perform in many theatre roles, her favorite being Mrs Clackett in Noises Off. In 2006 she landed a role in a soap opera in Ireland for a year, a highlight of her acting career. She developed a children's theatre program during this time which she brought into schools all over Ireland, teaching both in English and Irish (Gaelic). She moved back to Boston in 2008 with her husband and they now live in Quincy with their 2 sons, James & Patrick. Melanie founded the School of Mel O' Drama in Milton & Quincy Massachusetts in 2011 and with her team, teaches children, teens, adolescents and adults throughout the year. Melanie also plays piano, guitar and is known to burst into a German conversation upon overhearing that someone is from a German-speaking Country!

Awards & achievements

awards

What Parents Say About us

Mel has been a trusted leader for my kids, particularly in these difficult Covid times! She and her team have kept a social, emotional outlet open for kids who desperately need it now more than ever and we will forever be thankful for that.

Amy, mother of 2 Mel O' Drama Students

My child asks me every single day of the week if TODAY if his Mel O' Drama Day LOL! Mel creates such a fun and safe environment for our kids and keep their imaginations alive! I have recommended this program to everyone I know with kids who would not only enjoy this class, but who need it for their emotional wellbeing! It's been a game-changer for us!

Steva, mother of a 5 yr old student

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