Melle Powers
Acting
Melle Powers is an actress, known for the films Day Ten and Joy Road. Television credits include NBC's The Blacklist, CBS' Unforgettable, NBC's Mercy, NBC's Law & Order/Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, FX's Damages, and Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show. A graduate of the MFA Acting program at Tisch, Melleâs approach is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses the gifts to help build a more connected world through the art of storytelling. Some of her current projects include serving as founder and Creative Director of âThe Make Good Projectâ, co-producing the 4th annual âCelebration of Black Voicesâ community engagement festival for Barrington Stage Company; Founder and Principal at âPowerful Communicationsâ, a consultancy that taps into the power of personal storytelling for building cultures centered around creating equitable spaces. She had developed anti-racism and culture building trainings for several NYC metro school districts (working with Boards of Ed, Leadership Teams, faculty and students). Other recent work includes serving as Cultural Dramaturg/Artistic DEI Consultant for several productions and organizations: âThe Sign in Sidney Brusteinâs Windowâ starring Oscar Isaac, Rachel Brosnehan and Miriam Silverman (Broadway and BAM); Barrington Stage Company; Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. She is an instructor and storyteller for The Moth, and a writer and performer, whose work has been produced at the NY International Fringe Festival, The NY Frigid Festival, UCB and The Pit. Her solo show. âWhence Came Ye, Scarlett OâHara OâHanrahanâ, earned her a NYTheatre.com. âPerson of the Yearâ commendation, as well as a nomination for âBest Solo Showâ from the NY Innovative Theater Awards. As a professional actress, TV highlights included regular appearances on Chappelleâs Show and various Law and Orders; stage work includes Clybourne Park (Long Wharf); The Old Friends (Signature Theater); In the Next Room or the vibrator play â (World Premiere, Berkeley Rep); Of Government; Civilization (Clubbed Thumb); By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (World Premiere, Second Stage); Fabulation (World Premiere, Playwrights Horizons); and others. Melle teaches at NYU and Yale University.
