Melanie has been active with ARTI for over three decades as an actor, director, board member, and behind the scenes in a support position. Some of her favorite roles were in Beauty Queen of Leenane, Sordid Lives, The Laramie Project, Parallel Lives, and POTUS. Her most cherished directing experiences have been The Laramie Project and Sylvia.

When not involved with ARTI, she is an antiques dealer with her husband, Eric, at the Country Store Boutique. Melanie has an amazing family which centers now on three great-grandkids.

Favorite ARTI memories include the summer we bought the building and had six weeks to get it turned into a theatre after years as the El King Kong Bar. Best of all was meeting Beci Beck, who quickly became her confidante, mentor, best friend, and sister.

Melanie looks forward to spending her remaining years at the Phoenix Theatre, helping to create a legacy for the next generation who will make their own memories at this very cherished place.