Melle Powers

Biography: 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, Melle’s 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 “The Make Good Project”, co-producing the 4th annual “Celebration of Black Voices” community engagement festival for Barrington Stage Company; Founder and Principal at “Powerful Communications”, 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: “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” 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. “Whence Came Ye, Scarlett O’Hara O’Hanrahan”, earned her a NYTheatre.com. “Person of the Year” commendation, as well as a nomination for “Best Solo Show” from the NY Innovative Theater Awards. As a professional actress, TV highlights included regular appearances on Chappelle’s 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 – (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.