From the moment she professed that “pink is a lifestyle choice”, everyone knew Melina Marie would have a career in the arts. Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was born into a diverse Polish/Italian/French Canadian and Cuban family. Melina would later move to Miami, Florida where she was raised for most of her life. She attributes her natural artistic ability, intelligence, and faith to her loving and loud family.

 

Melina began her illustrious career at a mere 11 years old. She participated in multiple theatre programs in middle and high school. She became an active member of the International Thespian Society and was awarded Model Thespian for her 7 years of dedication. 

 

Melina moved to turn her passion for costumes into a career when she applied to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She knew the UNCSA Undergraduate Costume Design & Technology program would give her the intense training she was looking for. Melina spent her breaks from school interning at the Glimmerglass Festival (2017, 2019) and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (2018), expanding her professional experience and enriching her education. Thanks to this, Melina is capable and experienced in all sub-sections of a costume department.

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Melina graduated UNCSA in the infamous class of 2020. She returned to live entertainment in the summer of 2021 at Weston Theatre Company, and returned for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. She has also traveled across land and sea on multiple national tours and some time aboard the Norwegian Joy. She believes live theatre belongs everywhere; from the fields of Vermont, to the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, to the beaches of Bermuda.

 

Melina strives to be respected as a professional, as an artist, and as a person. Melina is a passionate and conscientious person, who never gives up and always tries her best. She believes in the magic of telling stories and sharing experiences. She strives to train and inspire future generations of theatre makers. Melina has grown personally and professionally but still stands firm in her belief that “there is no such thing as too much glitter”.