Melanie (“Mel”) is a two-time Dora Award-winning actor and theatre creator based in Toronto. With a deep passion for Shakespeare, she has collaborated with various companies, including Shakespeare BASH’d (Two Noble Kinsmen, King Lear, Cymbeline, Othello, Measure for Measure), Dauntless City Theatre (All’s Well That Ends Well, Much Ado About Nothing) and with Shakespeare By the Sea (Cinderelly, Hamlet). In addition to classical works, Mel is enthusiastic about collaborative creation. She made her debut with the multi-award-winning Bad Hats Theatre in Storybook Search. Most recently, she co-created Here (North America), a series of surprise sidewalk shows in Toronto, offering joyful experiences for both artists and audiences. This winter, she’s focused on a new project called Diane Becomes Inanimate, slated for showcase in 2025. When she’s not performing, Mel keeps busy crocheting toys for her small business @mymenagerieto, working on illustration or design projects, and building queer community.