Michelle Powers

Education 

MFA, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts 

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 art.  Some of her current projects include co-producing the 2nd annual “Celebration of Black Voices” community engagement festival for Barrington Stage Company; The Moth, Daughters of the Movement, Assistant Director - live at the Schomburg; and utilizing the power of personal storytelling in the development of anti-racism trainings for several NYC metro school districts (working with Boards of Ed, Leadership Teams, faculty and students). 

She is a storyteller for The Moth, recently delivering a true personal story at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY.  Melle is also 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; 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 has appeared in over 100 films, commercials, voiceovers, theatrical and television shows.

Melle has served as an Adjunct instructor at NYU, delivering classes in Voice and Speech and Resilience.