Youth Theatre Coordinator and Head Teacher - Senior Drama & Musical Theatre

From a young age, Melissa knew her passion lay in the performing arts. Trained in acting, drama and voice, she went on to attain her Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Drama with a minor in Screen Studies, as well as her ATCL Diploma in Speech and Drama (Teaching). Melissa has been fortunate to work at a number of schools across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, teaching Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre (Acting and Singing) for the past 17 years.

An enthusiastic performer herself, Melissa has been part of many productions at Spotlight Community Theatre and other theatres over the past two decades. In recent years she has stepped back from performing to focus more on directing and writing, though she recently returned to the stage in Spotlight’s 2025 production of Mamma Mia, directed by Jamie Watt, where she had the joy of playing Rosie.

Alongside performing, Melissa has a strong passion for directing and bringing stories to life onstage. Several of her plays have been entered into the Gold Coast Secondary School Dramafest competition, achieving consistent success over the years.

Melissa is passionate about sharing her experience and love of Musical Theatre and Drama with her students. She enjoys helping young performers develop confidence, creativity and storytelling skills through character, song and movement.

Melissa is thrilled to be returning to the Spotlight Youth Theatre team as Head Teacher of Seniors, while also taking on the role of Youth Theatre Coordinator.