Melissa is a renowned actress in the industry, celebrated for her exceptional intensity, unwavering commitment, and boundless energy she brings to her roles and action acting. Uncommon in her craft, she possesses the unique ability to handle complex action roles with remarkable expertise and intensity, showcasing her proficiency in a wide range of skills, including weapons, fire arms, military and police sword play, eastern and western, knives, boxing, kickboxing, Savate, martial arts, and English and western horsework, as well as medical procedures.
Her powerful stage presence and fearless performances stem from a lifetime of strong theatrical acting, having performed in over 20 musicals and plays, as well as live performances as a dancer, mime, clown, and even balloon animal creator since the age of 5. During her grammar school summer vacations, she ventured into film acting, and her love for the magic of filmmaking has only continued to grow.
As a stand-up comic, Melissa has performed at various venues across California, including the Improv, The Comedy Store, The Ice House, Bungalow 13, 3 of Clubs, Mbar, and many others. She seamlessly blends her character acting with physical comedy, improv skills, martial arts, weapons background, clever writing, and her edgy, fearless approach, earning her a wide range of applause from audiences. Additionally, she has produced numerous comedy shows at the same venues.
Melissa has received extensive actor training from renowned instructors, including John Kirby, Peter Spellos, James Hong, Jeff Rubens, and Jason Alexander. She has honed her improv skills at LA Connection and The Bang Comedy Theater, consistently creating work for herself and others. Melissa has also assisted in the writing and production of plays.
Currently, Melissa is producing the action film "Gamers Geeks and Zombies" (rewritten by Ron Shusett) with her team of producers and Malek Akkad (Rob Zombie's Halloween). Most recently, she acted in the feature film "Raven" directed by Gregori J. Martin. She is also involved in sword fighting for a motion capture studio and has co-written, produced, and performed in "Best Protection," which was featured at the Cannes Film Festival and picked up by Spike TV.
In addition to her extensive acting and producing career, Melissa is currently training in combat for film with Phil Aslaksen and various instructors, further expanding her expertise in martial arts, fire arms, military and police, all weapons, Savate, Western boxing, swordplay, and ninjutsu, as well as tumbling.
