Hi! My name is Melody Rachel
I am a performance maker and producer. I create semi-autobiographical and movement based solo-performance works exploring identity, human nature and irrational, anxious thought patterns that spin me out of control. I am interested in incorporating audio-visual design and projection into my theatre and often focus on audience participation, as I believe that theatre is a conversation starter and a platform to build relationships within the new communities.
While I enjoy producing and performing my own work, I also curate and host a monthly ‘Scratch Night’ event – a platform for performance makers to trial material in front of a live audience. I believe in supporting my peers to develop their ideas and create spaces for audience participation where a sense of engagement and welcome is paramount.
Awards
2020: Basement Theatre Disruptor Award for ‘I Know What I’m Doing’, Auckland Fringe Festival
Presentations
2021: ‘I Wanna Be Mark Wahlberg’, presented at Basement Theatre as part of Auckland Pride
2020: ‘I Know What I’m Doing’, presented at BATS Theatre, Wellington, October
2020: ‘I Know What I’m Doing’, presented at Q Theatre, Auckland Fringe Festival, February
2019: ‘I Know What I’m Doing’, presented at Shopfront Theatre, Sydney Fringe Festival, September
2019: ‘RUNT’, presented as part of University of Wollongong Honours program, September
2018: ‘Who They Said I Was’, presented at Shopfront Theatre, Sydney Fringe Festival, September
2017: ‘White Wash’, presented at Bloodmoon Theatre, August
Education & Training
2020: Red Leap Theatre 1-week incubator program, Auckland
2020: Barbarian Productions 1-week creative development incubator, Auckland
2019: Deborah Pollard masterclass in performance making, Sydney
2019: Force Majeure masterclass in dance theatre, Sydney
2015: Certificate in Performance, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland
2014: Diploma in Theatre and Dance, Excel School of Performing Arts, Auckland
Residencies & Ensembles
2020: Resident Artist, Basement Theatre Ideas in Residence development initiative, Auckland
2020: Member of PYT Ensemble, Fairfield, Sydney
2019: Shopfront Theatre, OPENSHOP artist residency, Sydney
2019: Unspoken Words studio artist for performance poetry, Sydney