~Choreography & Directing ~

Melanie's creative vision received high honors when her staging of the "Wilkommen" sequence in "Cabaret"  was performed as an "opening sequence" for the 2003 American College Theatre Festival Scene competition.  Melanie has received several prestigious awards for her choreography, including an American College Theatre Festival "Meritorious Achievement Award for Outstanding Choreography."   (Melanie was the first undergraduate choreographer at her University to receive this honor in over 15 years!)   Mrs. Heard currently holds a degree in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton, an Oregon Teaching Credential with CLAD and a Masters in Education (MAed) with a Reading Specialist Certificate.


~ Dance Training ~

Melanie's extensive dance training stems from the genre of classical ballet, although she is well versed in all styles, including jazz, tap, lyrical, swing, salsa, musical theatre, and period work.  In 1991, Melanie studied with Mr. John Magnus at the intensive Joffrey Ballet Trainee program.  Later that year, Ms. Jacobson accepted a full scholarship to the brand new Universal Ballet Academy in Washington D.C., a prestigious establishment operated by the Kirov Ballet of Russia.  At U.B.A., Melanie had the opportunity to perform alongside the young stars of the Kirov Ballet, and to study with Oleg Vinogradov, Yelena Vinogradova, Nikolai Morozov, and Ludmila Morkovina.  Melanie has also studied with such well-known ballet companies as the Houston Ballet and Ballet West.  Mrs. Heard's dance training throughout the years has included Broadway-style tap with Kris Timmons (original choreographer for Disney's Kids of the Kingdom), musical theatre dance with Sha Newman (well-known regional Equity stage director / choreographer) and jazz with Lara Teeter (from the original production of "On your Toes"). 


~ Adjudication and Teaching ~

Melanie taught first grade for six years.  She taught for four years at a prestigious fine and performing arts magnet in Los Angeles.  In LA, she was responsible for choreographing the winter and spring dance productions for the entire magnet first grade.  Melanie taught private dance lessons from her own home-based studio for 6 years.  She was a national and regional adjudicator for five different dance competitions.  Mrs. Heard also enjoyed giving back to her hometown community by donating her time as a volunteer judge for the local talent competition.  Above all else, Melanie's love for dance shines in everything she does, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with the many children, teens, and adults involved in this truly rewarding profession.

~Theatrical Production ~

Melanie is co-owner and producer for a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Special Events production company.  Poison Pen Players is a full-service Entertainment company specializing in providing laughter, fun, and mayhem.  She also founded and directs C.R.O.W. (Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops).  For more info, please visit the website for C.R.O.W. or Poison Pen Players. 


Melanie as "Eva Peron"-SFSCP
"Havin' A Hunch"
Seussical The Dr. Seuss Musical
Concordia University, Irvine
"Bottle Dance"
Fiddler On The Roof
SFSCP
"Missouri Queen"
Tom Sawyer
Junior University
"Magic To Do"
Pippin
Concordia University, Irvine
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Newport Performing Arts Center
Poison Pen Players Presents:
Fiona & Fredo's Whacked Wedding:
One Italian Wedding & A Funeral
Three Rivers Casino, Florence, OR
Click on "Poe" to visit www.poisonpenplayers.com
Melanie Heard is one of the west coast's most requested directors / choreographers on both the professional musical theatre and dance performance circuits.  Her expertise in all facets of the dance world has put her in demand as an instructor for all levels of dancers.  Melanie has choreographed over 60 full-scale musical theatre productions, and countless award-winning dance competition / concert pieces.  She has traveled across the United States and abroad to provide movement or assist dance studios in creating top-notch, cutting edge works to enter in festivals, competitions, concerts, and much more.

C.R.O.W. presents
Beauty and The Beast Jr.
Florence Events Center
Florence, OR