Endorsements

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“July 2014, my phone pings an email alert while in rehearsal for “The Last Lynching”, a play about the murder/lynching of a Black Man in South Carolina in the early 50’s. It was Melanie Wiliford, the Production Manager at Centre Stage Theatre. This email resulted in the beginning of the conversation: the conversation to diversify their guest directors and the conversation that began the end of a void with the visionary actions for me to direct The New Play Festival winning play with my voice at the table. Fast forward. July 2020, another email from Melanie with an invitation to yet continue the conversation to diversify with people of color. This time it was to be one of the first people of color to serve on the board of directors for South Carolina’s only LGBTQ+ theatre. I say this to amplify that Melanie’s conversations move past dialogue into fruition. Since meeting her in 2013, her work as a Producer, Production Manager, Director, PodCast Producer/Host, Board Member and Educator is progressive, innovative and inclusive; she leads by example.” 

Clark E. Nesbitt

Director, Actor, Educator

Greenville, SC

“Our professional relationship began as actors on stage working opposite one another. It is where I first experienced Melanie’s professionalism, work ethic and exceptional skill set. Her desire to present a professional product only further fueled my desire to do so…

Our collaboration continued as we worked together for a non-profit professional theatre company, both wearing many hats to produce season after season of professional theatre… Melanie always approached each task intelligently and with a focus of providing well thought out solutions based on her experience and education… I can’t recommend her high enough…"

Bruce Meahl

Creative Contributor/Co-Host, Thespis in the Green Room 

Former Business Manager, Centre Stage

Greenville, SC

"Melanie is the consummate professional artist. Having worked with her on the creative side as her music director, I have seen her professional, leadership and creative skills at work. She is able to extract from each person the best they have and she does it with respect, humility and grace."

LeRoy Kennedy

Music Director, Performer, Educator

Greenville, SC

“Melanie’s passion for supporting new works and new talents is evident… Melanie is the kind of producer we need to cultivate... She has the experience, the skills and the drive to lead in this sector. I have every confidence she will prove to be an excellent champion for new works and fresh talent.”

James Hadley

Executive Director, Musical Theatre Network 

Producer, BEAM Festival - A New Musical Showcase

London, England

“Melanie is a smart and well-balanced producer with a drive and work ethic that will ensure success. She displayed excellent leadership skills...

Melanie also shows an aptitude for exploring fundraising options not always common… She keeps abreast of funding trends and political and economic shifts that affect the availability of financial support…

Melanie proves to be a leader not only by her example but in her willingness to share her knowledge with others... Melanie is very approachable and unassuming… She actively engages participants and explains topics, balancing a thorough explanation with simplicity… These qualities will make her a welcome addition to any theatre with an inclination toward education and will serve her well when in a position of people management.”

Jessica Bowles

Principal Lecturer & Course Leader MA/MFA Creative Producing

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

London, England

"Melanie has the administrative skills and business awareness that is critical for success in producing...

She has a full understanding of all the departments that make up a theatre company and has managed numerous productions from pre-production set-up through post-production wrap-up...

As a producer, Melanie is the complete package. She has experience and knowledge of every aspect of producing a show. She brings ideas and practices from the corporate sector and from the American theatre model. Her international experience and connections will help to diversify programming... Melanie has persistence that will drive her practice to success..."

Jess Woodward

Marketing Director

Hampstead Theatre

London, England