
Get to know me!
Meet Melissa!
Melissa Burke-Manwaring discovered her passion for performance at age three, debuting as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. From singing before she could talk to pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater at the University of Colorado, Boulder, her journey has been fueled by dedication and talent. With over 32 educational, local and community theater productions under her belt, Melissa has garnered a reputation as a sought-after performer, shining in lead roles such as Velma Kelly and Roxie in Chicago, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, and Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
A standout in her first year, she won the College of Music’s Undergraduate Vocal Competition, securing a $1,500 prize. During the summer of 2021, she attended a Musical Theater Intensive at the Stella Adler Studio in NYC, getting her first real taste of the city, working alongside notable Broadway professionals like Nik Walker (Hamilton), Andréa Burns (In the Heights) and Julia Murney (The Wild Party).
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Melissa graduated in May 2023 as part of CU Boulder’s inaugural BMMT cohort and recently celebrated her one year anniversary in NYC. She made her debut at iconic cabaret theaters 54 Below and Greenroom 42 with writer and producer Scott Siegel, and secured representation with Firestarter Entertainment. Melissa is eager to continue her artistic journey and make her mark in the New York theater scene!

Words from Friends!
Friends, colleagues, fellow actors, directors and other theater professionals have described Melissa as confident, dedicated, kind, outgoing and strong, to name a few!