Makaela Reed

Passionate about using immersive theater to foster healing and self-expression, I aim to merge my background in theater direction, community engagement, and mental health advocacy to contribute to the transformative field of drama therapy.

• Mental Health Advocate, The Mental Health Mixtape, 2024, Created music-based programming to shift mental health narratives for Black college students., Collaborated with peers to design workshops and events fostering open conversations about mental well-being.
• Group Therapy Experience Coordinator, Houston Museum of African American Culture, 2024-Present, Curated a guided group therapy experience paired with community exhibitions, incorporating creative expression and art-based healing., Organized programs like 'Wave Check' and the 'Shavon Morris Exhibition,' focusing on mental health awareness.
• Social Media Consultant, Project Orange with Houston Justice, 2024-Present, Curated content and campaigns promoting civic engagement and community empowerment.

• Founder & Director, Tha Chocolate Box, Houston, TX, 2023-Present, Created an immersive theater platform that brings productions into community spaces to promote inclusivity and accessibility., Directed original immersive plays, including Coffee at FelLo's and Hot Chocolate the Musical, centering community and cultural narratives., Designed workshops integrating mental health awareness and theater for diverse audiences.
• Director & Playwright, Coffee at FelLo's, Houston, TX, 2024, Directed and wrote this immersive play highlighting themes of community, resilience, and identity., Partnered with local coffee shops to stage performances in everyday spaces.
• Director, Hot Chocolate the Musical, Deluxe Theatre, Houston, TX, 12/24, Directed this family-friendly holiday musical set in Santa's workshop., Oversaw creative teams and coordinated with a cast of varying ages and experience levels.
• Student Head of Theatre Program Rebuilding, Bennett College, Greensboro, NC, 2024-Present, Led efforts to revitalize the college's theater program, focusing on student engagement and storytelling.

• About Love Scholarship Recipient
• Member, National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) (if applicable)
• Certified in Mental Health First Aid (if applicable)