Melanie Farmer

Creative Arts Administrator and Educator passionate about cultivating talent and with a strong understanding of private education, student-centered leadership, and multiple arts practices. Recognizes the vital role of the arts in fostering healthy and fulfilling lives. Dedicated to promoting growth and engagement in artistic endeavors. Leverages extensive background in teaching, learning, and character development, along with expertise in arts, budget, and project management. Committed to addressing the unique needs of arts disciplines. Deep sense of community and strong desire to foster appreciation and participation in the arts, striving to make a lasting impact.

Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, 2022

Hurston/Wright Foundation Crossover Award for Literary Nonfiction, 2020

Association of Writers and Writing Programs First Journals Award, 2019

Publications

• Rolling: A Ladies' Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Burrow Press
• "White Homework", Split Lip Magazine
• "The Teacher Doesn't Jump in Front of the Bullet", The Tampa Review

Awards

• Hurston/Wright Foundation Crossover Award for Creative Nonfiction
• Association of Writers and Writing Programs Intro Journals Award
• Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, Nonfiction Fellow
• Longleaf Writers Conference, Nonfiction Fellow
• Association of Writers and Writing Programs, Writer to Writer Mentee

Readings and Podcasts

• The University of Tampa
• The University of Central Florida
• The Drunken Odyssey
• Loose Lips Orlando
• Dallas Literary Festival
• The Hurston/Wright Foundation
• Longleaf Writing Conference
• Winter Park Public Library Grand Opening
• PARCELS
• Vulgar Geniuses Podcast: Midnight Marauders

Conferences: 

• Kenyon College Writers Conference
• Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing
• Longleaf Writers Conference

Judging:

• Florida Book Awards (nonfiction)

Trinity Prep School, Winter Park, FL 

• The Government Inspector, The Perils of Lulu, Rumors

Professional work

• The Taming of the Shrew, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Misanthrope, Cat on A Hot Tin Room, A Christmas Carol, Tape, Moonlight and Magnolias, 365 Plays/365 Days, Hello Dolly, Gate/Beckett, Ruined, Oklahoma, and more

• Theater directing- Degree in theatrical directing with significant professional experience as well as experience directing fully-produced shows for actors aged 12-18.
• Creative writing- Published author who teaches all levels and genres as well as advise on literary publication and competition, active professional writer with strong relationships with writers, publishers, and writing communities both locally and nationally.
• Martial arts- Over 12 years of experience as a grappler (Brazilian jiu jitsu) with additional experience in muay thai and boxing
• Basketball coaching- currently in third season as a coach with experience coaching boys in JV, middle school, and AAU
• Forensics (Competitive Speech and Debate)- Former high school competitor with multiple national titles in speech and interpretation events, over twelve years of experience coaching nationally ranked forensics competitors

• Dallas Theater Center, Dallas, TX, Casting Director, Artistic Office Coordinator
• Arena Stage, Washington, DC, Allen Lee Hughes New Play Producing Fellow
• Lincoln Center Festival, New York, NY, Assistant Producer, Playbill editor

• Hurston/Wright Foundation
• Longleaf Writers Conference
• Association of Writers and Writing Programs
• Martha's Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing
• Atlantic Center for the Arts
• Burrow Press
• Davidson College Alumni
• University of Central Florida MFA Alumni

Chapbook:

Rolling: A Ladies' Guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Burrow Press)

Essays:

"The Teacher Doesn't Jump in Front of the Bullet" (Tampa Review)

"White Homework" (Split Lip Magazine)