MELISSA JAMES
Las Vegas
Summary
A multi-disciplinary creative and performer specializing in high-concept storytelling and immersive spectacle. Dedicated to merging technical precision with narrative-driven choreography for global audiences.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Actor
Universal Horror Unleashed
Las Vegas, NV
07.2025 - Current
- Delivered compelling performances in the role of lead icon character 'Chance', enhancing audience engagement and overall production value.
- Collaborated with director and crew to refine scripts and develop character arcs, ensuring alignment with creative vision.
- Prepared extensively for roles through research and rehearsal, honoring the Universal IP
Producer/Director/Choreographer
The Gilded Cage
Las Vegas, NV
02.2024 - Current
- Conceptualized & Developed: Originated the artistic vision and thematic framework for "Jail Birds," transforming a creative concept into a viable stage production.
- Strategic Planning: Developed comprehensive production strategies, including artistic direction, technical requirements, and logistical timelines for all phases of the show.
- Budget Management: Created, managed, and adhered to production budgets, optimizing resource allocation to maximize artistic impact and financial efficiency.
- Resource Acquisition: Secured funding, talent (artists, technicians, designers), and venue partnerships necessary for show realization.
- Project Roadmapping: Developed detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring critical path milestones were met from ideation to premiere.
- Artistic Direction: Provided overarching artistic guidance to the entire creative team, ensuring a cohesive and compelling narrative consistent with the show's vision.
- Technical Integration: Collaborated closely with technical directors and designers to integrate lighting, sound, set, and costume elements seamlessly with artistic performances.
- Risk Management: Identified potential operational, safety, or logistical risks and developed mitigation strategies to ensure smooth production flow.
- Scheduling & Coordination: Coordinated complex schedules for rehearsals, technical run-throughs, and performances, managing multiple moving parts efficiently.
Choreographer/Assoicate Director/Lead Artist
MOTH Live Entertainment
Steamboat Springs, CO And UAE Tour
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Developed innovative choreography for diverse performances, enhancing audience engagement and artistic expression for the productions "Cirque Melodie" and "Celestia Nouveau"
- Collaborated with director and performers to refine dance routines, ensuring alignment with production themes and directors vision
- Analyzed performance metrics to assess audience reactions, implementing adjustments to improve future shows.
- Coordinated rehearsals and schedules, optimizing workflow and maximizing preparation time for productions.
Improvisational Actress
MSG Sphere
Las Vegas, NV
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Delivered compelling performances in high-profile productions, engaging diverse audiences effectively for the project "The Sphere Experience"
- Contributed to character intel and development during rehearsal phase.
- Assisted in scripting and character nuances throughout the duration of the engagement
Aerial Choreographer
Tuacahn Center For the Arts
St. George, UT
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Developed original choreography for diverse performances, enhancing artistic expression and audience engagement.
- Collaborated with directors and production teams to align choreography with overall vision and theme.
- Directed rehearsals, providing constructive feedback to actors, fostering skill development and performance quality.
Featured Aerialist
Dubai World Expo
Dubai, UAE
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Self devise acts to feature as a solo aerialist at on of the largest global stages in the world.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments in one of the worlds largest events
- Provided solo aerial acts to a world class standard across 5 different apparatus
Artistic Coordinator/Lead Clown/Aerialist Performer
Dragone Entertainment
Dubai, UAE
01.2018 - 10.2019
- Coordinated logistics for the large scale water production "La Perle", ensuring seamless execution of events.
- Managed schedules and communications between artistic, creative and stage management to streamline project workflows (show line ups, rehearsals, intakes etc)
- Developed and implemented new artists, choreography and artistic advancements as dictated by the artistic director.
- Analyzed feedback from audience statistics to enhance future performance strategies.
- Performed a minimum of 10 shows a week as either the Clown Prince or featured Aerialist to elite industry level standards
Dance Captain
Pacha Dubai
Dubai. UAE
11.2014 - 08.2015
- Implemented training sessions focusing on technique improvement and performance consistency.
- Kept team properly spaces and positioned during numbers.
- Coordinated with directors and other creative professionals to ensure a cohesive vision for each production.
Dance Captain
Royal Caribbean International
Various
06.2007 - 05.2013
- Choreographed and oversaw daily dance rehearsals to ensure high-quality performances.
- Evaluated show performances, providing constructive critiques to foster continuous improvement among cast members.
- Collaborated with production team to integrate choreography into show programming seamlessly.
- Developed innovative dance routines that elevated overall guest entertainment experience.
Education
Associate of Arts - Musical Theater
Brent Street School of Performing Arts
Sydney, NSW, Australia12-2005
Skills
- Dance – Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Theatre Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Ballroom, Bollywood
- Aerial – Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Pole, Aerial Loops, Dance Pole, Chandelier, All Harness work (single point, double point, halo harness), Duo Straps/Trapeze/Hoop, Mixed Apparatus, Wall Running
- Director/Choreographer/Manager – Musical theatre, circus, dance, arena productions, corporate events, aquatic shows, cabaret, burlesque
- Emcee/Host - Corporate Events, theatre, nightlife entertainment
- Singing – Alto Soprano (E below middle C belt to D#, Falsetto to high C)
- Accents – Australian, British RP, Standard American
- Other – Fire Eating, Body Burning, Fire Poi, Stilts, Angle Grinding
- Additional Qualifications – Qualified Personal Trainer, PADI Certified
Training
- National Centre for Circus Arts, UK
- Sing Over King, Australia
- Brent Street Studios, Australia
- Professionally Member
- Diploma in Singing and Acting
- Diploma of Musical Theatre
- Current board member of the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), Australia, Industry Relations Advisory Board
Timeline
Lead Actor
Universal Horror Unleashed
07.2025 - Current
Choreographer/Assoicate Director/Lead Artist
MOTH Live Entertainment
07.2024 - 11.2025
Producer/Director/Choreographer
The Gilded Cage
02.2024 - Current
Improvisational Actress
MSG Sphere
08.2023 - 05.2025
Aerial Choreographer
Tuacahn Center For the Arts
01.2023 - 05.2023
Featured Aerialist
Dubai World Expo
10.2021 - 03.2022
Artistic Coordinator/Lead Clown/Aerialist Performer
Dragone Entertainment
01.2018 - 10.2019
Dance Captain
Pacha Dubai
11.2014 - 08.2015
Dance Captain
Royal Caribbean International
06.2007 - 05.2013
Associate of Arts - Musical Theater
Brent Street School of Performing Arts