On this episode of Tricity Arts Exchange, I sit down with multi-disciplinary theatre artist Melanie Frasca—an actress, playwright, intimacy choreographer, and educator deeply rooted in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. From her early days as a student at Saginaw Valley State University to her current role as an adjunct professor and working artist, Melanie shares her journey of evolving from student to teacher while carving out a meaningful, multifaceted career in theatre.

We dive into her work as an intimacy choreographer with local staples like Bay City Players and Pit & Balcony Theatre, unpacking the importance of consent, communication, and safety in performance spaces. Melanie offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional and professional realities of this often misunderstood role—the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable truths that don’t always get talked about.

The conversation also explores her creative process as an actress and playwright, including the vulnerability of performing her own one-woman show at a Fringe Festival. We talk about artistic identity, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to sustain a career in theatre outside of major markets. As an educator, Melanie reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching the next generation of performers, and how her students continue to shape her perspective.

This episode is a candid, thought-provoking look at what it means to be a working theatre artist in the Tri-Cities—balancing passion, purpose, and perseverance in a constantly evolving creative landscape.