Melissa Burke-Manwaring possesses a unique talent for performing a variety of musical
styles, ranging from opera and legit, golden age musical theater, to contemporary and pop belt musical theater. Melissa believes in the power of storytelling, and hopes that each story she helps tell is conveyed authentically, honorably and passionately to the audience. Her more notable roles include both Velma Kelly & Roxie Hart in Chicago, and as Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Melissa’s ability to perform legit musical theater repertoire was affirmed when she placed first in the Colorado and Wyoming Chapter
of the National Associations of Teachers of Singing (NATS) with the title song from The
Light in the Piazza.
In addition to being an artist, Melissa cherishes her roles as a loyal friend, twin and
daughter. Originally from Bellingham, Washington, she grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoyed hiking, swimming and sailing with her friends and family. Melissa will be graduating this May, with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater, a Minor in Business, and an eagerness to start her professional career in New York City.
Melissa fell in love with New York this past summer during her six week musical theater
intensive at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. For Melissa, New York is a place where opportunities such as getting to perform in dream roles like that of Clara in the New York City Center 2023 production of The Light in the Piazza, become a possibility.