Melissa Friedman

Melissa Friedman is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Epic Theatre Ensemble, where she has spent over 20 years advancing theatre as a vehicle for youth development and civic engagement. An accomplished actor, director, playwright, and teaching artist, she previously worked with BAM, Roundabout, and Theatre for a New Audience. Melissa created Epic’s nationally recognized Shakespeare Remix program, recipient of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award presented by First Lady Michelle Obama. She also leads Epic Next, a theatre training and mentorship initiative for NYC public high school students. She holds a BA from Oberlin College and an MFA from the University of San Diego.