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Melis Aker

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Melis Aker BIO

Melis Aker is a writer, actor, and musician from Turkey. Her plays have been commissioned by and developed at Atlantic Theatre, Ars Nova (Play Group member), NYTW (2050 fellow), New Group, Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF Fellow), Roundabout Space Jam, LaMaMa, The Lark, The Flea, Noor, Golden Thread Productions, 24 Hour Plays, Corkscrew Festival and BRIC in the U.S., as well as the Finborough and Park theatres in London.



Melis’ plays include: Field, Awakening (2019 Kilroy’s List, Columbia@Roundabout finalist, Sundance final-round, Berkeley Rep Ground Floor final-round, Playwrights Realm finalist); Dragonflies (2019 Sundance final-round); Scraps and Things (Playing on Air, starring Carol Kane); Azul (O’Neill NMTC); When My Mama was a Hittite (Columbia@Roundabout finalist); Fractio Panis (Homebound Project/No Kid Hungry, starring Brian Cox); Manar (Columbia@Roundabout finalist, Theatre503 Playwriting Award semifinalist); 330 Pegasus: A Love Letter (Jerome NY Fellowship final-round); OPET Diaries; and Gilded Isle. Her screenplay “ARI” (“Bee”) was at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival as part of Maison des Scenaristes, and her pilot of “MANAR” was accepted to Orchard Project’s Episodic Lab, Trans Atlantic Partners, and IFP week. She has also worked on the development of a screenplay with Revelations Entertainment, headed by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman.

Selected acting credits include: “The Blacklist: Redemption” (NBC), “Seneca” (HBOMax), Love in Afghanistan (Arena Stage & Roundabout), We Live in Cairo (NAMT, New World Stages), Proof (Edinburgh Fringe). Her song “The Unknowing” was in the final reel of the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk contest. Melis has worked as Ayad Akhtar’s assistant, and given a StoryCorps and TEDx talk. She is a proud member of The Lark’s Middle East America writers room.

Upcoming: Melis is developing a musical play with Benjamin Scheuer and Jemma Williams based on their illustrated book Hundred Feet Tall, and working on a new play commission from Ars Nova. Her play Field, Awakening will receive its world premiere at the Finborough Theatre directed by Rory McGregor (covid-19 pending). Training: Columbia (MFA), Tufts (BA), RADA (Acting). Representation: CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. www.melisaker.com

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Williamstown Theatre Festival to Present FRIDAYS@3 Reading Series & More


Williamstown Theatre Festival has revealed the projects for its 2024 Fridays@3 reading series, and more! See more details.

World Premiere Plays & More Set for Signature Theatre 2024-25 Season


Signature Theatre has unveiled its 2024/2025 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

KILL THE WHALE Adds Additional Performance at Joe's Pub


Due to popuar demand, an additional night has been added for KILL THE WHALE at Joe's Pub, which will now play on Sunday, April 14 at 6:00 PM and Monday, April 15 at 7:00 PM. 

Photos: Go Inside the Jonathan Larson Grants Concert Celebration


The American Theatre Wing celebrated the recipients of the 2023 Jonathan Larson Grant, the esteemed annual prize awarded to exceptional emerging musical theatre composers, lyricists, and librettists, or writing teams. A special concert, showcasing the past four years of Jonathan Larson Grant winning artists, was held at Florence Gould Halland BroadwayWorld was there for the special night. Check out photos below!

Paige Evans to Step Down as Signature Theatre Artistic Director


Signature Theatre Artistic Director Paige Evans will step down in June, having led the company since 2016. Learn more about the transition.

Amber Gray, Grace McLean, and More Will Perform in Daniel Emond's KILL THE WHALE at Joe's Pub


KILL THE WHALE, a new rock, hiphop, and folk opera by 2023 Larson Grant Recipient Daniel Emond, will premiere at Joe’s Pub on Sunday, April 14 at 6:00 PM. Learn more about the performance and find out who will star here!

Larry Owens, Veronica Mansour & More to Receive 2023 Jonathan Larson Grants


The American Theatre Wing has revealed the recipients of the 2023 Jonathan Larson Grant. Learn more about the grant and the winners here.

Theatre503 Reveals New 503Five Resident Writers


Asa Haynes, Joe Kerridge, Melis Aker, Rachel-Mae Brady and Shona Bukola Babayemi are announced as the 503Five, Theatre503's pioneering programme for early career playwrights. Established in 2009, the 503Five is a scheme for UK-based writers who have developed their craft to a high standard but are not yet professionally produced.

Signature Theatre Opens Submissions for The Judith Champion Musical Theater LaunchPad Residency


Signature Theatre has opened submissions for the Judith Champion Musical Theater LaunchPad Residency. Lear more about the Residency!

Mandy Gonzalez, Katerina McCrimmon, David Merino, Martin Sola & More Set For Industry Reading Of New Musical AZUL


Supported by The Miranda Family, Latiné Musical Theatre Lab will be hosting an internal industry table reading of the musical AZUL, in August 1st, as part of the Lab's Table Reading Series.

World Premiere Of Benjamin Scheuer's A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE Set For Edinburgh Fringe 2023


Creative Partners Productions and Aria Entertainment will present the World Premiere of A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE by internationally renowned musician Benjamin Scheuer at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

New York Theatre Workshop Reveals 2050 Fellows, New Company-in-Residence and Artistic Department Expansion


New York Theatre Workshop has announced the artists selected for the 2023/24 Season 2050 Artistic Fellowship.

Interview: Tatiana Pandiani of TORERA at Alley Theatre


Last year, during the Alley All New Festival, upon the announcement of Law & Order's Monet Hurst-Mendoza having a workshop was news that caused for myself much excitement. The workshop was not a disappointment but made me anxious to witness a full scale production. When it was announced in the 22-23 Alley Theatre season, my excitement grew not only due to the capability of a full scale production, but also the fact that Director and Choreographer, Tatiana Pandiani, would be at the helm.

Ana Villafañe, Joel Perez & More to Star In AZUL: A Bilingual Musical At Joe's Pub


JOE'S PUB at The Public Theater will present Katerina McCrimmon (The Rose Tattoo), Robi Hager (Spring Awakening), Ana Villafañe (On Your Feet!), Joel Perez (Fun Home), Martin Sola (The King and I, On Your Feet!), Henry Gainza (On Your Feet!), Florencia Cuenca, & More in AZUL: A Bilingual Musical!

World Premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' THE COMEUPPANCE to be Presented at Signature Theatre


Signature Theatre will present the world premiere of MacArthur Fellow Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s The Comeuppance, directed by Eric Ting.

Storm Large, Ute Lemper, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week


Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Donna McKechnie, Taylor Iman Jones & More to Perform at 54 Below in March


Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Mandy Gonzalez, Robin De Jesús, and More Set For AZUL EP Release Concert at 54 Below


54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Mandy Gonzalez (In The Heights, Wicked, Hamilton), Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles, The Boys in the Band) Katerina McCrimmon (The Rose Tattoo), Robi Hager (Spring Awakening), and more in the AZUL EP Release Concert.

Mandy Gonzalez, Robin De Jesús, Katerina McCrimmon, Robi Hager & More To Star In AZUL EP Release Concert At 54 Below


54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Mandy Gonzalez (In The Heights, Wicked, Hamilton), Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles, The Boys in the Band) Katerina McCrimmon (The Rose Tattoo), Robi Hager (Spring Awakening) & More in the AZUL EP Release Concert.

Joriah Kwamé, Beth Malone & More to Join 11th Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals 


Now celebrating its 11th anniversary, Goodspeed Musicals has announced the participants for the annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals which will be held January 31 - February 27 on the Goodspeed campus in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Melis Aker FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Melis Aker written?

Melis Aker has written 1 shows including Hound Dog (Playwright).

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