Mel@drama Acting School & Agency - Preston

General information

Mel@drama was set up in 2005 by myself, Melanie Ash, a professional actress from Preston. I realised from my own experiences that, outside of Manchester and London, there was very little support for those wanting to be professional actors.
I am passionate about supporting and developing new talent in the North West and established the acting agency, alongside the acting school, to promote this talent to casting directors. Many of my students are appearing on TV, in film and the theatre and many more in other areas of the arts/education.
Actress Tisha Merry (Steph from Coronation Street) is a former student and is our patron.
In addition to the acting school and agency I also facilitate various community, education and corporate groups. I am currently the artist-in residence at Blackburn Central High School and previous clients include Alcohol & Drug Services, Macyntyre Assisted Living, LGBT Service users, Lancashire County Council, Preston Community Network and various groups assisting adults and children with physical and learning difficulties.I am Artistic Director at Jigsaw Theatre Arts, a disability lead theatre company in Preston.
I have written, produced and directed over 20 plays. Recent productions include ‘Snow White and The 7 service users’ for The Frog and Bucket (December 2013), a satirical adult pantomime attacking the spending cuts in social services. Before this ‘Carefully Lost’ at The Contact Manchester (June 2013) explored the effect of Child Sex Abuse and the victim’s journey through the British Justice System. I was also recently commissioned to write a piece for FAMILY MATTERS performed at Z arts and The Royal Exchange, Manchester.
When I am not teaching and writing I am acting. Most recent TV credits in 2014 include CASUALTY, HOLLYOAKS and CORONATION STREET and a stint at The Almeida Theatre in Alecky Blythe's play Little Revolution.