Melissa Bruce

Melissa Bruce was born in Victoria, Australia. She graduated with a B.Ed. in Media Studies & Drama (Victoria College) before working as a professional Stage Manager, (Victoria State Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company U.K. & Lyric Hammersmith  London). She completed a Diploma in Directing (NIDA) and worked as an Assistant Director with various theatre companies, (inc. MTC, Playworks, Playbox), before directing professional theatre productions for companies including Sydney Theatre Co., State Theatre Co. South Australia, Griffin Theatre Co.

Melissa established MB Performance Consulting in 1997. MBPC provides courses and coaching in written and verbal communications – helping people to find truth and strength in their individual expression. Melissa has coached a wide variety of clients in various fields and organizations to improve their writing, presentation skills, and confidence.

Melissa completed an MA in Writing (UTS) and has published short stories, poetry, essays in various anthologies and journals and has produced radio & stage plays. Her debut novel, ‘Picnic at Mount Disappointment‘, (published 2017), was initially awarded a mentorship with the Australian Society of Authors and won the inaugural Woollahra Digital Literary Award for Fiction 2017 and was highly commended for the Society of Women Writers, NSW 2018 Fiction Awards.

Melissa has hosted public author interviews (e.g. ‘Sunset Sessions’ Woollahra Libraries).

Melissa is also an experienced teacher. She has delivered creative writing courses for tertiary students and adults (inc. UTS, UNDA, Sydney Uni. CCE, NSWWC), delivered public speaking and debating courses in schools (inc. Kambala, Redlands, Masada) and provided coaching in writing and presentation skills to a wide variety of private students and clients.

Melissa is based in Sydney where she continues to work with the written and spoken word – creating original literature and supporting others to create and express themselves with confidence, clarity, authenticity, and originality.

For full Curriculum Vitae click here.