melody.ekstrom@gmail.

com

Melody Ekstrom
Work Experience
Freelance Dramaturg Multiple Locations, May 2013-Current
Theatres include: Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Silk Road Rising, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
• Compose creative research that influences production choices and reflects tone of show
• Design lobby displays explaining context and engaging audiences with world of play
• Write notes for production Playbills that match show’s tone, entertain, and inform
• Facilitate dialogue around new and established work with collaborators and patrons
Head Cashier Barnes and Noble, March 2016-Feb 2018
Bookseller May 2015- March 2016
• Developed content and grew audiences for store specific social media pages
• Handled responsibilities of cash office, including daily deposits and corporate paperwork
• Built brand loyalty through excellent customer service and offering of saving programs
• Trained, managed, and coached booksellers
• Awarded Above and Beyond district recognition
• Booked 3 of 4 author appearances for B-Fest, YA book festival, and executed event
Literary Agent Intern Available Upon Request
• Advocated for stand-out queries and read manuscripts of young adult and middle grade titles
• Provided comprehensive overview of manuscripts’ content and impact with reader reports
Artistic Apprentice Cleveland Play House, Sept 2013- May 2014
• Researched, developed, edited, and led 30-minute conversations for public audiences
• Researched, edited, and wrote for digitally published InsideGuide
• Evaluated script submissions; maintained script library and database
• Coordinated and facilitated Playwrights’ Unit of six local playwrights
• Recorded, distributed, and organized minutes for artistic meetings
• Contributed to planning for 99th season
Literary Management/Dramaturgy Intern Goodman Theatre, May- Aug 2013
• Read, evaluated, and responded to script submissions
• Composed articles for the education department’s Pullman Porter Blues study guide
• Coordinated and provided administrative support for Playwright’s Unit of five area playwrights
Library Assistant Kentland Public Library, May 2006- August 2012
• Provided circulation services; shelved books; researched titles
• Established social media presence; wrote articles for local newspaper
• Assisted with children’s programming

Education
Ball State University: 2013
• BA with Honors in Theatrical Studies, minor Telecommunications
• Graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.96/4.0) from Honors College; Academic Honors in Writing
• 2013 Student Dramaturgy Award: Spring Awakening, Kennedy Center American Collegiate
Theatre Festival (KCACTF) & Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA)

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Skills
Computer Software
• Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Final Draft, iMovie, Final Cut Pro,
Windows Movie Maker, Social Media Platforms