Melissa Trn is currently serving as the Interim Producing Director for Telluride Theatre. She’s been working with TT as a costume designer for over 10 years, and finally moved to Telluride full time last June after 9 years in LA. She spent the past 20+ years devoting herself to making theatre, travel, art and her daughter, Sylvia.

We asked Melissa a few questions…

What is your chosen artistic medium?

I've been designing costumes for and making theater for the last 25 years, but any medium that helps a story be told is of interest to me.

Who are your muses?

My daughter, my teachers, and all the creative and brilliant women present in my own life who are trying to make their mark....and also Johnny Cash...

What are your prep or practice rituals to get you into the artistic headspace?

I have a deep meditation and spiritual practice that keeps me plugged in to both myself and the universe. Without the discipline there, accessing my creativity is much harder.

What is your favorite awkward growth moment or barrier breaking time?

I love the moment when I can look at all of the reasons I can't and see them as nothing more than expressions of fear. It's liberating to be able to acknowledge when fear is an obstacle. Once you can name it, you can move through it.

During COVID times, what inspires you and keeps you engaged and moving forward?

We have all gotten an intense taste of the toll that divisiveness, and isolation can take. In the face of that, I believe it is more important than ever to be with each other, to connect, to tell our stories and to be part of one another's stories as well.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.” - Václav Havel

Tell us about what’s next:

2022 is a year of healing and change for the world at large. I'm looking forward to facilitating more of both through art. I'm excited to bring comedy and tragedy via the stage with all of the talented collaborators of Telluride Theatre. We can't wait to share this season with you.

See what’s next with Melissa and the Telluride Theater - stay tuned with all the Magic and Possibility at telluridetheatre.org.