Melissa Hurst

Melissa Hurst grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She was awarded scholarships to attend her Junior and Senior years of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy, from which she graduated with honors. In college, Melissa majored in Acting at Southern Methodist University, then graduated as an Acting Major from the Theatre Department of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Ever since, Melissa has worked as a professional actress in theatre, TV, and film. In New York, Melissa has originated roles in numerous stage premieres, including One Neck at the Atlantic Theatre Company (with Allison Janney), A Walk On Lake Erie (Kennedy Center Award for New American Plays), Len Jenkin's Dark Ride at Soho Rep, and Harry Kondoleon's The Houseguests (Obie Award - Best Play). She was also an ongoing company member of Cause Celeb!, which performed at The Cutting Room and Joe's Pub/The Public Theatre. Her Regional stage credits include Hartford Stage, the McCarter, GeVa, Pittsburgh Public, St. Louis Rep, Kansas City Rep, Capital Rep, Chester Theatre Company, Woodstock Theatre Company, and over 20 productions with the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont. On television, Melissa's credits include Law and Order and the recurring role of Mrs. Chitwood on Guiding Light. Her film credits include Caris' Peace (as herself) and Goldstar,Ohio opposite Michael Emerson. Melissa is also a narrator of full-length audio books for Recorded Books in NYC.