Each year, our department hosts guest artists of national and international renown to present lectures, teach master classes, and work with our students. Past guest artists have included Audra McDonald, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Eve Ensler, and Stephen Sondheim.
Guest Artists
2026 Spring Guest Artist
Melissa Rain Andersons is a New York City based Director, Actor and Acting Coach. Melissa directs in New York City and regionally, specializing in Contemporary Plays, Shakespeare and Musicals. Regional credits include The Denver Center, Utah Shakespeare Festival, TUTS Houston, Rep. Theater St. Louis, Cleveland Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare, Westport Country Playhouse, Geva Theater, Syracuse Stage and Pioneer Theatre Co. Her acting credits include Network TV, National Tours, City Center Encores!, Off-Broadway, Regional, and Voice Over work, as well as several cast recordings. She teaches master classes regularly with emphasis on Audition Technique, Monologues and Acting Through Song. Melissa coaches acting privately in Midtown Manhattan. She is a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Actors Equity Association and The Screen Actors Guild. please visit melissarainanderson.com
Featured moments
Harriet Leve speaks with a student; Audra McDonald works one-on-one with a student; Meryl Streep addresses a class
The College of Arts