Melissa Chalsma is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Independent Shakespeare Co. (ISC). Under Melissaβs leadership, the company created the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into the largest theater event of its kind in Los Angeles. Every summer, 45,000 Angelenos come together for productions, theater workshops, lectures, and performances by local artists. All of ISC summer events are admission-free.
In her ten years as a college faculty member, she taught in the theater departments of California State University, Northridge; Moorpark College; and Pepperdine University. Melissa directs and acts in many ISC productions. She has performed in theaters across the country and on Broadway.