Michael Melcher
Michael Melcher serves as the CEO and Artistic Director for the Ritz Entertainment Group as well as the Artistic Director & Producer for the Creative and Performing Arts Academy and the Ritz Mainstage Players in Scranton. He has enjoyed a long career as an actor, director and vocalist. A distinguished graduate of the US. Air Force Flight School, he earned an Achievement Medal for his work with the Fort Bragg Children’s Theater. During his time in North Carolina, he participated in the workshop for Blessed Are the Peacemakers and directed the premier of Amanda and the Northern Lights. During this time, he was the featured male vocalist for the Miss North Carolina and Miss Mississippi State Pageants. As part of the American Musical Theatre Festival, he performed in the original workshop for Floyd Collins.
Some of his favorite roles include Billy in Carousel, George in Sunday in the Park with George, Padre in Man of La Mancha, Jimmy in The Rainmaker, Magic Mirror in Snow White and Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver. Classical credits include performances with the Berks County Opera and the Pennsylvania Opera Theatre in Rigoletto, Cosi fan tutte, Iolanthe and Magic Flute. Michael has directed over a hundred shows for elementary, middle, high school and college programs as well as for community and professional theater companies across the U.S.
Michael was integral to the development and premier of six original musicals including the development of principal characters in Lee Yopp’s Blessed are the Peacemakers, the role of Homer Collins in Guettel and Landau’s Floyd Collins in its debut at the American Musical Theater Festival. He is currently working on an exciting new play, “The Last Séance for Harry Houdini,” which will be the seventh original production Michael will help bring to both North American and international stages.
Michael served as the Executive Producer for the workshop and premier of Harry Connick Jr’s new children’s musical, The Happy Elf in Bethlehem, PA. He performed the role of the Mayor of Bluesville in both the production and in the original cast recording of The Happy Elf. He has served as the Theater Department Head for the Pennsylvania Art and Music Day Camp in Elkins Park, PA and as the Executive Director for both the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and Scranton Cultural Center. He is a professional auctioneer and fundraising consultant who has worked with many outstanding organizations, including The 1964 Cleveland Browns, Alex’s Lemonade, American Lung Association, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society.
Michael is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Communications and Theatre. He is currently working on a Masters in Education and Arts Administration. Having been recognized by Harry Connick, Jr. as a “mentor for young artists,” Michael has currently dedicated all his time and talents to the restoration of the Historic Ritz Theater and to ensuring accessibility to the arts for the children and adults of NEPA.
Participation in an acting class is not just about memorizing lines or reciting a monologue. This is where children are encouraged to think creatively. This is where they develop self-confidence as they step out of their comfort zone in an environment where they are allowed (and encouraged!) to make mistakes and learn from them. Through experiences in acting class, children learn to break down…
Singing produces benefits and results that might surprise you. The urge to sing- and to hear others sing- is in our genes. Singing, like laughter, play, sunshine and exercise- helps maintain our well-being and happiness. Singing is therefore fundamentally enriching. Through group music making, especially singing, children take an inner experience and move it into a shared creative experience.
While dance is a good source of fun exercise for young children, it is also an important creative outlet for imagination and emotion. Through dance, children learn to interpret the effect their movement has on the world around them. Coordination improves through dance, which is vital in developing skills learned in other parts of life. It also develops strength and endurance from an early age.
Testimonials
My son has been at CaPAA for a few years now and all I can say is WOW! From the first time he stepped into the doors he was welcomed with open arms and felt so involved in all aspects of everything they do. He first started with their plays (which is his absolute favorite) he loves the energy and immediate response from the audience! Then he got involved in acting techniques and some dancing and singing. Because of his start at CaPAA, he has done films, commercials, TV shows, PSA’s and modeling! We owe a lot to Sheri and Mike and our CaPAA family
My daughter, Jolie started with CaPAA when she was just 6 years old as a little orphan in Annie Jr. She is just days away from 10. It’s amazing how much she has grown in these last few years with the acting and singing instruction she has received at CaPAA. These years of having the most fun, building great friendships and developing lifelong skills while at CaPAA will surely go down as some of the best years of our lives!
When I started my daughter at CaPAA, I thought it would be where she would learn to sing, act, and dance within the theater world. Little did I know, it would become a place where friendships are forged and my family has increased by several hundred. CaPAA is beyond amazing, with an incredibly talented, supportive, and loving staff. We couldn’t be happier.
Our son’s music teacher suggested we try a CaPAA summer camp, and we were blown away. Our 9 year old son immediately fell in love with CaPAA and couldn’t wait to sign up for the next show. The staff and environment at the theater is beyond professional. Our teenage daughter saw how happy her brother was, so she decided to give CaPAA a try. She has now also found her home on stage at CaPAA . =We couldn’t ask for a better place to send our children to learn and have fun!
My daughter has been involved with CaPAA for 5 years. She cannot wait to go to rehearsals as she feels completely comfortable with her castmates and with all of the staff that run the programs. She has found a place that not only teaches her the skills of theater and dance but also how to work with a team. She has said she loves CaPAA and that it is like her home.
As a parent, I am blown away by the professional way the programs are run. From the audition process to the rehearsals, to the way the children are taught and treated is incredible. The staff treat the children as young professionals and with respect and teach them to be respectful of others and themselves. The shows are amazing and so well put together in such a short period of time. I would highly recommend CaPAA for any child interested in theater and /or dance. What a wonderful atmosphere of a kind, caring professionals. I’m so happy to be a part of the CaPAA family.
If someone told me 15 years ago that my first-born was not going to play sports, I would’ve laughed and certainly doubted them. My son tried so many different things, but it wasn’t until he walked through the doors at the Ritz, for a Summer Camp at CaPAA in August of 2018, that he found his niche. The staff at CaPAA saw something in him, and truly believed in him, and he hasn’t looked back since! He has been in several shows and has found a home up on that stage! CaPAA has been so welcoming to him. The staff has pushed him to be the best that he can be. His confidence has soared and we have never seen him happier. The arts are a whole new world to us, but I have to say that they have opened not only our ears and our eyes, but also our hearts! I know this is mostly about our son, but our daughter also goes to CaPAA and loves to shine on that stage too!!! We are forever grateful to CaPAA for all that they have done for not only our kids, but all of the CaPPA kids!!!