“I deeply believe in the power of drama and the performing arts to improve the lives of individuals and community groups, to raise awareness and prompt honest discussion of social issues, as a creative training tool and of course as a source of enjoyment and entertainment. I love performing, but my passion lies in making the world a better and safer place for our children” Mel Ash
Community, Education & Corporate Engagement
Using drama to connect, empower, and create change.
As well as acting, writing, and running Meladrama Acting School, Melanie Ash regularly facilitates drama-based workshops and training across a wide range of community, educational, and corporate settings.
Mel has extensive experience working with:
- Vulnerable adults and children
- Minority and marginalised groups
- Pupil referral units (PRUs), SEND settings, and mainstream education
- Rehabilitation services and social justice initiatives
Her work is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a voice—and the skills to use it.
🏫 Educational & School-Based Projects
- Artist in Residence (2012–2016) – Blackburn Central High School & Crosshill
- Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS) – Currently developing Year 7 & 8 drama curriculum
- Lostock Hall Academy – Delivered the devising module for GCSE Drama
- Mainstream and Special Schools – Regular workshops to support children with behavioural needs and improve access to learning through drama
🧠Community & Wellbeing Partners
- Caritas Care – Weekly drama classes leading to a live performance and short film
- MacIntyre Assisted Living – Inclusive drama culminating in a community showcase
- Mind (Mental Health Charity) – Directed service users in a piece on mental health best practices in the workplace
- Integrate Adult Learning Centre – Weekly sessions leading to final performance
- Community Gateway Association – Delivered summer schools, weekly classes, and creative enrichment
- Preston Community Network – Produced and facilitated their Annual General Meeting
⚖️ Social Justice & Rehabilitation
- Interventions Alliance (Warrington) – Drama to support ex-offenders in communication, anger management, and life skills
- Lancashire Constabulary (2018–2019) – Commissioned Theatre in Education project focused on CSE/CSA awareness
- Oldham REEL CIC – Creative writing and drama delivery across community projects
- Lancashire Drug & Alcohol Team – Reading the Word – a drama-led project addressing addiction, literacy and storytelling
🧑‍💼 Corporate & Workplace Training
- NSG – Created and delivered in-house safety training using applied drama techniques
At Meladrama, we are passionate about the power of drama to enhance learning, improve engagement, and support emotional development across all communities.
Whether it’s a school enrichment project, a health and wellbeing initiative, or corporate training—we use storytelling to bring people together and spark transformation.
As well as acting and teaching, Melanie Ash is an accomplished writer. Over the past two years, Meladrama has secured Arts Council England funding to write, produce, and deliver a range of original creative projects, including:
Around the World in 80 Notes
A vibrant children’s musical exploring gender identity and mental health
Around the World in 80 Notes is a joyful, imaginative children’s musical co-written by Melanie Ash and Jude Jagger. Blending original songs, humour, and heart, the show follows a child’s journey across the globe—meeting characters who help them understand themselves and the world around them.
Designed for young audiences, the piece gently explores themes of gender identity, emotional wellbeing, and self-acceptance, making big ideas accessible for primary-aged children through music and storytelling.
The show toured primary schools and family festivals across the North West in 2016 and 2017, inspiring conversation, connection, and plenty of singing along.
Northern, Disabled and Broke
A powerful play about austerity, access, and survival—created with and for disabled actors
Northern, Disabled and Broke is a bold and unflinching play set in Manchester, written with, for, and about actors with disabilities. It shines a light on the devastating impact of social care cuts, told through the lens of lived experience, resilience, and northern humour.
This project was more than a play—it was a platform. Several of the actors involved have since gone on to secure professional representation and are now working extensively in the industry across stage and screen.
Created and developed by Melanie Ash, the piece champions underrepresented voices and challenges assumptions about who gets to take up space in theatre—and how.
The Secret
A powerful one-woman show written and performed by Melanie Ash
The Secret is a raw, honest and emotionally gripping solo performance that explores truth, trauma, and survival—delivered with fierce heart and dark humour. Written and performed by Melanie Ash, this one-woman show has moved and provoked audiences across the North West.
Winner of the Ground-Breaking Award at the Manchester Fringe Festival (2017) and later showcased at The Royal Exchange Theatre (2018), The Secret is now fully developed and available for touring bookings.
Whether you’re a theatre, festival, arts centre or community venue, this show will leave audiences talking long after the lights go down.
Click here for our 2023 Brochure for more information and booking details.
Please see the Gallery for more examples of our work.