Melissa
“Women who have modeled what it is to be unapologetically themselves…who speak their truth, and inspire us all to do the same, who speak for those who have yet to find their voices and make space for all to be heard. I strive to do this everyday, sometimes I’m at least in the ballpark! ”
Melissa is a creator and innovator whose greatest joy comes from collaborating with others around a common goal. She is an encouraging spirit and “creative instigator” who helps to shift creativity into new places, acknowledging that one does not necessarily have to be artistic to be inventive and inspired. She carries this positive energy into any project, whether it is a painting or a play, making her a great leader and teammate in the imaginative space. Meet Melissa. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
M: My name is Melissa Ohlman-Roberge.
(I was born Lisa Bernardoni, but changed my name when I was in college. Although I only finished the process legally this past year!)
K: Describe yourself in your own words
M: I call myself a creative instigator! The moment of inception of a creative project, be that a production, painting, a poetry reading - any new idea - is what really lights me up. I thrive on the immediacy of creativity as it unfolds in real time in the room and love bringing people together around a creative goal. I enjoy leading or getting the ball rolling, but at some point I want to step back and watch the magic unfold…it’s the process that definitely fills all my buckets!!! This is both a positive and a challenge, as the starts are so much more powerful than the ends for me, which means I often have more loose ends than the average creative.
Most recently, I’ve been helping people redefine the notion of creativity on their own terms. Helping people let go of the notion that creativity requires a specific artistic skill, in favor of seeing the creativity in the moment to moment impulses, choices, and connections we make every single day.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
M: Oh gosh, that is so hard….I’m spontaneous, I’m not afraid of hard work, I’m perseverent. I love to laugh, I’m a great friend, I cry easily - but in the good ways. I’m pretty good at speaking off the cuff and pretty good at bringing together sometimes disparate groups as we rally around a project. Much of my work is in the theatre, and creating a sense of ensemble, a supportive and safe space is huge for me - so that bringing together skill comes in handy.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
M: I’ve made theatre for over 40 years, first as an actor, but mostly as a director. For many years, my husband and three daughters would join me and we have made loads of GREAT work together. For 15ish consecutive summers that’s what we did! Often they were cast in the shows, but they’d also help paint sets, make props, run lights etc. I hold these experiences very close to my heart. Eventually, as my girls got older, it was harder for us to come together creatively, but in 2015, through a community production of the musical Cats, not only were we all involved (including my oldest daughter who by then was living in NYC), but we were all onstage together - the one and only time! I hadn’t performed in awhile, and, to be honest, it was scary, but I did it and I’m so incredibly glad! It reminded me what drew me to the theatre in the first place - the immediacy, the spontaneity, the vulnerability, the thrill of numerous voices - five of them blood-related raised in song….I’m not sure it gets any better than that!
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
M: You’re never going to please everyone, nor should you try. You are uniquely you - beautifully, originally, imperfectly you. Don’t waste time worrying about what other’s think of you, it’s none of your business anyways. Also, be kind, no one gets up in the morning intending to suck.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
M: At 62, I feel as though my understanding of that keeps evolving. I’m still learning, so I’m not sure I can say.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
M: So many….from my maternal grandmother to Mrs. Link, my kindergarten teacher, to my sisters and daughters and my best friend, Maria. Women who have modeled what it is to be unapologetically themselves…who speak their truth, and inspire us all to do the same, who speak for those who have yet to find their voices and make space for all to be heard. I strive to do this everyday, sometimes I’m at least in the ballpark!