merrilee afton mccoy
producer, improviser, and festival-lover
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- Spider Dance
- mypa.merrilee.me
- Rama Nicholas
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- Entertainment | Melbourne Area, Australia, AUSummary
A highly-capable, proactive arts professional with a passion for delivering great arts experiences. A problem solver extraordinaire who negotiates collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Active networker who builds positive, lasting relationships and gets the job done.
Qualities:
Thrives with tasks and deadlines
Contributes positively
Interested in people and building relationships
Bright and capable
Techno-savvy
Natural leaderMyers-Briggs Type - ENFP
http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFP_car.htmlSpecialties: Editing, writing and presenting materials, online communications (Including Google Apps), project planning, working collaboratively, social media.Experience- Jan 2013 - PresentAdministrator / Melbourne Writers Festival
- Dec 2012 - PresentPersonal Assistant for Creative Professionals / myPA.merrilee.me
- Jul 2012 - PresentProducer / Short+Sweet
- Apr 2012 - PresentCompany Member / Impro Melbourne
- Oct 2011 - Mar 2012Artist Liaison Assistant / New Zealand International Arts Festival
- Feb 2008 - Feb 2012Improviser / Wellington Improvisation Troupe Inc
- Mar 2008 - Oct 2011Producer / New Zealand Improv Festival
- Mar 2008 - Sept 2011Personal Assistant / Department of Labour NZ
- Apr 2009 - Aug 2011Company Director and Producer / Breaking the 5th Wall Productions
- Jul 2009 - Jul 2009Actor / Capital E Children's Theatre
- Jul 2008 - Jul 2009Secretary / Wellington Improvisation Troupe Inc
- Jul 1998 - Dec 2007Improviser / freelance
- Jan 2007 - Aug 2007Artistic Director / BrizImprovFest
Education-
2001 - 2004Queensland University of TechnologyBachelor of Creative Industries in Drama
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Tweets
- RT @MoVidaBakery: @tchelseat congratulations your suggestion of #dossant was the favourite ! 6 on us :)
- RT @SpiderDancers: We do hope you're planning on seeing us this Friday or Saturday.. http://t.co/CAcOhuxbAV #theatre #melbourne
- ... or worse, saying 'El-oh-el'
- What makes you *actually* laugh out loud? (As opposed to writing lol)
- RT @annarenz: I’m ready for our show on Friday @SpiderDancers Are you? Small, intimate and extremely live. http://t.co/ddYuucx0ta
- RT @NinjaSpeak: Any performers in Edinburgh want to go in on a flat together for the Fest?
- RT @bluthquotes: I spent so much time making sweet love on my wife that it's hard to hear anything over the clatter of her breasts. #tobias…
- Ladies. Musky. Hippos Dancing. All words used to describe my nxt show. Tickets are quickly getting snapped up! http://t.co/tl8YiqC1Wl
- Thanks to all. Formatting as "general" made everything display properly! #excelhelp @jurgen @annarenz @JenThinksHarder @MaryFrances110
- need some #excelhelp: Seeing ### instead of text. Have tried resizing font/ column/ row and wrapping text. Still not showing. Any ideas?
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Posts
- May 19, 13
We're very pleased to be teaming up with new trio The Handsome Gentlemen's Club to present a night of threes on May 24 and 25 at Feat In Space, Thornbury.SPIDERDANCE:Beautiful woman doing ugly things. Take a saunter on the subversive side with Spider Dance's delightfully grotesque play.MAXIMUM HEMINGWAY"He came to the river. The river was there." Super-charged vignettes inspired by the prose of the great man.A THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHTWhat if everything had a soul? A voice? Everything. The postie, the mail, the ink... the cloud, thekite, the sea-gull awaiting your chip.Take a dive into a world where a single gesture can build a cosmos and hippos dance on the head of a pin.Book now to ensure your seat! - May 07, 13
We're working on a little something with The Handsome Gentlemen's Club...
So, book in your diaries the 24th and 25th of May at Little Feat Theatre, Thornbury.
More to come soon.. - Apr 22, 13
It's been two months since we ladies returned from Wellington.
It was an absolutely wonderful adventure to take ourselves to the New Zealand Fringe Festival and the marvellous Gryphon Theatre.
Sure, there was the joy of improvising on the international stage and eating pixie caramel bars, but nothing compared to the thrill of the Cable Car! Merrilee was kind enough to recommend one of favourite tourist destinations (apart from Te Papa and the Beehive).
Amy and I took a turn about the tunnels together. Unfortunately, we were far too excited to film the trip ourselves - but luckily some other tourist did. Please enjoy the riveting footage:
Actually, hard to believe as it is - Amy and I were more excited by the documentary "Private Cable Cars (PCCs) of Wellington" which we watched in the museum up the top of the hill.
This insight into the laziness of Wellingtonians who build on steep hills but then can't be bothered climbing the stairs to their own houses so install PCCs was INCREDIBLE.
After a beautiful brunch at the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club we were driven along Oriental Parade and saw these PCCs for ourselves. I don't think Amy would have been as excited even if a Kiwi came and roosted in her hair.
Oh and the other thing to remember about New Zealand - was this amazing review of our opening night!!! See what I did there?
http://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/production.php?id=2989 - Feb 11, 13
Thanks to the lovely Tom Cardy who interviewed Spider Dancer, Merrilee yesterday for this article!
The article can also be read online here. - Jan 01, 13We're running a campaign on Pozible to help fund our trip to NZ.
We'd love it if you could spare some cash and give it to us. We promise to treat it nicely and only spend it on well-meaning items like posters, accommodation, and puppies.
The campaign only runs til the end of January and we have to make the $900 goal or we don't get any of it. So every dollar helps.
You can head here to check out the page.
Thank you! - Nov 06, 12
- Oct 14, 12
We heard there was a distinct lack of Spider Dancey presence in Wellington, NZ.
Being as generous and thoughtful as we are, we thought it was only right that we charm the pants off Wellingtonians as soon as possible!
Hence, we have submitted ourselves to the NZ Fringe and can happily report that we shall be gracing the Gryphon Theatre during Week Two. More specific info to come, of course, dear reader.
Stay tuned! - Aug 14, 12Intrepid Spider Dancer Anna is performing in Austin's Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in just a few short weeks!
The show will feature US improv queens Jill Bernard and Kaci Beeler!
Check out the details here
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Wall
- Fellow improviser Ryan Millar wrote a blog I enjoyed reading. It's about embracing mistakes (in life and impro). http://bit.ly/18Yd3Xf
- How many times do you get stuck in the bermuda triangle of productivity (between gmail, facebook and twitter)? Sarah Wilson has some great tips - so simple but save so much time! http://bit.ly/14r8Jwd
- c/o Brain Pickings a peek into creative life http://bit.ly/13nAjYO Do you agree with Anais Nin?
- Trouble with goal setting at work? Try a changing your mindset! http://bit.ly/106dJql
- Do you know what papers you *should* be keeping? Lifehacker has some helpful suggestions. http://bit.ly/10uSgTs
- Hump day inspiration: Life is to be lived magnificently and gloriously..And just one day at a time.
- Vintage post! Touring. Or, How To Make Kittens Smile http://bit.ly/12qm9Zd Based on my experience as an Artist Liaison - here's some tips on how you can be more organised and helpful (to your presenting partner) as a touring company.
- I can't believe I only found this research today - what a great study of online arts engagement, Australia Council for the Arts! http://connectarts.australiacouncil.gov.au/the-research/executive-summary/introduction/
- Ticketing fees don't have to crush you! http://bit.ly/10DyaGk
- Why aren't you using Freshbooks yet? It's the best - and it's FREE.. http://merrileem.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/painless-billing-just-got-better-get.html
- Tonight is Tightarse Tuesday - don't miss out on this excellent comedic experience!
- Great opportunity!
- Excited to see that Eventfinder Australia is now a thing - used them for ticketing in NZ, and they are great. Cheap fees, great user experience on both ends, good support. http://www.eventfinder.com.au/about/ticket-your-event-on-eventfinder
- Another insightful blog from Clay of Sold Out Run
- Currently working with Rama Nicholas on her brilliant new show Death Rides a Horse. It's a spaghetti western musical. Oh, and she plays fourteen characters. YES! https://www.facebook.com/events/523584264344159/
- Pop Up Playground do indeed make awesome situations..
- Exciting news today - National Cultural Policy Earlier today on ABC, Simon Crean spoke of the arts being a growth industry, drawing strong parallel's between creativity and productivity. Will definitely be tuning in! Live coverage on ABC24 from 12.30pm.
- Love this article on social media!
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Wall
- Hi Folks, I am very flattered to be invited to be a contestant on 'Late night letters and numbers' TONIGHT!! As for my roll on the show tonight, there are 3 things I can assure you of: 1. I know very little about letters, spelling, the construction of words and sentences, in fact I have a butler monkey typing this for me right now. 2. I know less about numbers, the adding, subtracting and multiplying etc of.. 3. I am highly competitive - which ever way this show rolls, I'm taking Scott Brennan down. If you happen to be having a lazy Wednesday night, I would love to see you there. xx http://www.facebook.com/events/200482726742860/?fref=ts
- The Gypsies are here...
- Ever wanted to meet hot blooded Gypsies? Ever wondered what mysterious stories they have to tell? Ever wondered what its like to be seduced, enthralled and titillated by these enigmatic free-spirits. Come join the Gypsy family and find out what all the fuss is about... The Owl and the Pussycat theatre - 34 Swan St, Richmond. Thursday 16th, Friday 17th, and Saturday 18th May - only 3 shows left!! http://www.facebook.com/SecretImproTheatre?hc_location=timeline
- Come and see us PLAY!!! Bowling Night is Secret Impro Theatres newest monthly show and its on this Friday night at The Owl and the Pussycat theatre in Richmond, Melbourne. If you want to see some of the finest improvisers in Melbourne mess up, mess around and mess with each-other. Come and witness the fun with Patti Stiles, Timothy P. Redmond, Adam McKenzie, Sarah Kinsella, me and maybe more! We would love to see you there. Go to www.secretimprotheatre.net for details and special 2-4-1 deals (if you are quick) xx
- Exciting!!
- Comedy Festival is over. I have had the most amazing time. I feel I have been swept up in an incredible journey and a wild, wonderful ride with my show - Death Rides a Horse. Even though this show was my first solo show, by no means did I attempt to do this production by myself. I have some wonderful and talented people to thank - I could not have done this show without these amazing people. Firstly my darling Adam McKenzie who convinced me that I should bring this story to life and unflinchingly believed in me (dispite my doubts) and who stayed up with me nights talking about the show. He also did my poster, which I love. My director Nick Caddaye, who came on board after I drunkenly blabbed about my idea for the show to him on New Years Eve, I could not have done it without his help with the script and editing. His insights and clarity kept me on track, on the ball and his keen eye for comedy helped me see laughs that I couldn't see from the inside. His little pep-talks really helped my nerves too... best director ever. Merrilee Afton McCoy, came on board after I realised it was fucking crazy trying to produce your own comedy festival show! She became not only producer extrodinare but publicist, marketing and moral support. I would not have an audience without her hard work, great organisation skills and smarts. What a woman. Rob Kidd (Bor Ddik) without Rob I would not have the wonderful music that is so integral to the show. His incredible talent and professionalism not to mention calmness helped me put together 7 songs in 8 weeks!! Amazing. It was an absolute pleasure working with you Rob and I hope we get to do more music stuff together soon. Marcus Willis, helped me with marketing stuff (and my new website!! yes, new website) Marcus completely believed in the show and me and I can thank him enough for his support. Kim Pinney, helped me put together costume and set, she is an all round awesome chick and great under pressure :) Tank Monsternova helped me with the artwork on the sets and did an amazing job. What a talent and a top lady. Mark Gambino took the photos for my poster, his photos inspire and continue to inspire, sooo many people commented to me about the poster and his photos, an amazing artist all round. Both my techs, Alice from Revolt and Ben from Tuxcat. They were incredible, their hard work and learning the show on the fly was amazing. Leah Collins, Tegan Marie Higginbotham, Patti Stiles and many others gave me encouragement and support all through this wonderfully nerve-racking process. Thank you!! All these wonderful people are incredibly talented performers and artists in there own right, who donated their time to help me bring my crazy dream to life... I only hope that I have to opportunity to help in some way with their dreams too. I want to thank the reviewers who were so enthusiastic and had great insights into the show. And Revolt for being so incredibly supportive and a great venue. And lastly I want to thank everyone that came to see the show, without you without your support, encouragement and personal reviews on facebook, twitter and word of mouth - the show would be nothing. Soooo, I feel I am not ready to let 'Death Rides a Horse' ride off into the sunset just yet, I have become very attached to my story and characters. I am looking to put the show on again at some stage... I will be letting you know when. Until then.... Yeeehawww. Thanks again and big love, Rama xx
- It's been an epic ride. Thanks for everyone's support!
- Tonight is the last stand - book quickly before this horse rides outta town!
- Great night out alert!!! It's my second last show tonight, so I'm hoping you'll bring a friend to Friday Fiesta. You can get in 2-4-1 to Death Rides a Horse, then even see another Revolt show afterwards. Please share!
- Hey! I'm in late night Dungeon Crawl tonight at 11pm. If you are around Trades hall come up to the Bella Union Bar and witness the fun times.
- Come along tonight - say "Saddle Up" at the box office to get in 2-4-1!
- Only five more nights before Death Rides a Horse rides off into the sunset.. Bookings: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/death-rides-a-horse-rama-nicholas Please spread the word!
- Death Rides A Horse - "a genuine tour de force" http://katherinephelps.com/2013/04/2013-melbourne-international-comedy-festival%E2%80%A2-rama-nicholasmdashdeath-rides-a-horse/
- Don't forget tonight's show is at the friendly time of 5:30pm. Would love to see you there do much that you'll get 2-4-1 tix if you say 'Clickster' at the door. http://m.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/special-reports/review-rama-nicholas-in-death-rides-a-horse/story-fncv4qxa-1226617353676
- Hey!! You should go and see this wonderful man Liam Ryan in Balderdash! He is sooo amazing. http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/balderdash
- Hey Guys, I am performing in Late night Theatresports tonight at 11pm. Come on down and join the impro fun. http://www.impromelbourne.com.au/shows/late-night-theatresports?showid=11
- Tegan Marie Higginbotham, what an inspiring and extremely talented woman. I saw Tegans trial show and it was amazing, she has been smashing it at the MCIF. Go see her before the festival ends!! http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/touched-by-fev-tegan-higginbotham
- I saw my dear and extremely talented friends Jason Geary and Jimmy James Eaton in Sketch-ual-healing... amazing!! Go and see for yourself. Do it! http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2013/season/shows/sketch-ual-healing-jason-geary-jimmy-james-eaton
- Only one week left to catch Death Rides A Horse. Join the showdown tonight, 7:30pm at Revolt!
- Arrived in spacious 'New Coyote'. Loving it!
- Don't forget tonight - Chick's World, 10pm Wed Ch31. Do tune in and find out more about the genesis of Death Rides a Horse! http://ow.ly/jSedb
- "This Tex-Mex musical is a rootin' tootin' hit!" ✩✩✩1/2 - Herald Sun http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/special-reports/review-rama-nicholas-in-death-rides-a-horse/story-fncv4qxa-1226617353676
