My First Hook Up: Short Film
Written by Dallas Harden and Directed by Melanie Queponds
Filmed Summer 2017
“A heartbroken girl tries to get over her ex-boyfriend with the help of her friends by having her first hookup experience, only it's harder to find someone than she imagined.”
Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbgw4Yl4D0
Then click the video here for the full film!
For Shane Colombo.
The Theatre School at DePaul University
October 2018
A devised dance/movement piece created in tribute for my childhood friend Shane Colombo, who passed in September 2018. Devised and performed by a section of the BFA Acting Class of 2021 at The Theatre School. Performed for the Plasticene course taught by Dexter Bullard.
Staged Stories: La Tormenta de Ayer by Ruth Veronica Madrid
Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble
September 2020
During the COVID pandemic, we find other ways to tell our stories, like with Zoom play readings. Here is a full performance of Ruth Veronica Madrid’s short play featuring Lorena Diaz and Leslye Martinez. At the end, there is also a talk-back with Melanie, the entire team, and all the performers.
Our performance starts around the 1 hour, 15 minute mark.
Eastside FB Story by Mercedes Floresislas
Teatro Frida Kahlo
Filmed February 2021
Originally written for the stage, Melanie directed this short film written by Mercedes Floresislas and inspired by Patricia Zamorano. All rehearsals were held over Zoom and actors filmed their own footage, making for a unique process and product. The film was chosen for the 2021 XicanIndie FilmFest and well-received by the virtual festival goers.
Daydreamer: A New Musical by Mario Vega and Eliza Vedar
TuYo Theatre
August 2022
TuYo Theatre presents a staged reading of DayDreamer: A New Musical, directed by Melanie Queponds.
Nominated for Best Theatre for Young Audiences production and Best Direction of a Musical (Melanie Queponds) by Broadway World San Diego.
Primavera is a land of mystical mishaps and magical mayhem, where serenades are as strong as swords and dreams can break the very fabric of reality. “Noche”, awakened from her Multi-Millenium mimis, schemes to steal the Sun and stars from the sky. With an endless night looming over the horizon, Candelaria, a child terrified of shadows, must overcome the overwhelming to bring light back to a broken world.
Funding made possible by the Miranda Family Fund & The City of San Diego.
Performance filmed in San Diego, CA in August 2022 by the Reynoso Family.