Melanie has over 15 years experience in upper school theatre education here in Franklin, building a thriving Performing Arts department from the ground up. In her past, Melanie studied, performed, and assistant directed at the highly acclaimed Stratford Playhouse in Houston, TX, winning a regional "Best Actress" award for her role as "Mrs. VanDaan" in The Diary of Anne Frank. She has directed over 25 plays and musicals in her career, including FTF's inaugural "Twelve Angry Jurors" this past July and recently a TPAC Spotlight-Award winning production of "Grease." Other favorites she has directed or starred in onstage include: "West Side Story", "The Boys Next Door", "The Mousetrap", Disney's "Newsies", "Tuck Everlasting", and many more. Melanie's desire to foster love and empathy in the community around her, to raise up the next generation of great artists, and to produce excellent theatrical experiences, all came together in her unique vision for Franklin Theatrical Fellowship. She loves beautifully-told stories that bring people together - this one included. Melanie and her husband Ryan (a record producer and mix engineer), have two amazing sons- Jackson & Matthew- and love living in Franklin, TN after first meeting here nearly 20 years ago! When she's not making theatre happen, you'll catch her seeing shows & concerts, trying new restaurants, or being at baseball and basketball games for her kids. Lots. And Lots. Of Games.

Ben Gregg is an actor and local entrepreneur. In his early 30's, Ben found a love for the stage, performing in several shows for the Auburn Avenue Dinner Theatre and Gig Harbor Playhouse in Washington state. His favorite roles included "Joseph" in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and leads in productions of "Guys & Dolls" and "Sound of Music." After moving to Franklin, he eventually stepped away from theatre and into the business world. Ben is currently the owner and CEO of an insurance company here. He is excited to combine his entrepreneurial spirit and resources with his love for theatre in launching FTF. Ben was seen onstage as Juror 3 in "12 Angry Jurors" this past summer.