Melissa van der Schyff

Melissa van der Schyff
Born	South Africa
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Actress, singer, comedian, songwriter
Home town	Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Spouse(s)	Declan Ryan (divorced)

Melissa van der Schyff (sometimes stylized Melissa Van Der Schyff) is a Canadian award-winning actress, singer, comedian and songwriter who is best known for her work on Broadway. She was nominated for a 2012 Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for "Outstanding Featured Actress in A Musical" for originating the role of Blanche Barrow in the Broadway Musical Bonnie and Clyde, which opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City on December 1, 2011.

Born in South Africa and raised in Canada, during her younger years, van der Shyff aspired to become a jazz singer, noting Miles Davis and John Coltrane as inspirations to her. She performed at various shows around her hometown when she was just 15 earning a General Motors Award for Excellence for Jazz Vocals as well as performing live on CBC Radio. Melissa graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Santa Fe (Now named Santa Fe University of Art and Design) with her B.F.A in Acting and a Minor in Music. She also studied at The British American Drama Academy in London, England as well as with Lily Parker of the Actor's Studio.

Melissa worked in TV and film in Los Angeles as well as performing in many premiere west coast theaters including The Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Kirk Douglas Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse.

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Wikipedia