Melissa Peterson

Director of Production

Melissa Peterson is the Director of Production for the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She most recently served as Director of Projects at TTS Studios, where she led scenic fabrication for Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including Schmigadoon!, winner of the 2026 Tony Award for Best Musical, as well as for experiential marketing projects.

Prior to TTS Studios, Melissa spent three years at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She began as a Production Manager, overseeing productions in the Eisenhower Theater, Family Theater, and Theater Lab, before advancing to Theater Programming Manager, where she worked closely with the Broadway tours in the Center's theatrical season and served as General Manager of Broadway Center Stage. Earlier in her career, she was Production Manager at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Melissa also serves as Stage and Production Manager for the Youth America Grand Prix galas. She is excited to inspire and mentor the next generation of stage managers, drawing on her years of production management at major performing arts centers, along with her work in scenic fabrication and live events, to prepare students for careers in the field.