YCP@Work: Missy Eller, Appell Center

Melina “Missy” Eller graduated with a B.A. in Theatre and a minor in Arts Administration in 2022. She is currently working as a theatre creator/educator with the Appell Center in downtown York and a Shift Supervisor-in-Training within Starbucks Corp.

What made you choose to pursue a degree in this field?

I originally came to York as a Marine Biology major. When I came to Accepted Student Day to tour the campus, I decided to tour the Theatre space because I’ve done theatre all my life. When I met Suzanne Delle and one of the graduating seniors of 2018, Tiffany Zellner, I fell in love with the Theatre spaces and what the program had to offer. That same day I changed my major to Theatre and put my deposit down.

How have you used your York College education since graduating?

I have used my education from York College to become a permanent member of the theatre company I have worked with since March.

What is most challenging about a career in this field?

The most challenging part of working in theatre is having the drive to be at your best in order to produce your best work, as well as being incredibly flexible to make your job and passion work.

What do you like best about your career?

I love my career, because while I'm currently working as an educator, I can discover more about my love for the arts by watching and teaching my young artists, as well as simultaneously pursue my other passions such as playwrighting.

What advice would you have for a student who is just starting out in this major?

Advice that I would give to any student, especially a first-year or new student would be:

1. Surround yourself with good people, people who will hold you in your darkest days and lift you higher on your brightest, and;
2. Most importantly, always believe in yourself. You can be either your biggest fan or biggest competitor, and always believe that you are capable of anything.