“One of the most supporting factors of getting me off the ground was my acting coach from The Grizzlies, Melee Hutton. She was beyond amazing and helped us all prepare for really difficult scenes. I had never acted before but right from the beginning she believed in me, supported me and was always doing her best to coax out the emotions to make sure that I can portray vulnerability and sensitivity authentically, but also safely. I’m so extremely grateful for her support and for encouraging me to be a powerful force in the acting industry for Indigenous women and Indigenous youth. She never cast any doubt on me and really made me feel like there was nothing I couldn’t do. Melee really was monumental and made me feel like I could go further than just one film. She made sure I knew that I was capable. She was also our incredible acting coach for North of North.”
Anna Lambe, North of North, The Grizzlies, Canadian Screen Award Best supporting Actress nomination, True Detective.
“Working with Melee not only kept me focused and confident in my work, but she also reminded me to have fun. She showed me how to use the tools I already had to build a whole new person unlike myself, and taught me how to use so many new ones. She’s perfect for that no bullshit and all love treatment that every actor needs in order to grow. Melee makes you feel safe and eager to be vulnerable so that you know exactly what to do in front of the camera.”
Elizabeth Yu, AZULA, Avatar the Last Airbender Live Action, Netflix.
"Melee encourages specificity of breath, thought, impulse and action. Her innate respect for the individual process of each actor is the foundation of her approach. Melee continually searches for the bandwidth of the story and characters. She loves the minutiae of preparation and also knows when to say "Chuck it all away and let it fly!" What sustains me in the inevitable ups and downs of rehearsal is her open heart and humanity and humour.”
Mark Wilson, Dora nomination Outstanding Performance, "The Dumb Waiter"
“Melee taught me that acting truly lies in the details. I came to understand that acting is not just about performance but honesty, presence and truly understanding the character’s background. She helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the craft and encouraged me to approach the work with both discipline and creativity.”
Sarah Yousef, AIRawbi School for Girls, Indigenous.
“Melee was my first professional acting teacher and the first to believe my ambition and talent could take me to my dreams. From the bottom of my heart Melee, you have made such an impact in my life. I could not be the actor I am today without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so grateful to have had you as my teacher.”
Amrit Kaur The Queen of my Dreams (winner Canadian Screen Award for Performance in a Leading Role, Drama, Sex Lives of College Girls, Several