I understand that the needs of a librarian are different from a PTO President or festival chairperson. I’d love to
help ensure you get exactly the program you need. Below is some background on what I’ve done in the past.
It’s been a wild ride! As always, if you have any additional questions, you’re welcome to reach out to me
directly using the “Contact Adam” button!
He dances. He sings. He’s got the energy of ten cheetahs. With an exuberant style all his own, Adam plays all
the characters in his stories: every man, woman, child, and paperweight. Performances are tailored from a
collection of stories that includes ethnic folktales, familiar children’s stories, Bible stories (upon request), and
off-the-wall original works. In Washington DC, Adam created “Washington Talks!” a project that brought true
stories of influential Washingtonians to the stage. The Washington Post celebrated “his audiences learned that
even a place that famously lacks a distinctive identity is near to bursting with stories very much its own.”
Adam became smitten with storytelling as a ninth grader, competing in high school forensics tournaments all around Michigan. Three years in a row, he ranked among the top three storytellers in the state. Adam later spent two years studying acting at The [Goodman] Theatre School in Chicago, and received a BA in Theatre from Calvin College. Adam’s work as a storyteller has brought him around the world, and includes appearances on CNN, at the Washington Storytellers Theatre, the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Perkins School for the Deaf and Blind in Boston, the American International School in Johannesburg, South Africa, in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Olympics, and most recently as an artist-in-residence at the Shanghai American School in China.
Mellema also works as Head of Content for Yippee TV, the world’s largest faith-based streaming service for kids. For Yippee, Adam co-created Playtime, and Backseat Drivers, and is best known for creating Yonas Finds A Job, The Daily Devo Show, The Really Big Science Show and most recently Maggie's Market, which he also directed. Adam won an Emmy Award for his work on Come On Over, his first kids TV show gig. For Disney Channel, Adam was a producer and writer on all 12 Disney Channel feature-length “What’s What Editions,” (akin to VH1’s pop-up video) including High School Musical, and Camp Rock. At the Hub Network, Adam’s favorite projects included an Alf Marathon (hosted by Alf) and Blossom Reunion. In his "spare time," Adam directs “Barbie” and “Monster High” TikToks for Mattel.
The Grand Rapids Press described Adam as “an energetic, gifted performer who has a wonderful grasp of expressive language.” Adam loves sharing what he’s learned as a guest speaker/workshop facilitator and has been a frequent presenter for the Mahoney Children’s Workshop, Library of Michigan, and New York Film Academy. Adam just retired as Treasurer of the Foundation Board for the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, and is Board President emeritus of the Rogue Artists Ensemble. Most days Adam recycles, jogs so he can eat more pastries, and dreams about learning to play the zither.
ADAM MELLEMA
Storyteller
He dances. He sings. He’s got the energy of ten cheetahs. With an exuberant style all his own, Adam plays all
the characters in his stories: every man, woman, child, and paperweight. Performances are tailored from a
collection of stories that includes ethnic folktales, familiar children’s stories, Bible stories (upon request), and
off-the-wall original works. In Washington DC, Adam created “Washington Talks!” a project that brought true
stories of influential Washingtonians to the stage. The Washington Post celebrated “his audiences learned that
even a place that famously lacks a distinctive identity is near to bursting with stories very much its own.”
Adam became smitten with storytelling as a ninth grader, competing in high school forensics tournaments all around Michigan. Three years in a row, he ranked among the top three storytellers in the state. Adam later spent two years studying acting at The [Goodman] Theatre School in Chicago, and received a BA in Theatre from Calvin College. Adam’s work as a storyteller has brought him around the world, and includes appearances on CNN, at the Washington Storytellers Theatre, the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Perkins School for the Deaf and Blind in Boston, the American International School in Johannesburg, South Africa, in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Olympics, and most recently as an artist-in-residence at the Shanghai American School in China.
Mellema also works as Head of Content for Yippee TV, the world’s largest faith-based streaming service for kids. For Yippee, Adam co-created Playtime, and Backseat Drivers, and is best known for creating Yonas Finds A Job, The Daily Devo Show, The Really Big Science Show and most recently Maggie's Market, which he also directed. Adam won an Emmy Award for his work on Come On Over, his first kids TV show gig. For Disney Channel, Adam was a producer and writer on all 12 Disney Channel feature-length “What’s What Editions,” (akin to VH1’s pop-up video) including High School Musical, and Camp Rock. At the Hub Network, Adam’s favorite projects included an Alf Marathon (hosted by Alf) and Blossom Reunion. In his "spare time," Adam directs “Barbie” and “Monster High” TikToks for Mattel.
The Grand Rapids Press described Adam as “an energetic, gifted performer who has a wonderful grasp of expressive language.” Adam loves sharing what he’s learned as a guest speaker/workshop facilitator and has been a frequent presenter for the Mahoney Children’s Workshop, Library of Michigan, and New York Film Academy. Adam just retired as Treasurer of the Foundation Board for the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, and is Board President emeritus of the Rogue Artists Ensemble. Most days Adam recycles, jogs so he can eat more pastries, and dreams about learning to play the zither.
© 2023 Adam Mellema - Storyteller. All rights reserved.