Merlin Bell, Ma Email & Phone Number

St Louis, Missouri, United States

Poplar Institute for Film (PIF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in spring 2020 with a commitment to promoting diverse representation in media and prioritizing creativity over profit. PIF champions the recognition of marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, and others, through the arts of film and media, while also advancing new standards in artistic expression. As a non-profit film and media production firm, PIF goes beyond funding projects, invigorating civic… Show more Poplar Institute for Film (PIF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in spring 2020 with a commitment to promoting diverse representation in media and prioritizing creativity over profit. PIF champions the recognition of marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, and others, through the arts of film and media, while also advancing new standards in artistic expression. As a non-profit film and media production firm, PIF goes beyond funding projects, invigorating civic engagement, and amplifying diverse voices in St. Louis through the development, promotion, distribution, and screening of independent films and media projects.•Generated over $25K in funds through fundraiser events, grants, and fostering collaboration with local vendors andsponsors.•Cultivated strategic partnerships with prominent organizations including Cinema St. Louis, Washington University,and Grand Center Arts Academy, enhancing visibility, and facilitating event hosting and promotion.•Established two sustainable programs, garnering regional, national, and international recognition and acclaim. Show less

St Louis, Missouri, United States

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Fishers, Indiana, United States

Managed, cast, and coordinated theatrical productions. Oversaw workflow for all theater initiatives and practices to intentionally stimulate conversation and advocate for cultural diversity in areas such as history, education, development, youth, and disability theater.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Developed strategic partnerships with WFYI, Hamilton Southeastern School District, Center for Applied Theatre, Lawrence School District, and Fonseca Theatre Company, which were… Show more Managed, cast, and coordinated theatrical productions. Oversaw workflow for all theater initiatives and practices to intentionally stimulate conversation and advocate for cultural diversity in areas such as history, education, development, youth, and disability theater.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Developed strategic partnerships with WFYI, Hamilton Southeastern School District, Center for Applied Theatre, Lawrence School District, and Fonseca Theatre Company, which were pivotal to changing the organization’s culture and brining diverse voices to the forefront. ►Strengthened a relationship with the Asante Art Institute to develop and produced a one-hour one-act play called “Journey in Search of Justice,” which had an attendance of 419 people in a two-day show run. Served as production assistant on the film version of the play, which aired on WFYI and at schools across Indiana.►Helped develop a solid DEAI training with four leaders through a partnership called Center for Applied Theatre, which prepared trainers to train 100+ regular staff members.►Spearheaded MLK Day and Juneteenth events. Developed a working relationship with Lawrence School District and WFYI to produce, direct, and host two original documentaries, MLK’s Lasting Legacy and Emancipation and Juneteenth: Rise of Black Liberation. Each film garnered 1,000 views on the organization’s website and hundreds more on YouTube.►Developed an arts integrated outreach program by bringing theatre and history together with Hamilton Southeastern School District to earn a $13,680 grant. Co-wrote, produced, and directed the short film Rebuilding the House of Stone, which was broadcast and viewed at schools in Hamilton County.►Generated $46,180 in funding for theatre program events and productions from top funders, such as the Christel Dehaan family foundation and Indy Summer Youth Programs. Show less

Xicheng District, Beijing, China

Greater St. Louis Area

Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization and comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Independently planned and executed programmatic details and maintain detailed written records for the organization.►Ensured all youth and volunteers register in writing, receive orientation, and proper training for each project.►Drafted, reviewed, oversaw and edited how… Show more Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization and comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Independently planned and executed programmatic details and maintain detailed written records for the organization.►Ensured all youth and volunteers register in writing, receive orientation, and proper training for each project.►Drafted, reviewed, oversaw and edited how much was spent in grants from 1,000 to 10,000 or more and overall operational budget of 151,000.►Coordinated schedules and approved pay for 7 adult artists, 2 of which are part-time workers and 5 that are contract as well as keep track and approve pay for 25 youth artist and interns.►Boosted audience size by 80% through aggressive advertisement. Some of the numbers include Peace in the Prairie and to the Prairie performance events that amassed an overall number of 200 people overall. Show less

Greater St. Louis Area

Delivered ready to learn early learning resources to more than 60 agencies that serve families in north St. Louis County, St. Louis City, bringing educational television and digital media resources to children enhancing early learning and school readiness, with an emphasis on supporting children from low-income, under serve communities.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Coordinated and assisted with early learning resources, community engagement activities, partner meetings… Show more Delivered ready to learn early learning resources to more than 60 agencies that serve families in north St. Louis County, St. Louis City, bringing educational television and digital media resources to children enhancing early learning and school readiness, with an emphasis on supporting children from low-income, under serve communities.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Coordinated and assisted with early learning resources, community engagement activities, partner meetings, etc.►Developed cultural competence to serve diverse families and communities.►Prepared and provide ready to learn sessions to families and children from birth to 8 years of age.►Utilized budget to purchase supplies and resources needed for the ready to learn program. ►Trained 20-30 community leaders with Nine Network’s ready to learn PBS sessions.►Employed arts integration and sensory learning to further expand child development by providing input from experience as a teacher and college student when learning universal design of learning. ►Facilitated with media production and assisted a selected team in developing a state-wide debate with Senator Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley, impacting the 6 million Missouri residents who trust the Nine Network brand. Show less

Greater St. Louis Area

Formulated stories and dialogued arcs with primary and secondary source material research. Tailored performances to audience interest, capabilities, developmental level and needs. Led educational lesson plan following the performance for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Scheduled self and other Actor-Interpreters for outreach and on-site performances.►Developed and led lesson plans for Teens Make History Player… Show more Formulated stories and dialogued arcs with primary and secondary source material research. Tailored performances to audience interest, capabilities, developmental level and needs. Led educational lesson plan following the performance for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Scheduled self and other Actor-Interpreters for outreach and on-site performances.►Developed and led lesson plans for Teens Make History Player Apprentices.►Coached and directed Teens Make History plays and acting.►Led Teens Make History Players in script research, writing, and teambuilding. Show less

Greater St. Louis Area

Mentored and supervise 15 teenagers in the museum's award-winning work-based learning program.Key Roles and Responsibilities:►Developed and facilitated performance training to high school students, including movement, diction, team-building, and improvisation.►Oversaw significant aspects of three theatrical productions reaching 3,000 people each year.

Greater St. Louis Area

►Developed and implemented partnerships with arts and educational institutions.►Reorganized school/teacher/administrator data and contemporary art curriculum.►Attended meetings with community organizations and schools to map out plans for better access/bus transportation.

Greater St. Louis Area

►Developed and maintained positive relationships with students and parents.►Supervised students during outdoor activities and lunch hours.►Provided accommodations with students in special education.

Greater St. Louis Area

►Directed fight choreographed scenes.►Led warmups with 23 6th grade students.►Conducted any additional changes to blocking for 6th grade production of Romeo and Juliet.

Greater St. Louis Area

►Collaborated on conducting research and writing historical perspectives for various theatrical performances.►Worked with a team to perform plays in front of diverse audience including stakeholders for the Missouri History Museum.

Greater St. Louis Area

►Assisted families and student groups by conducting experiments and answering questions.►Supervised visitor engagement with materials to ensure safety standards were met.

Master Of Arts, Theatre/Theater

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Theatre/Theater