MEL ZARB-COUSIN

Managing Director, Magik Theatre

San Antonio, Texas

SPEAKER – WIFT TX: SPEAKER SERIES 2025 – “STATE OF THE TEXAS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY”

Mel Zarb-Cousin has dedicated her career to expanding access to arts and education for the youth of San Antonio. With over a decade of nonprofit management experience, she brings expertise in organizational strategy, development, and community partnerships, paired with a lifelong passion for theatre and storytelling.

Melissa received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the College of Santa Fe and began her career at Magik Theatre as a performer before moving into arts administration and development, later earning her Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her work has spanned the classroom as a theatre educator, leadership roles at SA Youth, and marketing and operations with Parallel, A Branding Agency. She has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, built strategic alliances, and successfully led teams through times of transformation and growth.

Now, as Managing Director of Magik Theatre, Melissa is leading the organization into its 30th anniversary season and upcoming historic renovations, ensuring its continued vitality as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s cultural landscape. She is also deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on numerous arts and community boards, and is a proud graduate of Leadership San Antonio’s Class 46.

Mel Zarb-Cousin is a member of the Women in Film & Television Texas Council of Commissioners.