Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Nelson.
Hi Marissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the youngest of four kids, so obviously I like attention, and have always been putting on a show. I was singing and dancing for my family from the jump. I first took a dance class when I was three years old. I got back into it in first grade, including tap, which I did consistently every week until I graduated high school. I first started being in plays/musicals in 4th grade, and never stopped. In 6th grade I started choir, and also stuck with that all the way through high school. I knew I wanted to go to college for theatre for as long as I can remember. I went to the University of Texas at Arlington and got my BFA in Musical Theatre. Another passion I found after college, was early childhood education. I got a job as a traveling dance teacher right after college, which was super exciting because dance teachers have always been so cool and inspirational to me. I traveled to different daycares and preschools in DFW and taught tap and ballet. It made me realize how passionate I am about working with kids, and it was also healing after going through a lot with my mental health. It’s so rewarding seeing them learn and grow, and they bring lots of laughs and fun. From there, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. I enrolled in a teaching program, worked as an Assistant Pre-K Teacher in Plano ISD, while going to rehearsals in the evening, and earned my EC-6 certifcation. However, New York had been calling my name. I’ve dreamed of living there since I was a kid, and I finally decided it was time. As of the end of last year, 2025, I live in New York City, and I’m still following my theatre dreams. I do go visit family and friends in Dallas, and Dallas will always have a huge part of my heart. I’m currently a dance/theatre teacher for an afterschool program here, as well as a nanny. Along the last few years, I’ve also become passionate about tiktok. It’s a super fun creative outlet, and in this day and age, it can be helpful to get work in the industry. I’m still a small creator, but I have fun. I strive to perform, be a good educator, and be happy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. I used to struggle a lot with my mental health. I experienced some trauma in my teenage and young adult years, and at one point I experienced homelessnes. Through therapy and lots of work on myself and my relationships, along with practicing gratitude and positive affirmations everyday, I have been better and happier than ever the last few years. I hope I can inspire people that life gets better.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a musical theatre peformer. I perform in musicals and plays. I believe my mix belt is the most notable part of my voice, and jazz and tap are my strongest dance styles. I’m not always the most technical and advanced dancer in the room, but I will always give face and personality. I love acting, singing, and dancing, but acting is my biggest love. I’m an actor first that sings and dances. This is a tough industry with so many extremley talented people, but there’s a place for all of us.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Getting my first lead role in a show in 4th grade was a huge deal to me. I still get that feeling when I get selected for a show haha.
Also my friends and I winning the talent show in elementary school for our dance.
One time when I was little, it was my brother’s birthday, and I put on a puppet show for my family. I drew every family member, cut them out, and glued them on popsicle sticks. The premise of the show was that it appeared we had forgot it was my brother’s birthday. The most memorable scene was having my mom’s character be like “it’s a special day..” and my brother like, “yeah?” and my mom saying “yes!! Because I have coupons!” Something my family still laughs about to this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: marissa_nelsonn
- Tiktok: @strwberryblonde222
Image Credits
Jess Harley
