MELANIE SASO (she/her, Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer) is a licensed cosmetologist with 15 years experience. She moved to Chicago in 2019 to become a part of the entertainment industry. Her vintage hair design is featured in Lionsgate films; MURDER AT THE EMBASSY (Nov 2025 release - filmed abroad) and INVITATION TO A MURDER (2023). She is part of the Music Theater Works design team and serves as the HWMU Department Head. Her recent design work featured in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GUYS & DOLLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. She has been backstage running wigs with Music Theater Works since 2022. She joined Lyric Opera in the wig department, for MEDEA. She served as the hair and wig designer for Opera Theatre Chicago 2025 Season, L’AMORE DEI TRE REI and PAGLIACCI. She served as a part time instructor assistant for Northwestern University - Binen School of Music’s Opera Program; THE MAGIC FLUTE, HANSEL AND GRETEL, COSI FAN TUTTE, THE EMPEROR OF ATLANTIS, and POPPEA. She worked with Chicago Opera Theater as an assistant on ALBERT HERRING in 2022.