Who is Maralyn Burae?
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Bio
Maralyn Burae (born Melissa De Jesus) is a New York–based performer, writer, and producer whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling, resilience, and advocacy. Born and raised in the South Bronx, she is the third oldest of six children and began performing at just three years old. Raised by her mother—a single parent and domestic violence survivor—Maralyn’s early life experiences, including witnessing her father’s struggles with substance abuse, fueled her determination to create a better future for herself and her family.
Maralyn began her formal training at Katz Dance School in the Bronx and later earned a scholarship to the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem. Throughout her youth, she participated in school plays and community performances that nurtured her artistic talents. By the age of nine, she had already written her first project, demonstrating an early passion for storytelling. One of her notable early roles included portraying a mother of two children in a community stage production—remarkable given she was the youngest performer in the cast.
Her performance career spans both dance and acting, with appearances at iconic venues such as The Apollo and The Producers Club. In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Maralyn is a single mother and a proud graduate of Monroe University.
She is the founder of Celestial Entertainment LLC, an independent production company based in New York City, established on April 5, 2015. Through her company, Maralyn writes, directs, and produces original content that highlights the experiences and voices of minority communities. Her debut stage play marked the official launch of the company, and she later released a powerful music video titled “Don’t Shoot,” addressing themes of police brutality, civil disobedience, racism, and social injustice. The project is available on her YouTube channel and across social media platforms.
Through her work, Maralyn Burae continues to use the arts as a platform for empowerment, awareness, and change.
Looking to collaborate? Reach out for opportunities in film production, storytelling, or book publishing in New York.
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Discover the Artistic Vision of Maralyn Burae: Author and Director in New York
At the intersection of storytelling and cinema, Maralyn Burae embodies a relentless pursuit of creative narrative. Based in the vibrant heart of New York, Maralyn thrives on crafting captivating tales that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work has garnered notable acclaim in both literary and film circles, seamlessly blending the art of written word with the visual prowess of film production. With a mission to inspire and innovate, Maralyn is dedicated to elevating underrepresented voices in the storytelling landscape.
Fueled by a passion for creative storytelling, Maralyn combines her extensive experience in book publishing and film production to transform her visions into immersive experiences. Here at Celestial Entertainment NYC LLC, our goal is to create narratives that not only entertain but provoke thought and ignite conversation. We believe that every story has the power to illuminate the human experience, connecting people from all walks of life through the universal language of storytelling.