MARY LOU BELLI is the co-author of “The Sitcom Career Book” and "Acting for Young Actors." An Emmy® Award winner producer, writer, and director, she just finished directing an episode of MONK, starring Emmy® Award winner Tony Shalhoub. Last season, she directed THE GAME, a spinoff to GIRLFRIENDS, which she directed for 7 consecutive seasons on the CW network.  She also directed LIVING WITH FRAN starring Fran Drescher, THE HUGHLEYS, MISCONCEPTIONS starring Jane Leeves, and EVE starring hip-hop artist Eve.

She began her career directing CHARLES IN CHARGE, MAJOR DAD, and SISTER, SISTER. Mary Lou received BET nominations for directing GIRLFRIENDS and ONE ON ONE as well as a Prism Award for GIRLFRIENDS. After receiving a BA in theatre from Penn State, Mary Lou acted in musical theatre and soaps in New York, followed by a Los Angeles career producing and directing theatre with over 75 play productions to her credit.

Known for her work in children’s programming, Mary Lou coached on NBC’s Saturday morning hit SAVED BY THE BELL: THE NEW CLASS and went on to direct USA HIGH, ONE WORLD, AMBER, AMBER and Fox’s teenage soap TRIBES.

She lectures frequently throughout the United States including the International Thespian Festival and many universities such as AFI, NYU, Northwestern, and University of Connecticut.