Russ Jolly has been telling stories and performing since he was a wee lad. He’s a graduate of the school of drama at North Carolina School of the Arts. Credits include:

Theatre Director - Off Broadway, Russ directed THE GRAVITY OF MEANS (MCC Theatre), HEATING AND COOLING (Lark Theatre), COMPANY K (MCC Theatre), THE DESTINY OF PETE (Samuel Beckett Theatre), THE STORY OF BEN (Theatre Club Funambles/NADA), A GOOD DIET (Here Arts Center), FRANKIE & LISA (MCC Theatre), NOIR STORY (MCC Theatre), WOO THE MAMMAL (MCC Theatre), TOES FOR SALE (MCC Theatre), and a new play by Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Dael Orlandersmith (MCC Theatre). Russ assisted director Yuri Belov on Peter Hedges' play CHAMPIONS OF THE AVERAGE JOE starring Joe Mantello and Peter Hedges (Theatre for a New City, NYC). At NCSA, Russ directed the Sam Shepard play ACTION. He also directed numerous readings of new plays at MCC Theatre working with playwrights in the development process. Some of the actors Russ directed in NYC include Peter Dinklage, Michael C. Hall, Jamie Harrold, Mark Feuerstein, Jay Goede, Daniel Zelman, Kerri Kenny, John Ales, Susan Floyd, Lenny Venito, and K. Todd Freeman.

Filmmaker/Video Producer - Since 1998, Russ has produced, directed, written, shot & edited over 200 corporate marketing and industrial films for companies in Dallas and across the nation such as Cisco Systems, Humana, Charles Schwab, Hotels.com, HSBC, Fossil, Chase Paymentech, Protection One, MBNA, Tenet Healthcare, Mission Foods, Expedia, Ironman Fitness. He's come a long way since his first camera as a kid - a Bell & Howell 8mm.

Playwright - Russ’ plays WOO THE MAMMAL, TOES FOR SALE and LITTLE BOY BL were performed at MCC Theatre in New York and SKINDIVING WITH AN ARSONIST had readings at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and MCC Theatre.

Actor - Russ appeared in plays on Broadway, off-B'way and at regional theatres across the country and on television in The Facts of Life, Guiding Light, All My Children, in commercials for Levis, 7-Up, McDonalds and voiced several Louis L’Amour radio plays for Bantam Books. After drama school, Russ studied acting in New York at HB Studios with Uta Hagen. Acting Resume

Musician - Russ has been a drummer since he was a kid playing in school bands, garage bands and jazz combos. He put his drumming skills to use in the theatre for THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, TX with the Red Clay Ramblers and the original Broadway production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Promotional appearances for BUDDY included performing for and jamming with Paul McCartney and Little Richard as well as segments on The Today Show, Geraldo, Joan Rivers Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade telecast and a televised appearance at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Russ is the proud owner of a vintage Gretsch round badge kit.

New Media & Marketing Consultant - Russ has provided strategic marketing advice and consulting services to businesses helping them understand and harness the power of new media. He has been involved in the development of over 350 websites during the past 8 years, most of which included streaming video. He has helped organizations develop successful marketing campaigns that have included branding, web design, email marketing, social networking, viral video and product development.

Russ has been honored with several Telly Awards for his corporate media work and is a Telly Award Silver Council Member and Judge. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Producers Association as Chairman of the Communications Committee.

Texas Story Laboratory - A project in development to encourage the creation of narrative fiction among writers, actors and filmmakers living and working in Texas.