BIO

Starting life off overseas was just the beginning of exploration for Rusty. Born in Karachi, Pakistan to American Diplomat parents attached to the US State Department's Foreign Service, Rusty also lived in Turkey, Taiwan, Guatemala, and Chile as well as visiting 25 other countries before moving to Chino Valley, AZ at the age of 13, when his Father retired.

While overseas, his love affair with film began at the age of 5 when his Mother took him to see Disney's Fantasia. (She expected him to be bored, but Rusty loved it!) The next major film was Fiddler on the Roof, at 7 years old, which introduced him to movie musicals; and later that same year, a live performance of The Fantasticks was added to the list. Rusty was hooked.

At the age of 14, he realized that people made a living "pretending" to be other people, and decided at that moment that he would have a career in the entertainment industry. He didn't know how, or what he would be doing, but he knew where he was headed. Later that same year he began what was to be five years on stage as an actor before spending some time in front of the camera and then five years in the US Navy as a Spanish Linguist. Fluent in Spanish, Rusty has a fascination with and love for all languages.

After the Navy, Rusty moved from the spotlight to backstage, taking over event production, his true calling. He’s helmed innumerable shows over the last 20 years. His production experiences have led him all over the US as well as overseas.

Rusty has a BA in Theatrical Studies and an AS in Film/Video Production, and is pursuing his MFA in International Theatre, and MS in Performance Technology. His education, along with his understanding of the actor's needs, make Rusty an outstanding Producer, Director, Camera Operator and Editor. He is also more than willing to lend his skills to any other area of production, including Lighting/Grip, Carpentry and Special Effects.

As a result of his lifelong experiences, he has a deep love of both stage and film, and is comfortable in any entertainment venue. This, along with his deep interest in music and concerts of all genres, has led him to work not only as a tech, but has developed a desire to market, promote and feature up-and-coming artists, as well as those that are already established. He also has a lifelong fascination with animation and in creating worlds of the imagination which have only been able to exist in that space until now...

Needless to say, the exploration continues... feel free to join him!