Hi, I’m Russell J. McGee. I’m a producer, director, writer, and sound designer with over 30 years of hands-on experience in theatre, film, and audio drama. I love guiding creative teams from concept through completion, balancing artistic vision with practical production management, budgets, and schedules to deliver compelling work. I’ve led festivals, taught at universities, and built collaborative processes that bring big ideas to life. In addition to creating programs and performances, I mentor emerging artists and continuously explore new storytelling formats, from audio dramas to multimedia stage productions. I value safety, mentorship, and clear communication as the foundation for successful productions.…

Russell J. McGee

Hi, I’m Russell J. McGee. I’m a producer, director, writer, and sound designer with over 30 years of hands-on experience in theatre, film, and audio drama. I love guiding creative teams from concept through completion, balancing artistic vision with practical production management, budgets, and schedules to deliver compelling work. I’ve led festivals, taught at universities, and built collaborative processes that bring big ideas to life. In addition to creating programs and performances, I mentor emerging artists and continuously explore new storytelling formats, from audio dramas to multimedia stage productions. I value safety, mentorship, and clear communication as the foundation for successful productions.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Russell J. McGee. I’m a producer, director, writer, and sound designer with over 30 years of hands-on experience in theatre, film, and audio drama. I love guiding creative teams from concept through completion, balancing artistic vision with practical production management, budgets, and schedules to deliver compelling work. I’ve led festivals, taught at universities, and built collaborative processes that bring big ideas to life.

In addition to creating programs and performances, I mentor emerging artists and continuously explore new storytelling formats, from audio dramas to multimedia stage productions. I value safety, mentorship, and clear communication as the foundation for successful productions.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Producer/Director at WTIU/WFIU
January 1, 2023 - Present
Produces and directs audio and video projects, leads production meetings, manages budgets, scheduling, and safety; oversees productions with large cast/crew; guides projects from inception to completion.
Festival Director at Hear Now Festival
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Directs festival programming and operations; coordinates with the National Audio Theatre Festivals; oversees planning and execution of festival activities.
Vice President at National Audio Theatre Festivals
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Leads strategic direction and operations for NATF; manages festival governance, fundraising, and outreach.
Audio Editor/Writer at Big Finish Productions
November 1, 2014 - December 31, 2023
Edited and wrote audio dramas; collaborated with international teams on audio productions.
On-air Promotions Producer/Coordinator at WTIU/WFIU
August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2023
Produced on-air promotions; coordinated promotional assets and campaigns; supported station branding.
Adjunct Professor at Ivy Tech Community College
August 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Taught communications courses; contributed to curriculum development.
Adjunct Professor at Indiana University – Department of Telecommunications
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015
Taught courses in Telecommunications; supported curriculum and student mentorship.
Production Lab Manager at Indiana University
May 1, 2013 - August 31, 2014
Managed production labs, scheduling, budgeting, and studio maintenance.
Associate Instructor in Telecommunications at Indiana University
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Assisted with Telecommunications coursework; contributed to program development.
Artistic Director at Starrynight Productions
January 1, 2008 - Present
Artistic direction and production oversight for theatre/performance work; ongoing since 2008.
Box Office Manager at Cinema 67 Drive-in
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010
Maintenance, cashier, box office, concessions, deposits, scheduling.
Freelance Illustrator at AuthorSolutions
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Illustration work for children’s books.
Literary Manager at Bloomington Playwrights Project
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Analytical critiques; coordination of Reva Shiner Playwriting Contest; festival activities.
Public Relations Director at Monroe County Civic Theatre
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2006
Press releases, grant writing, posters and logo design for 20th anniversary.
Writer/Author at Spencer Evening World
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
Wrote a children’s book Oliver Crumb and the Keys to Atlantis (serialized).
Theatre Manager at Nashville Follies
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Maintenance, cashier, box office, concessions, deposits; poster design.
Third Key Manager at Suncoast Video
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 1998
Maintenance, inventory, ticket pricing, cashier, deposits, scheduling.
Theatre Manager at Cinema 67 Drive-in
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1999
Maintenance, inventory, cashier, box office, concessions, deposits, and scheduling.
Theatre Manager at Tivoli Theatre
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1999
Maintenance, inventory, cashier, box office, concessions, deposits, and projectionist.
Festival Director at National Audio Theatre Festivals (Hear Now Festival)
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Directed the Hear Now Festival (2021–2025), overseeing programming, partnerships, and festival operations.
Adjunct Professor at Ivy Tech Community College, Department of Communications
August 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Taught courses in communications and related disciplines.
Adjunct Professor at Indiana University, Department of Telecommunications
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Taught courses in telecommunications and related topics.
Member-at-large (Board) at MCCT
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
Board member contributing to organizational governance.
Playwriting Teacher at BAAC at Jon Waldron Art Center
January 1, 2003 - Present
Winter session playwriting instruction.
Third Key: Manager at Suncoast Video
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
Managerial responsibilities including maintenance and inventory.
Videographer at WTIU/WFIU
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1988
Videography for promotional and educational materials.

Education

MS in Telecommunications Production at Indiana University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
BS in Theatre and Creative Writing Minor at Indiana State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001
Master of Science in Telecommunications Production at Indiana University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor of Science in Theatre (Creative Writing Minor) at Indiana State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001

Qualifications

Steadicam operator/trainer
January 1, 2013 - May 2, 2026
Steadicam Operator/Trainer Certification
January 1, 2013 - May 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Telecommunications, Non-Profit Organization

Skills

Experience Level