Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Torrey was destined for “Show Businessâ€. At the age of 4, he was the youngest member ever to be inducted into the Eureka Lodge, the first African American Elks Lodge in the world. By the age of 10 Torrey was well known by US Congressman and the Virginia City Council as “That chubby little boy that can sangâ€. At the age of 14, he was named Exulted Ruler of the Eureka Youth.
Torrey realized his love was for musical theatre at a very young age. Torrey tirelessly looked for opportunities to become more involved in the performing arts community in Virginia. His efforts paid off when he reached agreement with his school principal and the Director of “The Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory Company, the incomparable Mrs. Connie Hindmarsh (best know as the host of the hit children’s TV show Romper Room). Torrey was the first middle school student invited to join this prestigious company. Making a name for himself on stage came easy for Torrey. After landing a leading role in every show he was in both on and off Broadway, & national tours of such noted shows as “Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeleyâ€, “Five Guys Named Moeâ€, “and The Wizâ€, “Once on This Island†and many more. Torrey felt as though he was ready for the big time business side of entertainment! At age 16 he began working for one of the largest theatrical companies in the world which produced, booked and presented Broadway shows, concerts & major events all over the country. Torrey served as Stage Manager for the 2004 World Music Awards and has worked behind the scenes for The Billboard Music Awards, Radio Music Awards, American Idol & most recently the Academy Awards, the 2008 Grammy Awards and many, many other shows. Inspired by his high school performing arts buddy and life long friend Almond Summers, In 2002 Torrey took a leap of faith into Entrepernuialship when he started his own Entertainment Concierge Service, “A Source of Joy Promotions†catering to companies and entertainers looking to access the wonders of Las Vegas. Torrey’s list of clients includes Bill Cosby, Tyler Perry aka “Madeaâ€, Johnny Gill, Patti Labelle, Jet Blue Airlines, Stephanie Mills, David E. Talbert, and Oprah Winfrey just to name a few. In 2004 Torrey launched his latest baby “Torrey Russell & Associates†a production management company that specializes in “Getting Your Show On The Roadâ€â€¦ Torrey has enjoyed touring the country for the past 5 years as Executive Tour Director for poet, playwright, producer, director, actor, best-selling author, social activist, educator, and 3 time Grammy award winner Dr. Maya Angelou.
2008 marked a very historical year for Torrey, after almost 8 years of working for Tyler Perry, Torrey moved to Atlanta to work at the FIRST African American owned film & television studio, the Tyler Perry Studios where he is presently employed as the Executive Assistant to Tyler Perry. Still continuing his work with Dr. Angelou, Black Entertainment Television, The Virginia Arts Council, producing, directing & teaching performing art in 3 different states, Torrey continues to push for youth arts education & outreach on a daily basis!
I believes that “It is my love & hope for future entertainers that inspire me from day to day, knowing that through teaching & passing on the gifts that Gods has blessed me with…that this wonderful world of entertaining will carry my spirit for generations to come†B-Blessed!!
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