TPS Tonight

Join hosts Jimmy Shields and Alexandria J. Henderson in their segments "Pop Topics," "Show Some Love," and "The Kids Wanna Know" to see what they have to say about the week's events in this part live podcast, part late show.

Have questions for our hosts or special guest? Email tpstonight@tpsonline.org for your question to be answered live on the show!

Joining Jimmy and Alexandria this week is special guest Russell Brooks.

Russell Brooks (Southern Cheyenne) is the Executive Director of Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre. Russell has spent the majority of his life among his Cheyenne people in Montana but has made the Greater Puget Sound area home since 2011, enjoying the artistic vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest.

Russell attended Montana State University-Billings and received a degree in Organizational Communications and Native American Studies (2000). He worked with Northern Cheyenne tribal youth for years before making his way to Seattle.

Russell comes to Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre after spending five years with the Quileute Tribe as their Events Coordinator. Russell also managed the development of the Quileute’s Tribal Youth Program and guided construction of the Quileute Teen Center.

Russell has long been invigorated by theatrical performances, taking several theatre based classes in college and attending plays wherever the opportunity presented itself.

Russell was inspired at a young age to pursue filmmaking as long standing detestable Hollywood stereotypes he were being shattered by films such as ‘Powwow Highway’ & ‘War Party’, films shot in Montana during his early teens.

Russell is also a filmmaker and became a founding member of the award-winning Olympia Film Collective in 2012. He now serves on its Board of Directors.

Russell made a practice of scouting local theatrical plays for possible actors to include in upcoming films he produced and/or directed, believing strongly film’s best actors often come from theatrical backgrounds.

Russell wishes to continue creating opportunities for Native artists and actors in the performing arts, as well as for Native storytellers to unleash their creativity across mediums, blending opportunities to tell their stories and finding the necessary support to bring their vision to the greater public.

Want to learn more about Red Eagle Soaring?

• Visit their website at www.redeaglesoaring.org/
• Check them out on Instagram @redeaglesoaring or Facebook at www.facebook.com/Red.Eagle.Soaring
• Listen to the RES podcast interview with Nonprofit Luminaries at nonprofitluminaries.com/res/

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