Faculty Profile: Russell Longtin
After 35 years in the theater and 195 productions, he still follows the advice he gives his students: "Do not ever, ever give up your passion." As the eldest of 15 children, Russell Longtin was encouraged to pursue another profession. "But my parents raised me to be stubborn, and I refused to give up on theater." He obtained a Ph.D. in acting and directing from the University of Michigan and then worked in New York. He grew weary of city life, so he pursued college teaching and, along with it, directing and acting in campus plays. "It's the smartest thing I ever did," he says. He also performs in community and professional theater.
Russ feels fortunate to work at Johnson State College. "We have small classes that allow professors to do personal one-on-ones with students, and an administration that is very supportive of the arts." His teaching style is, well, theatrical. "Each day, each class, each assignment is a performance. I walk in and perform for an hour and twenty minutes. I like to get the class involved. Lecturing is way out of date."
A devoted father and grandfather, Russ enjoys cooking and character-driven movies.
