(Rusty is represented by Avenue Agency out of Nashville).  In May 2011 I was privileged to play the difficult role of “Wayne Bailey” in “Undaunted,” (Moonlit Pictures) a film about the early life of writer and speaker Josh McDowell. Wayne was a source of deep evil in Josh’ childhood, so the role was extremely challenging.  I met Josh two months later (after filming) and he is incredibly gracious and kind.  In November 2010 I finished a very satisfying lead role in “Decision,” a feature film shot outside Nashville with Natalie Grant (I played her dad) , country star Billy Dean (I played his dad-in-law), and a terrific young actor named Michael Rosenbaum (played my grandson).  Great working with gifted Director Tom Makowski and amazing Dir. of Photography Steve Shaw. In October 2010 I enjoyed a role in the moving “Alone Yet Not Alone” (Exec. Prod. Ken Wales). I was a “Rough Frontiersman/Sharpshooter” in this feature shot in the hills of Virginia and Tennessee.

http://www.rustywhitener.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/slideshow.flvA slideshow of selected “Rusty” images.

Near the end of 2008, I enjoyed a small role in a movie called “The Bill Collector,” with Gary Moore and Danny Trejo.

The trailer for The Bill Collector is…
http://thebillcollector-themovie.com

Some background:  after studying Acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, I worked in professional theatre, shows ranging from Florida, Virginia Beach, Oklahoma and Chicago.  In Chicago, my performance genes morphed from Acting to Singing. I started a Country Rock band with my Wheaton College friend Kevin Brown. In Law ‘N Order, I sang lead vocals, and engaged the audience in large rock theaters (Cabaret Metro), prominent clubs (Limelight), and popular taverns (Cubby Bear). Law ‘N Order was probably the only “country band” to ever headline at the noted punk music club “Exit”.

For six Christmases, in full-length productions of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, I played Scrooge to packed community-wide audiences in my home state of Virginia. The best thing about these productions was seeing young actors in my church discover the joy and power of drama. I also wrote, directed, and played Dr. White in a large cast original futuristic drama about religious persecution called “Freedom Crossers.”

God has opened doors for my writing, as it relates to Acting. I won 2nd Place in the prestigious Los Angeles Movieguide Awards (Kairos Prize), beating out scores of scripts from around the world, and garnering (with the other two winners) a full page congratulatory notice in The Hollywood Reporter. My script “Touched,” now called “A Season of Miracles,” is currently in pre-production with Elevating Entertainment, and my novel A Season of Miracles is contracted with Kregel Publications for release in September of 2010.

I view my “Acting trek” as one marker on the map I use to “seek first the Kingdom of God.” That’s a marvelous quest, especially since there is no such thing as “the Kingdom of Rusty.” If there is such a land, purporting such a false Kingdom, I don’t want to live there.