Bruce Arnston

Bruce Arntson was raised outside of the rural Minnesota farm town of Pelican Rapids where, at the age of eight, he studied piano for one year with Jean Cruise, the fire chief’s wife. He moved to Nashville in 1979, where he led a series of bands, combining his original blend of rock, R&B, and theatrical excess, often performing each song in the guise of a different character. Bruce was tapped by the producer and director of the Ernest franchise to write thematic songs for the Emmy-winning kids’ show Hey Vern, It’s Ernest. During his unintentional foray into film and television, the Ernest productions became his training ground for film scoring (Touchstone), television writing (Saturday Morning CBS) and screenwriting (Ernest Goes to School). Along the way, he wrote, composed, and performed for/with Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Tennessee Dance Theatre, and Dark Horse Theater, among others. In 1999, Arntson co-wrote (with Coke Sams), composed songs and score, and starred in the popular cult musical feature film Existo, based on his stage act, which won numerous “Best Feature” and “Audience Choice” awards on the festival circuit. Currently, Bruce also starred in the critically acclaimed country music satire The Doyle and Debbie Show, which he also wrote, composed, and directed. The Doyle and Debbie Show won two Joseph Jefferson Awards for “Production of a Midsize Musical” and “Actor in a Principal Musical Role.”