Actor | Music Producer | Songwriter | Composer
Jermaine Risby, also known professionally as JayRr, is a multifaceted artist whose career spans the stage, screen, and digital music frontier. Born on an Army base in Concord, MA, before moving to Hartford, CT, Jermaine's lifelong passion for performance began with church choir at age seven and the cello shortly thereafter—an instrument he has now mastered over two decades.
Stage & Screen Career
Jermaine’s formal training began at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where he studied cello and musical theater under the mentorship of Broadway veteran Carolyn Kirsch. He continued his studies at Central CT State University, earning a degree in Music Education, and refined his acting craft at The Hartford Conservatory.
A SAG-AFTRA eligible performer, Jermaine has built an extensive theatrical resume with standout roles including:
Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar
Roger in A New Brain
Hud in Hair
Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime
Mitch Mahoney in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
El Gallo in The Fantasticks
In film, he has appeared in productions such as Rush Hour 3, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Bratz: The Movie.
Music Production & Playwriting
Beyond acting, Jermaine is a prolific composer and producer through his brand, JayRr Music, and his virtual music label, Blueprint Entertainment. He is a forward-thinking creator who manages AI-driven talent, including the girl group IDEAL Girls and solo artist Kian.
As a playwright and composer, he is currently developing two major original works:
Songs of a Re-Wired Man: A one-man musical revue exploring identity.
Mid-Life Adjacent: A musical focused on the millennial experience.
Artistic Style & Skills
Jermaine’s musical style is deeply influenced by the complex, character-driven works of Stephen Sondheim, Michael John LaChiusa, and Adam Guettel. A true "Bari-Tenor" with a diverse skill set, he is an accomplished cellist, trombonist, and tubist. Whether on stage or in the studio, Jermaine is dedicated to exploring themes of resilience and authenticity.
