Kelly-Ruth Mercier, a proud Maritimer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, with roots in Eastern Canada and Quebec, boasts a rich cultural heritage.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from Dalhousie University and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of British Columbia, Kelly-Ruth has honed her craft in a variety of mediums, including theatre, film, television, and music.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has effortlessly navigated the realms of fiction and documentary, effortlessly shifting between the comedic and dramatic genres.
As a highly sought-after instructor and acting coach, Kelly-Ruth has worked with numerous individuals, providing guidance and mentorship to help them achieve their full potential.
In addition to her impressive list of credits, which includes stints as an actor, director, producer, and writer, Kelly-Ruth has also gained valuable experience as a visual effects producer.
A recipient of several prestigious awards, including the MPPIA Award, the Director's Guild of Canada (BC) Kickstart Award, and support from BC Film, NS Arts Council, and National Film Board (FAP),Kelly-Ruth is a graduate of the esteemed Women in the Director's Chair Program and the CTV / CWWA Career Advancement Module.
Her films have been nominated for numerous Leo Awards and have been showcased internationally, with broadcasts on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Kelly-Ruth is a regular fixture on juries, having been invited to participate in prestigious events such as the Leo Awards, the Gemini Awards, and the Women in the Director's Chair (WIDC) program.
In 1990, at the tender age of 22, Kelly-Ruth founded the Provincial Drama Academy at the Stephenville Festival in Newfoundland, and has since taught classes and workshops at various institutions, including professional schools, unions and associations, and at the college and university level, across the country.