Founder/Owner of Sky Bear Media, LLC, Jeff Barehand is a citizen of the Gila River Indian Community, his fatherʼs people, but retains rich memories of years spent growing up on the Navajo reservation, his motherʼs tribe. Opportunity was the driving force behind his parentʼs decision to relocate to Phoenix and the eventual gift that allowed him to find the Arts. In high school he found himself unex
pectedly in the audience of a touring Broadway musical. He was mesmerized by the theatrics and drama of the spectacle and was immediately captivated. Since, he has continued to pursue that palpable emotional sensation that acting and singing allow, that feeling of being alive. Acting classes ensued at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory and a resume began to grow in parts in television, film, and stage. He had a lead role in MSNBCʼs docudrama “Conviction,” was a featured extra in Warner Brothersʼ film “The Visiting,” and originated on stage the musical role of “Stormheart,” in Roger Penycateʼs premiere production of “Laughing Daughter,” in Washington DC. But disillusioned by the lack of and types of roles offered Native Americans, he wanted more. With acting and photography experience, working behind the camera was second nature. He found guidance at the ABC/Disney intensive summer film workshop at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe where he crewed four other film projects and produced and directed his own short film which played at the Native Cinema Showcase in Sante Fe and the Albuquerque Film Festival. Jeff went on to found the Olympia Film Collective (www.olyfilm.com) to help solidify a vibrant and working, local filmmaking community in the Northwest's Sound Sound. He is excited to be working with the OFC to be making professional quality film productions showcasing the local area and its talent. With his help, the OFC was able to win two major awards at the Tacoma 72 Hour Film Competition: Best Film and Best Use of Dialogue. Recently, he was named a 2013 Sundance Institute Film Fellow and will be developing a short film entitled "End of the Road," about the dangers Navajo Policemen face patrolling the vast and remote Navajo Nation, with the Institute's guidance. Jeff is also a Board Member for Seattle's Red Eagle Soaring: Native Youth Theatre, which teaches Native children to find and elevate their voice with confidence, clarity, and strength. Jeff is also excited to announce that he has been cast as Joly in Tacoma Musical Playhouse's production of "Les Miserables," the show that started his lifetime affinity of the musical theatre. Jeff is married to Shana, and together, they have five children. He resides in Olympia, WA.
