We’re bringing together scholars, playwrights, actors and musicians from our region.

Blood Roots Research Director

Dr. Ted Olson is a Professor of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University, where he has established himself as a leading authority on Appalachian music and culture. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Mississippi and has served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Barcelona. As a music historian, Olson has received multiple Grammy Award nominations and has produced several acclaimed documentary albums of traditional Appalachian music, including boxed sets for Bear Family Records that chronicle historic recording sessions in Bristol, Johnson City, and Knoxville. He produced and curated the 2017 various artists album entitled Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition.

A prolific author and editor, Dr. Olson has published numerous books on Appalachian culture and literature, including "Blue Ridge Folklife" and critical works on James Still. He has served as editor for several prestigious publications, including the Journal of Appalachian Studies, and has written extensively about American vernacular music for Oxford American Magazine and other publications. For over three decades, Olson has also performed traditional Appalachian, British, and Irish folk songs at various educational and entertainment venues, accompanying his singing on guitar, banjo, and dulcimer.

Prof. of Theater Arts, UVA’s College at Wise

Executive Director, Pro-Art

Blood Roots Dramaturg

Michael McNulty serves as division coordinator for the theater program at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, as well as Program Director for the summer Governor’s School program in Theater Arts. Previously Michael has worked as an artistic director for The Invisible Theater Company and a free lance Director and Designer with more than 70 productions to his credit. He has advanced training and interests in Voice, Movement, Puppetry, Mask work, and has performed as a professional magician and clown. Michael trained for three years in Voice work with Kristen Linklater and has performed professionally in Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland and at Busch Gardens in Tampa FL. Michael has directed performing arts departments for two independent preparatory schools and taught theater at Carnegie Mellon and Towson Universities. He has also served in a variety of consulting capacities in technical theater, design, performance, team-building and training. He holds an MFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon and a BFA in acting from Emerson College. Michael is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and is the Executive Director of the Pro Art association.

Director of Programs, Appalachia Book Co.

Natalie is heading up fundraising, program development and podcast production.