Jay Duffer holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is a professional actor, director and playwright. He has performed in venues ranging from Off-Broadway and New York theatre to regional houses as well as working in industrials and productions overseas. He is an active member of Actor's Equity Association. 

Frequently hired as a comedic actor, some of Duffer's favorite credits include “The Odd Couple” (Felix Ungar), “The Mystery of Irma Vep” (Lord Edgar and Jane Twisden), “South Pacific” (Luther Billis), “The Tempest” (Antonio), and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Hysterium).  His New York directing credits include “Big Girl, Little World” (The Greenwich Street Theatre), “Cratchett Farm” (Dillon's Reprise Room and Upstairs@Red) and most recently, an original one act comedy “Carl and Shelly: Best Friends Forever” at the Lafayette Street Theatre.

For the past few years, he has directed the popular New York-based sketch comedy troupe, Freedumb. The troupe played to sold-out crowds at the 2006 and 2007 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the 2005 and 2006 Toronto International Sketch Comedy Festival and the 2007 DC Comedy Festival.

As a playwright, Duffer's original dark comedy “Big Girl, Little World” had its world premiere at the 2003 New York International Fringe Festival. His newest play, “Asleep in the Arms of God,” was developed by Threads Theatre Company and most recently was accepted to be part of Algonquin Production’s 2008 Reading Series.

From 2004-2007, he served as the executive director of New Works for Threads Theatre Company, a faith-based arts company that promotes and supports Christian writers in the secular marketplace.

His past educational experience includes guest-artist-in-residence for Cumberland County Playhouse's Summer Arts Program as well as teaching positions at the University of Nevada, Community College of Southern Nevada and the Nevada School for the Performing Arts. Duffer served as guest-artist-in-residence and director for Huntington University's 2007 production of “The Glass Menagerie.”

He accepted a one-year appointment as visiting professor of theatre for Huntington University in 2008 and was given a permanent position as assistant professor of theatre arts in 2009.