Joey Xanders is excited to put her storytelling experience to use while working at Actual Films. Beginning in 1997, Joey was the Creative Founder and Executive Director of The Moth, a non-profit arts organization founded in New York City. Based on the concept of storytelling, Joey developed The Moth from the seed of an idea into the reality of a successful and original theatrical production team. As artistic director, she worked with over 325 performers to create an original twelve-minute story with each artist. Each show was a unique event through the selection of curator, theme and storytellers. Storytellers included authors, actors, and filmmakers such as Frank McCourt, Mira Nair, George Plimpton, Ann Magnuson, Andre Gregory, Laurie Anderson, Tamara Jenkins, Albert Maysles, Buck Henry, Spalding Gray and Patti Griffin. By developing her own working theory on the art of storytelling, Joey wrote guidelines that she used to direct rehearsals, teach storytelling workshops, and train volunteers. She coordinated many programs working with the homeless, disadvantaged youth, psychiatric patients and the elderly. By the end of her reign, Joey had created and produced 72 original shows in 5 years to sold-out crowds and over 20 Outreach Programs in the community. Accolades for the success of The Moth include features in The New York Times (x4), Oprah Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The LA Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Times of London, The Irish Times, Salon, Time Out NY, Village Voice, Poets & Writers and Book Magazine.

Prior to her work at The Moth, Joey worked in San Francisco with a variety of theatrical organizations including Brava, Berkeley Theater Project, and Thick Description.