Richland Parish native Roger J. Timber returned home March 10 to share music, stories and encouragement with local children while performing as his popular character Big Buddy Roger for Head Start students at the Rayville Civic Center.
Timber, a Rayville High School graduate and professional actor, author and entertainer, has spent more than a decade bringing positive messages to young audiences through his children’s entertainment programs. Performing under the name Big Buddy Roger, he combines music, dancing and interactive storytelling to teach preschool-age children about kindness, friendship and healthy habits.
The visit to Rayville was part of Timber’s ongoing tour of schools across north Louisiana.
Big Buddy Roger uses upbeat songs and playful storytelling to capture the attention of young audiences while reinforcing positive behavior. His work includes music, books and online videos, including children’s songs such as Letter of the Day Song and Choo Choo to the Zoo.
One part of his program is what he calls The Big Buddy Roger Way, a routine that encourages children to practice everyday habits such as making their beds, brushing their teeth, eating well, saying thank you and staying active.
Timber created the Big Buddy Roger character with the goal of providing positive, meaningful content for young children.
“I wanted to do something fun to help kids get interested in reading and develop their curiosity,” Timber said. “Everything I do is for the children.”
Timber said returning to Rayville is especially meaningful because he hopes his story encourages young people to believe in their own dreams.
Too often, he said, young people believe growing up in a small town limits what they can accomplish.
“That’s just not true,” Timber said. “I was a kid just like these kids, going to Rayville Elementary and all I wanted to do was be in movies and be on TV.”
Timber is a multitalented actor, author and motivational speaker. A member of SAG-AFTRA since 2008, he has more than 40 television and film credits, including appearances in Law & Order, Young Sheldon, The Lincoln Lawyer and Insecure.
He is a classically trained actor and holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Timber is also a graduate of The American Conservatory Theatre Summer Training Congress and previously performed with the children’s touring company Climb Theatre in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
While with Climb Theatre, Timber helped present educational stage productions about kindness, respect and friendship to elementary and middle school students throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota.
In 2014, he created a children’s book series focused on adventure and friendship, including The Adventures of Relle and Ellis: The County Fair, The Adventures of Relle and Ellis: The Big Fish Tank and The Adventures of Relle and Ellis: Grandma Cherry’s House.
Videos and content featuring Big Buddy Roger can be found on YouTube at @BigBuddyRoger.
