Production team creates educational kids show

Hello friends! I’m Torbee, what’s your name?”

Filmed and produced in Lynchburg, Torbee is a children’s show on YouTube that is dedicated to engaging children in real-world creative endeavors ever since it launched July 1.

Tori Garris, the founder and main actress in Torbee, uses the show to inspire her viewers through dance and creativity, providing a safe space for children to feel loved and encouraged.

“(My son and I) were watching a show that I thought was kind of annoying, overstimulating, and ultimately, I felt like I could do something like this, but … it could be less addicting. It could be less crazy,” Garris said.

The journey of making Torbee went from idea to action as Garris recognized the support system she had around her.

“I thankfully had some friends in my life that were also skilled … like a friend of mine who was a graphic designer and a friend that was a composer,” Garris said. 

Her team includes professionals from a variety of fields. One couple that plays an active role with the Torbee team, Zach and Bryanna Boyd, are Liberty University alumni. Zach Boyd is the director of photography for Torbee, and Bryanna Boyd is the executive producer.

“We met with her (Garris), and … we went and watched some of her videos on YouTube and were like, … ‘Her acting (is) really good. … She definitely has a lot of potential,’” Bryanna Boyd said.

In addition to working for Torbee, Bryanna Boyd works as a teacher at Liberty University Online Academy and is the guard director and choreographer for the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band. Zach Boyd works as a camera operator for reality TV shows and weddings.

“Being a light in (the) world for kids … it’s a cool thing to be part of,” Bryanna Boyd said.

The Boyds agreed that Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ not only strengthened their faith but also encouraged them to step outside of their bubble to be a light for Christ in their careers. 

“Liberty does a great job at teaching people … (that) you want to be an expert and you want to be the best that you can in your profession, but you also want to do it for Christ,” Bryanna Boyd said.

While Torbee doesn’t explicitly cover Christian topics, it does attempt to show God’s love in action. Torbee’s team greatly emphasizes producing wholesome media for children without background agendas or addictive qualities.

“(It) is nice, I think, to be able through Torbee to have our foot in the secular world but also not have to compromise any values,” Bryanna Boyd said.

Torbee is not just for children, though. While the show is directed toward a younger audience, it’s designed for parents too. 

“It’s really about not guilting moms or parents that put screen time on for their kids but being a bridge between screen time and playtime. … We really want to be a resource and a tool that parents can turn to. …When I think of Torbee, it’s something that slows things down in a fast-paced world,” Garris said.

Although the show has gradually gathered a following on its YouTube channel, Garris and the Boyds hope the show will eventually be on TV or a streaming service.

For more information on Torbee, visit www.torbee.tv.

McKinnon is an arts and culture reporter for the Liberty Champion.