Joel Mercier, a native of NH, received his degree in Music Theatre from the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, CT. He then moved to New York City and pursued a career as a professional actor & musician. While in NY, Mercier's love for all aspects of musical theater led him down many different paths, working professionally as an actor, director, singer, vocal coach, pianist, music director, composer, arranger & copyist of sheet music.  Mercier has worked all over the country at summer stocks, regional theaters, and even a national tour covering a dozen different states. He has worked at numerous nationally recognized theaters including the Goodspeed Opera House in CT, Northern Stage in VT, Idaho Shakespeare Festival in ID, Great Lakes Theater in OH, the Palace Theatre in NH, American Music Theatre in PA, and both the Westbeth (Off-Broadway) and the Nokia Theatre Times Square in NYC.

In 2008, Mercier returned to NH to begin work at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London, NH as both the Resident Music Director and Artistic Associate, positions he held through 2013. Planting roots in NH, Mercier continued to build ties with local establishments such as Dartmouth College, the Palace Theatre, and the NH Theatre Awards Association, while still traveling as a freelancer during off time.

Mercier is currently the Artistic Director of the NH Theatre Factory, a small company in NH dedicated to bold interpretations and new works, a regular Music Director for both the Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise, ID and the Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, OH, and guest Director at Saint Anselm College. Mercier's production of A Christmas Carol can be seen annually at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH and other works continue to be performed throughout New England.