TEACHING ARTIST
Acting. Filmmaking. Storytelling.
Robert X. Golphin brings professional screen experience and an extensive background in teaching, coaching, and mentorship to his work with youth and adults. Through hands-on acting and filmmaking experiences, he helps participants build confidence, make thoughtful creative choices, and develop their voices.
Introduction to Acting for the Camera at PhillyCAM
Workshops, Coaching & Guest Sessions
Acting for the Camera
Hands-on sessions for young performers and adults exploring listening, eyelines, marks, framing, scene work, and taking direction.
Private Coaching, Consulting
Individual guidance with scene preparation, on-camera performance, and the development of creative projects.
Filmmaking/Collaborative Storytelling
Programs that guide participants through developing stories, performing, filming, and working together on a production.
Guest Lectures, Screenings & Talkbacks
Conversations about acting, filmmaking, career development, and the choices behind a finished film.
Sessions can be adapted to participants' ages, experience levels, and the goals of the host party or organization.
A Practical, Collaborative Approach
Robert connects acting and filmmaking through an adaptable approach grounded in the creative process. He guides participants from initial ideas through development, experimentation, and revision, tailoring instruction to their interests, experience, and goals. His teaching encourages questions, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of how each contribution shapes the finished work.
Selected Teaching Experience
Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre Film Camp
Across nine summers, Robert has guided young filmmakers through collaborative short film production. Participants develop stories, perform, and explore the narrative and documentary filmmaking process, with some returning as alumni mentors.
In this featurette, Week 2 participants are hard at work on a sci fi thriller and a neo-noir supernatural detective mystery.
Community-Based Filmmaking
Through a program with First State Community Action Agency, Robert has worked with young people ages 7-18 for three years on collaborative storytelling and hands-on production, helping participants build creative confidence and technical skills.
High School Actor-Filmmaker Workshop
In a multi-week workshop, Robert guided high school participants through conceiving, filming, directing, and performing in a short drama-comedy.
Speaking & Mentorship
Robert's engagements include an invited guest lecture with Drexel University's Film in Color initiative, student film competition judging and mentorship, and community screenings and talkbacks.
Professional Background
Robert's acting credits include "The Great Debaters," opposite Denzel Washington, and HBO's "The Wire" and "John Adams". He wrote, directed, and starred in the multi award-winning short films "Chest Candy", "Essential", and "Punch Me".
He holds an MFA in Screenwriting, and a BA in Theatre & Film, magna cum laude.
Bring Robert to Your Program
Planning a workshop, film camp, guest lecture, or screening discussion? Connect with Robert about an experience tailored to your school, arts organization, community program, or individual creative goals.