N. E. Actor Profile: Morgan Murphy

By Lori Murphy

“Morgan Murphy is a director’s dream, in large part because he embraces the process so heartily from all sides. I’ve always believed that every actor should study writing, every writer learn about directing and every director should take an acting class. Morgan has done it all and done it well and takes it to the next level as well as being an excellent teacher.” Ernest Thompson, Oscar winner

Morgan Murphy is a vibrant combination of talent, intensity and complete and utter joy in everything he takes on. He is fearless, determined and lives for the moments in life that make great stories. One of Morgan’s best tales is how his friendship with Sanford Meisner began. Morgan was in Los Angeles for a few days auditioning for graduate schools, took a bus to Meisner’s house and knocked on his front door. He spent that day with Sandy and his friends and months later Morgan studied with Meisner at his home in the Caribbean.

Morgan not only got the best acting training possible there, but he gathered many stories about the locals and their customs, found his way onto Radio St. Vincent and Island TV and played drums with local bands. He also somehow arranged regular private lunches with the legendary Sandy to talk about…..acting.

Today, Morgan wears many hats: he is also a producer, director, teacher, and musician. As co-founder of Whitebridge Farm Productions with Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson, he has produced and acted in several films and plays, involving over 800 people. He teaches his popular Whitebridge classes, Acting For The Camera and The Artists’ Workout, and he’ll leverage any project he gets his hands on to give those students opportunities. His students can be found right now in films around the world as well as on Broadway. He has consulted with Schools from South Korea to New Orleans regarding their arts training programs and is currently helping develop film programs at Plymouth State University and St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. The list goes on and on.

Morgan’s infectious spirit and tireless nurturing of other people’s creativity, not to mention their confidence, courage and curiosity, is more than moving; it is life-affirming.

“Morgan Murphy can teach acting to anyone at any level of experience because his own experiences are so wide and comprehensive. Best acting teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure and benefit of working under.” – Jeff Tolstad

Lori Gigliotti Murphy is a co-founder of Whitebridge Farm Productions.