Neal Hemphill

Neal Hemphill is a long-time actor who is now a director, screenwriter, and producer. He has worked in Hollywood and independent features, television, and short films. In addition, he's worked on stage in 33 states and 3 foreign countries. Neal grew up in Pittsburgh where he was the 4th generation to work in the steel mill in Tarentum, PA. A high school footballer, he went on to Penn State where he acted in mainstage productions throughout his four years there. After a year in Denver, he returned to Pittsburgh where he acted in numerous stage productions and a few films as he geared up to head to New York City. Studying at HB Studio, Neal began working off-off-Broadway, which led to producing himself in the solo show "The Fever," written by Wallace Shawn. Neal was the first actor granted rights to the play after Shawn stopped performing it himself. Doing avant-garde theatre work led in a roundabout way to securing an agent, and in no time Neal found himself on tour as Officer Krupke in "West Side Story," a career change of epic proportions. Upon returning, Neal began booking film and tv roles, and more theatre. Later, he had the distinct pleasure of reprising the Krupke role at the great La Scala Opera House in Milan. The last few years have seen a commitment to screenwriting, directing, and producing, in addition to acting. His short films have played in multiple festivals. An ongoing commitment to the Writing/Directing Lab at the Independent Film School has created an involvement with an extraordinary community of committed and talented filmmakers.