PHIL KAUFMANN has been directing since he was in the 6th grade when he staged a multi-media production of the classic radio play “My Client Curly” about a dancing caterpillar. More recently, he has been shadowing directors in episodic TV on such shows as WHITE COLLAR, GREY’S ANATOMY, and CHUCK.

While a student at the Yale School of Drama he directed several plays including the second production ever (after the NY premiere) of  “the dreamer examines his pillow” by John Patrick Shanley. In New York City he directed workshop productions with the award-winning Barrow Group Theater Company and in Los Angeles he has directed and produced with The Echo Theater & The Boston Court Theatre in Pasadena. His previous short films have been seen in festivals and honored at the Filmmakers Alliance 10th Anniversary DGA Gala. As an actor, Phil has appeared in regional and New York Theater. Highlights include working with John Turturro at Yale Rep. & David Straithairn at N.Y. Stage & Film. His television appearances include HARRY’S LAW, THE MENTALIST, and LAW & ORDER.

He is an Associate Chair of the Acting for Film Department of the New York Film Academy (Los Angeles campus), where he teaches in the  AFA, BFA and MFA programs.

He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and The Yale School of Drama.