A True Performer

Portia Murphy is a dynamic, spunky actress, dancer, and singer from Bucks County who fills the stage with bright, positive energy.

The confidence of a true entertainer, Portia instinctively knows how to perform on stage. Her sharp dance moves are what you’d expect from a Broadway dancer twice her age. Portia embraces each role and performs it with masterful perfection. She recently played the role of Marybeth in A Christmas Story at Virginia Repertory Theatre and previously at the Walnut Street Theatre. She clearly stood out.

“Portia Murphy is the real deal.  She sings and dances as well as any kid on Broadway.   She also has a delightful and supportive family.  I am sure she will make a difference in the American theatre as she grows up!”

Chase Kniffen, Associate Artistic Director, Virginia Repertory Theatre

Portia (pronounced “poor-sha”) began singing as early as she could talk, dancing at the age of three, and acting a few years later. Named after the barrister in The Merchant of Venice, her first school role was as Princess in The Emperor’s New Clothes. After seeing ANNIE on Broadway, Portia knew exactly what she wanted to do.  The rest just came naturally and before long, Portia was landing back-to-back roles, including Debbie in Billy Elliot at the Fulton Theatre.

As her mother, I can say that watching Portia develop into a serious performer has been a genuine pleasure.  She commits to every movement on stage.  She consistently delights and captivates audiences with her infectious smile, beautiful voice, and sharp dance moves.  She has phenomenal stage presence that keeps the audience riveted.

You can’t take your eyes off her!

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Acting Training

• New York City
  • Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre (2 summers)
    

    Meisner Teen Studio at the Neighborhood Playhouse Junior School
    Meisner Acting: James Brill
    Acting a Song: Lawrence Rush
    Musical Theatre: Kelly Felthous
    Hip Hop: Eboni Osavio
    Shakespeare: Mollie O’Mara
    Stage Combat: Lee Lobenhofer
    Monologue Technique: Lee Lobenhofer
    Acting for Film & TV: Sasha Eden
    Theatrical Makeup: Heidi Reid
    Playwriting & Improv: Holland Hamilton
    Alexander Technique: Gary Ramsey
    Commercials & Voice Overs: Marc Coppola

  • Heidi Miami Marshall
  • Walker Clark
  • Broadway Artists Alliance
  • The Performing Option
  • A Class Act NY
  • Broadway in the Mountains
  • Denise Simon
• Los Angeles
  • Walter Pridgen
  • Wendy Faraone
• Regional
  • Bucks County Playhouse Youth Company
  • Paper Mill Playhouse
  • Walnut Street Theatre
  • Mill Ballet School

Dance Training

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Modern, Flamenco, and Hip Hop

• New York City
  • Broadway Artists Alliance
  • American Tap Dance Foundation
  • Janine Molinari
  • Broadway Dance Center
  • Joffrey Ballet
  • Thommie Retter
• Regional 
  • CaRu Entertainment
  • Princeton Ballet
  • Walnut Street Theatre
  • Mill Ballet School
  • Elite Dance Academy
  • Debra Sparks Dance Works
  • The Dance Academy
  • Glen Roc Dance Shoppe

Vocal Training

• New York City
  • Magazine Vocal Studio, Badiene Magaziner (3 years)
  • Trapper Felides
  • Bob Marks (Denise Simon workshops)
  • Jeffrey Stanfill
• Los Angeles
  • Maxwell David
  • Sylvia MacCalla
• Regional
  • Paper Mill Playhouse (Karen Notare)
  • Paul Elkin
  • Shelly O’Hara Tapp
• Voiceovers
  • Joanne Joella
  • Steve Tardio