I’m Douglas Folsom, an award-winning screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker with over 20 years of teaching and mentoring experience. I specialize in creating inclusive, supportive classrooms that welcome beginners while challenging experienced artists, particularly in mixed-age screenwriting and acting for film. Beyond teaching, I produce independent projects through Doug Folsom Films, guide script development from concept to festival submissions, and perform in film, television, and theater. I’m passionate about helping students translate ideas into original short scripts and compelling on-screen performances that resonate with audiences.

DOUGLAS FOLSOM

I’m Douglas Folsom, an award-winning screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker with over 20 years of teaching and mentoring experience. I specialize in creating inclusive, supportive classrooms that welcome beginners while challenging experienced artists, particularly in mixed-age screenwriting and acting for film. Beyond teaching, I produce independent projects through Doug Folsom Films, guide script development from concept to festival submissions, and perform in film, television, and theater. I’m passionate about helping students translate ideas into original short scripts and compelling on-screen performances that resonate with audiences.

Available to hire

I’m Douglas Folsom, an award-winning screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker with over 20 years of teaching and mentoring experience. I specialize in creating inclusive, supportive classrooms that welcome beginners while challenging experienced artists, particularly in mixed-age screenwriting and acting for film.

Beyond teaching, I produce independent projects through Doug Folsom Films, guide script development from concept to festival submissions, and perform in film, television, and theater. I’m passionate about helping students translate ideas into original short scripts and compelling on-screen performances that resonate with audiences.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Instructor, Screenwriting (Mixed Ages) at Lexington Community Education
January 1, 2025 - Present
Designed and taught mixed-age screenwriting courses; introduced story structure, character, dialogue, and scene writing for film; guided students in developing original short scripts in a supportive workshop format.
Building Substitute / Instructional Assistant at Diamond Middle School
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
Taught Grades 6–8, including English and Acting; supported differentiated learning across skill levels and learning styles.
Substitute Teacher at Fiske Elementary School
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Taught K–5 general education classes; adapted lessons for varied ages and classroom needs.
Adjunct Faculty, Screenwriting at Stevenson University
January 1, 2014 - Present
Taught introductory screenwriting for feature films and short films; covered story structure, dialogue, visual storytelling, and writing for TV and commercials; strong student evaluations.
Instructor / Community & Adult Education at Community & Adult Education (Los Angeles & UT)
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2009
Taught adults in educational and community settings; led classes, workshops, and discussion-based learning groups; organized film screenings and facilitated story-based discussions.
Independent Producer, Screenwriter & Actor at Doug Folsom Films
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2012
Produced award-winning short films on limited budgets; led teams of 20–30 artists and crew members; provided script development, casting, scheduling, and festival submissions.

Education

B.A. English & Acting at New York University, Gallatin Division
January 10, 1982 - October 1, 1984
Master of Divinity at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry
September 1, 1991 - May 25, 1995

Qualifications

NYU Screenwriting
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Gotham Writers Workshop
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Harvard Summer School
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Act One
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
ScreenwritingU
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Corey Mandell Seminars
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Private workshop (Janet Batchler)
January 11, 2030 - March 30, 2026
Taught by USC professor

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services