University
Robby earned his MFA in Directing from Texas State University. As part of his graduate work, he has served as instructor of record for the following theatre and arts courses:
Directing and Devising
THTR 4364: Directing I
THTR 4331E: Devising for Performers*
Acting
THTR 1364: Beginning Acting
Introduction to Fine Arts
THTR 2313: Intro to Fine Arts
(Also coded as ART 2313, DAN 2313, and MUS 2313.)
*Courses developed
Devising & University programming
Robby’s MFA thesis project involved developing and teaching an undergraduate course in devised theatre that guided students through a collaborative process to create an original performance piece. The course culminated in the creation of a new work, titled Resucitó, which premiered in the Texas State University’s 2025-2026 main stage season.
Rooted in ensemble-driven creation, Robby's devising course equips students with tools to collaboratively generate original theatrical works grounded in personal experience, academic research, and visual storytelling. The process emphasizes experimentation, rigorous feedback, and the integration of acting, directing, and design to shape fully producible plays. His goal is to bring this model of collaborative creation into broader university programming, providing students with opportunities to see their devised work fully realized in institutional production calendars.
Workshops & Community
Robby is a community teaching artist based in Austin, TX, specializing in movement coaching, coordination, and physical theatre creation. With over ten years of experience, he has led numerous workshops focused on ensemble training, devising new work, and developing ensemble-generated choreography. His practice is informed by The Viewpoints framework (developed by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau) and Stanislavski’s Active Analysis, alongside a rich foundation of techniques and explorations gathered from extensive study and participation in workshops with the Lecoq technique (Movement Studio Theatre), Michael Chekhov psycho-physical acting (NMSU & National Michael Chekhov Association), Open Canvas (Pig Iron Theatre), and Theatre of the Oppressed (Paramount Story Wranglers).
To inquire about booking Robby for your next theatre project, email robby.sciortino@gmail.com or visit the contact page here.
Student Reviews:
“His passion for the art fueled his creativity and allowed for the workspace to feel active all the time.”
“I loved the constant movement and work we did- never any off days- just always putting pen to paper and feet to the stage.”
- Students from Texas State University
TH 4331E | Devising for Performers“My love for acting was reignited due to Robby's enthusiasm and encouragement in this course.”
“The safe environment that Robby created in the classroom was greatly beneficial to my performance in his class. I felt comfortable, which allowed me to play and explore during exercises that normally would have made me feel self-conscious.”
“Robby was very authentic in his interactions. His approach to lectures, assignments, and the feedback he provided showed his passion for the subject matter.”
- Students from Texas State University
TH 1364 | Beginning Acting“Robby was very engaged with the material and fully invested in what he was teaching. Overall, I think his approach to teaching the fundamentals was new and interesting and helped us understand how to direct.”
“I think experiential learning is the best way to learn. We were always getting up and working with our classmates… and I appreciate that we got a class to figure out our instinctual approach to directing, and to have a place just to mess up and figure ourselves out.”
“Probably one of my favorite courses I've had during my time here.”
- Students from Texas State University
TH 4364 | Directing I