He had never stepped in front of a camera before. He almost ignored the audition opportunity completely. But when Robert Amaya finally sent in that tape for Courageous, it launched a career that would transform both faith-based filmmaking and his own family forever.
In this inspiring episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with actor, speaker, and mentor Robert Amaya to discuss his journey in faith-based filmmaking and his experience as a Classical Conversations dad. Robert shares the miraculous story of how he landed his breakthrough role in Courageous despite having zero acting experience, and how working with the Kendrick Brothers became a “master class” in biblical manhood that changed his life forever.
What You’ll Discover:
- The incredible “courtesy call rejection” that turned into Robert’s first movie role
- Why working on faith-based film sets with the Kendrick and Erwin Brothers is different from Hollywood
- How Robert’s faith journey transformed from church rebellion to using film as a platform for the gospel
- The void in Christian filmmaking—and what Robert’s doing about it through Join Creators Call
- Practical advice for parents whose kids want to pursue acting (hint: start with children’s theater!)
- Why Robert believes homeschooling through Classical Conversations has given his daughters skills that surpass what he had in 12th grade
- How CC community provides the support system that eliminates parents’ fears of inadequacy
- The Lancaster Film Initiative—Robert’s new nonprofit creating excellence in faith-based films with profit-sharing for all involved
Robert’s transparency about raising two talented daughters in the entertainment industry while maintaining strong family values and a classical education offers both practical wisdom and genuine encouragement. His motto says it all: “Faith, family, and fun.”
Resources:
Robert Amaya’s IMDb – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3892002/
Robert Amaya’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/realrobertamaya
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort:
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online “Experience the CLC” event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.