Testimonials on John Boylan, Toronto-based actor, acting coach, teacher and mentor.
“Posted ‘What you have’ on social today —
“It’s such a good one. We spend so much of our lives thinking the answer lives outside of us, but what we have is the answer, is everything, is what makes me, me. And that’s my strength, not my weakness. Distilling that. Recognizing that. Being truthful to that.
“That’s real power and builds conviction. Loved it.”
- Camille Stopps
Read More“I did a self tape audition yesterday after reading your missive. The character was supposed to be about ten years older than me. I have my mother’s cane and used that to influence my posture. It helped. It was my own little secret. I brushed my teeth before I left the house.”
- Tom Butler
Read More“Nice and inspired comments for the students and actors that you are working with.”
- Arne Zaslove
Read More“When I first did my research on John Boylan, I just felt an energy through his website and comments from students, I knew I had to learn from him. I was never able to chanel my feelings to cry through a character and with an exercise he proposed I was able to let those feelings run through my tears for the first time. Mr. Boylan I thank you for your wisdom, teachings, morals and support throughout these weeks, I gain an extra confidence to do well in this industry because of you.”
- Louco St Fleur
Read More“As a new actor, John was able to bring the best out of me. I learned many different techniques that gave me the confidence to perform at my best. Definitely recommend this class for anyone, and I will definitely be back as well!”
- Dylan Rampula
Read More“I really enjoyed the six week on camera course. John was able to open my ability to different acting exercises to help with scenes. He made me comfortable from class one. It was really enjoyable and made me more confident as an actor.”
- Amy Rivard
Read More“Just wanted to say thanks for this course! I walked away with a lot and have a lot to work on but now with a bit more direction. Really appreciated all of your insight and would love to join some more classes.”
- Bronson Black
Read More“Just wanted to drop you a note to thank you again. I have definitely noticed huge shifts in my work since I started working with you:) and look forward to continue learning from you as soon as possible. I am still floored with what happened on my final read on Sunday....I had no expectation of what transpired, and truly got lost within the scene once I was there...I cannot recollect any ‘conscious’ thought regarding lines or reactions...it was all just there...the only thing I can recall was to “pull myself together...quell the tears and keep the scene going!” Quite remarkable to say the least.”
- Helen Holtham
Read More“There is no other acting instructor in this city, and most likely most other cities who is as wise as you; who is as observant as you; who allows himself to be endlessly energized by this form we call Art and Craft, as you...and who will admit to being confused upon occasion.”
- Marcia Bennett, Acting Coach
Read More“Thank you John! Also, I just wanted to share with you a little note my agent sent me about my tape.
‘Chemika, I wanted you to know how good I think your tape is. Just amazing that you did that in less than 48 hours. Really nice work.’
This feels really nice to hear and I know I’m getting better because of my work with you! Thanks again :)”
- Chemika Bennett-Heath
Read More"The way you approach the work was exactly what I needed. I have studied with many different teachers and sometimes I wonder why I didn't find you sooner...
“I really feel what I have discovered since working with you is invaluable. You have helped me trust myself again. The ideas, exercises and philosophy you inspire as you teach are the way I have always wanted to approach my acting. You have helped me to believe in that. You have helped me shift some very old narratives and guided me to free my own voice and creativity in my work. I feel I have built a new foundation within my work to grow from."
-Natalie Krill, The Listener, Below Her Mouth, The Next Step
Read More"That time is always the best.
“I feel the work working. With your guidance I've found myself growing as an actor in ways I can understand. I've begun to think and approach the work in a more detailed and practical way. I love being able to try and practice properly. I am my best self when I am in that room."
- Thalia Kane
Read More"Thanks for everything (your help in my growth, support, patience, the list can go on); I was, in fact, ‘a changed woman’ after The Intensive. I didn’t really start acting until training with John. He helped me experience and understand different characters by ‘dropping in’ to myself; he breaks the walls down between the actor and the character. John understands who I am as a human being first, which enables trust in the environment and therefore allows me to go deeper as the character."
- Lisa Lau
Read More"I wanted to thank you for such a positive and broadening experience. …the class allowed me to reinstate my “voice”… You quickly created an environment where everyone checked their egos at the door and felt safe to explore as themselves. The intensive process really allowed me to progress…"
- Heli Kennedy
Read More“It was truly a great experience working with you! You are a wonderful coach, a very knowledgeable person, every time after you explained the scenes to us, it blows my mind — not only the meaning behind the lines/scenes but also the human behaviours. It really gave me a new perspective in how to prepare the scenes, and also helped me to understand more about people. Thank you for sharing all these valuable insights, it allows me to explore more in acting and in life!”
- Tori Liang
Read More"So, I made it. Still breathing. I think it went really well. I felt their intrigue. I was all there. So present. Got me some laughs and some sorry sighs. Viola was good. I began to hear myself speak a couple of times, but fought back, and re-rooted myself, got back in again. I felt very calm afterwards. Acting is becoming part. You have been endlessly generous with me since I first began at the Centre. Your direction really helped me find the truth in Viola’s words. to show you my work individually. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, support, and superior nature John, I just need to gush a little bit about class. I am really enjoying the work so much and all that you’re having us do. The improvs with the gun and the fairy tale, your ‘I’m looking at you’ … your comments are so insightful and the work in general has been so invigorating. I am forever grateful for the environment you have fostered as a means of exploration. Your coaching is invaluable"
- Joslyn Rogers
Read More"... the workshop for Directors, given by John Boylan this past weekend has been tremendously successful in continuing to develop my skills and experience in working with Actors. John’s generosity and patience, not to mention his lifetime of experience, makes his workshops essential for any Director at any level interested in continuing to develop confidence on the floor. This is the kind of programming I am thankful for ..."
- Terry Odette
Read More“Thank you for this, John! Such great words, reminders, and direction! Looking forward to the next class!”
- Flora Quintus
Read More“I did go to Casting Central before my audition. It was such a great idea. Thank you SO much for your help. You really are a great teacher.”
- Katherine Gauthier
Read More“Another big thank you to you for this unforgettable experience. (Advanced Intensive). I feel like there was almost this... energy over those days.
“Not sure how to fully describe how I’m feeling, but what I can say is thank you: for your kindness, for the safe place to work, for bringing these people together.
“Thank you for helping me learn to speak as an actor and for helping me view my work with new eyes, from another perspective. I’m truly excited by the things I’ve discovered and I want to keep discovering.”
- Alex Weiner
Read MoreJohn Boylan | Toronto Acting Coach
After delivering Directing the Actor at the New York University, Graduate Film School, the National Screen Institute, Winnipeg and for The Directors Guild of Canada this course is now being offered here.
Suitable candidates have a level of previous experience: either …
These are professional track acting classes with practices that meet the actor's needs to work in the film and TV industry.
This course is right for you if: you are committed to being a professional actor; you have some experience in theatre or film; you have some actor training; you recently graduated from theatre school; you have an agent or are actively seeking one …
Using a feature film scene and typical TV scenes you will have time and space to pursue questions that you need to work on. With only one other actor there is a peaceful atmosphere to do detailed work that can most assist you…
These are professional track acting classes with practices that meet the actor's needs to work in the film and TV industry.
This course is right for you if: you are committed to being a professional actor; you have some experience in theatre or film; you have some actor training; you recently graduated from theatre school; you have an agent or are actively seeking one …
This is a one-hour session over Zoom geared to discuss the work in our most recent class.
For years I’ve been frustrated that I don’t get to speak much to the actors …
Working on Zoom this method of recording all the takes while I coach you has proven successful. We keep working, hone the scene, make adjustments …
I can help you make a demo reel and we can schedule it at whatever time suits us both. Please send your photo and resume.
The first step is a one-hour consultation where we discuss who the reel is for, what types suit you, which scenes to do, your hair and wardrobe.
Second step is …
IT'S YOUR SPACE. TAKE YOUR PLACE.
All posted class times are Eastern Time Zone (EDT/EST). A photo and resume must be submitted before registration is confirmed. Scheduled classes and coachings cannot be re-scheduled. If you’re unable to attend you forfeit the time and fee. Make up classes are not held over to future sessions, there are no refunds and money cannot be used towards another class. We reserve the right to change the time, date, and price of our courses.
john@centreforthearts.com
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