Andrew McIlroy

“While studying with Andrew, we’ve delved into the technique, stamina, and discipline necessary to work in the Film & Television industry. But more importantly, under his instruction, I’ve developed a curiosity, a hunger, for understanding why people are the way they are, and do the things they do. Compassion for the human spirit has led me to deeper character development and the ability to be open and emotionally available for my fellow actor.”

“Andrew taught me that the imagination is without bound and the more you explore its vast landscape the more colourful your world will become. He taught me that simplicity is never simple and that the ability to observe is a gift that must be exercised. Andrew teaches in colour, in action, in sound, and music, and personal stories. He makes his lessons moving and individual. Your vulnerability and desire for discovery are expected. You must work hard and bring your willingness to every class. He wants to prepare you for the audition - the job, but beyond that he wants you to leave class curious and on the hunt for something new.”

“The very first time I was taught by Andrew, I left the room feeling like a door had been opened; I saw that a world of possibilities, of life, information, and emotions, all lay within the text of a script. His enthusiasm, wisdom, love of the craft, humour, raw honesty and creative guidance have helped me in an incredible way throughout my past few years’ journey as an artist and as a person. I believe wholeheartedly that he has been one of my greatest supporters through some of my toughest times. He is truly an extraordinary mentor; he will keep you telling stories to the deepest truth and calling you out when you have further to go. Studying with Andrew will help you to realize your full potential as an actor, and to gather the courage to keep reaching it.”

“I know Andrew Mcllroy as a teacher, coach and a working actor. I have been invited several times into his classes and workshops and have seen first hand how well trained his students are. The students love his candor, humour, passion and wealth of knowledge. Andrew helps his students develop skill with confidence and his enthusiasm and love for the craft is instilled in all of them. Andrew is a gifted working actor who always delivers strong, creative choices in the auditioning room which makes him such a great coach. I never hesitate to bring him into my casting sessions. I not only like Andrew as a person, I respect him and his knowledge. He is a gem and such a pillar in our film community.”

“In my opinion, Andrew is the best acting teacher in Vancouver. It was a breath of fresh air to find not only a good coach, but one who is also a working actor. Andrew’s vast experience in directing, acting and beyond have given him a keen eye and a sharp insight as to what will work well both in the audition room, and in front of the camera. Andrew’s ability to enforce purpose, wittiness and honesty on any scene brings the art of playing pretend to life.”

“Andrew has helped me delve deeper into my work than I could have ever imagined. His passion for the craft and for artists continues to inspire and push me outside any boundaries I’d set up for myself, that I may strive to reach my fullest potential.”

“I took a series of classes with Andrew as well as one private coaching session and I have to credit him with taking my acting ability to the next level. Before I took classes with Andrew I was going to auditions and doing all right. After taking classes with Andrew both my audition preparation and performances were much stronger.

Despite the fact that he is quite in demand there were a few occasions where he stayed after class and volunteered his time to help me on specific additions. Small gestures like that show that he is someone who cares not only about the craft but also his students success.”

“Studying with Andrew has been a pivotal experience that’s made me a better actor.
He is a truly great teacher who pushes you to your highest standard and then holds you to it.
Once you’re there, there’s no going back.”

“I recently had a private, one-on-one coaching session with Andrew McIlroy. I could not be more pleased! Andrew’s techniques, focus and incisive criticisms were as helpful as they were exciting...No doubt about it...He IS “The McIlroy!!!”

“Studying with Andrew is probably one of the most intensive, eye-opening and rewarding things an actor can do for themselves. He really takes his time with each student and gives them his full undivided attention. He conveys so much insightful and intelligent information, my pen could hardly keep up with him! The amount of things I learned about acting and myself in his classes are astonishing. I truly feel I left his classes stronger than I have ever been before. Thank you Andrew for all that you are!”

“Andrew is the highest standard of acting coaches in Vancouver. I highly recommend any class you can get in, to study with Andrew. He is an elite in the field and will keep at your next highest level in your craft.
It is an honour to have a world-class teacher to learn from and observe at work in-person.
If you’re committed and adventurous you’ll have studied with Andrew McIlroy!”

“I have studied with Andrew and it proved to be one of the transitional elements in my acting career. Not only is Andrew a great teacher who is able to encourage the best performance out of his students, he is also gifted in his ability to convey what adjustments can be made to achieve a scene/scripts’ potential. I will always consider Andrew one of the greatest catalysts in my acting career. Since training with him my ability has facilitated me in booking roles on prominent television shows. I highly recommend Andrew to actors of all levels of experience.”

“When I first started studying with Andrew, I was out of shape and rusty, and it was showing in my auditions. After training with him the first time, I gained lots of confidence and learned to trust myself as an actor. Ongoing studying with him, I feel that I am cruising nicely in the world of acting. Great instructor who creates an addictive type of environment.”

“I truly don’t believe my career would be half as successful if it wasn’t for having Andrew as one of my first teachers. I’ve been blessed to make my living almost solely as an actor with thanks in part to his guidance. His ability to know what colour you imagined your 4th wall as, is admittedly a little creepy but also testimony to his talents as a instructor.”

“After taking Andrew techniques class, I booked 3 commercials, a small role in a movie of the week and a guest star role on Flashpoint. All within a couple of weeks. He is an amazing teacher with incredible insight. I have so much more confidence when auditioning because of his instruction and guidance.
Thanks Andrew.”

“Wow, where do I start with one of my all time favorite people, most amazing and influential teachers, and most loyal and compassionate friend, as well as, personal mentor. I first met Andrew many many years ago in a small classroom in the heart of Gastown where we immediately bonded. One of Andrew’s special talents is his ability to speak the truth to an actor in a constructive way not an offensive or belittling way which gives the actor confidence and technique to improve their skills. Andrew’s “toolbox” so to speak and his constant adjustments only add to the process of achieving your best work in the moment of the class with of course hopes of transporting that into your auditions and career jobs. I could go on and on about one of my most favorite people who has had one of the most successful acting/teaching careers in this city, and is still my go-to person for clean up, coaching, guidance and for me personally a million laughs! I recommend Andrew to anyone who asks the question “what class should I take”. Be it beginner actors or already established actors. Just like a good running car, every actor needs a good tune up once in a while, and just like any young performer starting their career, one needs a positive role model, working professional, and passionate teacher to give them the tools and inspiration they need to step in to this business. I could go on and on about Andrew, but hopefully one day he’ll right that god damned book that he so should, and will give Irene a whole chapter, not to mention a whole chapter dedicated to just the list of names of some of Andrews students who are and have been for some time, on the A-list!!!!! Always, all my love to Andrew!”

“Andrew McIlroy is an accomplished Vancouver actor and director and he is considered by many to be Vancouver’s premier acting coach. I now understand why. Andrew has an ability to communicate on levels that engage you physically, emotionally and intellectually. He is so inspirational in the way in which he communicates, that at the end of every class, you feel differently than when you walked in.

I think it is safe to say that Andrew is so intensely passionate about acting, that it must surely be part of his DNA. Andrew is intuitive, focused and keenly observant, he patiently inspires a change of movement, intonation or focus, that before your very eyes, students become real life fully present storytellers.

If you are serious about acting, then I highly recommend you attend Andrew’s class. You will not only experience a paradigm shift within yourself but also in how you view the world around you. Energized, aroused, inspired, impressed, informed, emboldened, encouraged, stimulated, transformed and moments of enlightenment and all the while, Andrew is there to cheer you on.”