Testimonials.

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The support that the centre gives, infrastructure the Centre provides makes the process so much easier & more tangible that has been my experience relationships John has b/c of career in industry. The collaborative nature of it all. Opportunity to work w/ the teens & the young company at the summer teen camp gives whole sense of essential continuity.                                                                                                           

Matt Hilliard-Forde


I commend your organization for their continual pursuit in establishing and supporting the artistic community. It is organizations such as yours that make Toronto the thriving theatre and film centre that it is.                                                                                                                                                                 

Evert Houston


You are such a wonderful coach in so many ways, I feel very much indebted to you.                     This sure is one spiffy Centre.                                                                                                              

Joslyn Rogers


Thanks for such a quick and encouraging response, John. Really.

And for the great word of advice on status.

Phil Van Martin

That feedback means a lot. Film and tv is my primary focus…I'm glad that your class is providing a great playing field. I'm really enjoying it and love any advice and feedback! I enjoy and crave that practice.

Jeremy Walmsley

The idea of Centre for the Arts is a coming of age of the Toronto arts community. I am delighted they are offering programs for young people as they are our future.                                                      

Michael Levine, Partner Goodmans LLP


Thank-you for your kind words.                                                                                                                 

Robyn Thaler Hickey


I have to say that I've met many teachers in this performing arts corner of the city but none have had a fiercer commitment to the urgency of the arts in an often circumscribed democracy, and to the highest standard of professionalism and achievement in those he continues to teach, those who aspire to make this pursuit their life's work. A great example to the actors of tomorrow to be sure.                    

Patrick Garrow

Your guidance and encouragement has changed me in so many ways. I do feel dignified, and courageous!

When I arrived to set this week, I approached my work with a calm and professional demeanor. I found myself utilizing many of the techniques we have worked on together. It's amazing how so many little things add up!

Alexander Yetman

Thank you so much your class was great and challenging. Exactly what I needed at this stage of my career.                                                                                                                                        

Dwain Murphy

Well, I booked the lead in a movie! A small Canadian independent thriller but a decent budget and a great role to play! Just wanted to share the news as I was auditioning for it during your class. 

I really enjoyed myself in your intensive. You're a WONDERFUL teacher and I learned a lot about what I need to work on as an actor and what I like about myself as an actor. Looking forward to the next time we can work together. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.                                           

Michelle Mylett

Just let me say that your email was one of the most touching I have EVER read. Thank you! Emails are so often slopped together and sent without attention to spelling or grammar or context, but yours was most thoughtful and very well-written! That you would not only read my book, but also send such a great message means a lot to me, John. Perhaps I don't say it enough, but I've always had a deal of respect for you and everything you've managed and are still managing to accomplish. It's not easy to spend a lifetime in the Arts....but let's not forget how you're giving back too - teaching, passing on what you know to young actors. It's something, trust me. It's Huge.         

Darren Hynes, Novelist and Actor

Thanks so much for the thoughtful message, I was really happy with my progress so far, you have brought me a long way. The hunt for an agency continues…
You will be the first person to know if I get something.

Jesse Warfield

I both respect and admire you as a coach and an industry professional…                                           

Calvin Desautels

I was just telling my mom actually how I feel like this class is going to be something extraordinary and really quite wonderful for me.

I knew "getting back into training" would be challenging, but I am at a place where I feel I am ready to move past some of those false beliefs you talked about today. It was just day one, but boy oh boy I learned so much from you…that I feel on fire with what's developing, and I'm looking forward to what the picture will look like at the end of it all...

Thanks for your words of encouragement,

And your phenomenal teaching...

You inspire me greatly and give much profound thought to this crazy wonderful thing that we do.

Raven Dauda


I was highly impressed by the organization of the Centre and the enthusiasm of everyone involved.  A supportive working environment was created from the first day of camp and the teens felt comfortable to explore and work together in collaborative groups without any prompting from the staff.                                                                                                                                                         

Adrienne Ferguson, Teacher Candidate, Queen's University


You are a splendid teacher.
Just -- splendid...as in excellent, glorious, brilliant.

Marcia Bennett


Invaluable at this stage. John knows how to ask the questions the actor needs to focus on. Very “real world” coaching and simultaneously personal acting pointers.                                                                

David Lyle, CBC Vancouver


I’d love to come back to class. I miss it and thought you were very helpful. Thanks so much for all of your help today.

Mary K

Thank you for providing this space and the opportunities that go with it. It is truly a blessing that I am grateful for. Happy new year! See you in 2007!                                                                    

Angela Desand


He was very demanding and that’s usually what I feel other teacher lack. The course was good too but I doubt it would have been as good with a teacher that was not as sharp as John.

J.J. McColl

Boylan, you are a force of good.                                                                                                             

Terry Haig, Montreal


I just had to email you because I am so excited. I just booked a recurring role on a mini series aaaannd my character doesn't die in the first season so that's cool too. I went to the audition after our first class and the only thing I remember is telling myself to take deep breaths and also to start "somewhere else" before entering, which we had talked about the night before.                                

Rebecca Liddiard


Thanks again for your words last week.                                                                                                                    

Sean Connelly Affleck


A quick note to let you know that the Vagina Monologues went off smashingly!  I did as you suggested and really went for it with the moaning and the audience went CRAZY! I felt like a rock star.. it was a blast. Thanks again for the great notes and coaching!  

Shannon Barnett


That was a great class tonight. You were particularly on and I think everyone left very satisfied with their place in the world.                                                                                                                    

John MacKay


Thank you so very much for hiring me. It was a treat to work there.

Dixie Seattle


Thanks for the note John.... I really appreciate it. As I said before I can't thank you enough for everything. First of all, thanks a lot for the talk this morning. It has really opened my eyes and I'm more determined than ever                                                                   

Jeff E


Thank you for all you do to keep the Centre open, available and inclusive. Your regular communications are most welcome and helpful and I'm hoping that I will be able to get into the city again soon for a workshop or class.                                                                      

Scott Hurst


Keep fighting the good fight, John. All the best for 2007! Lots of good fortune, rentals, and great gigs.                                                                                                                  

Hume Baugh


Hey there, just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous 07. Also, I watched Fever Pitch over the Holidays. Kudo's to Mr. Boylan. Although I have issues with one of the supporting actors effortlessly out acting the main characters. I suppose it's the burden that all Canadian Actors must bear.                                                                                                                                           

RAFF


Thank you for your good work.                                                                                                   

Karen Aline (Skidmore) Taylor


I like our ongoing contact as well. The time I spend in your class lives fondly in the memory bank. I'll never forget the first time you called me in to do a private lesson and I did the scene from Good Will Hunting, and at the end of the scene you said, "Liam, I know exactly the kind of actor you are going to be," and you welcomed me with open arms to your class. Great memories. You run a terrific program there, John. Seriously. Terrific. 

Liam Card

It's Ron, your former student in LA. I always regard you in the highest of light, John. I always quote you here, "You have to go to the end of the board, if you want to play in the middle.”                            

Ron


This camp was a great experience. I learnt so many aspects of filmmaking. This camp made me appreciate all the people that help make a film and not only the actors. I loved the film we produced. The five days were so much fun. Thank you.                                                                                        

Sonja Pullenayegem


Sounds good JB!! Let's keep RoCkIn!!                                                                                                               

PJ Lazic


Thanks John, hope you had a happy new year too.                                                                              

Rachel Gassi


…thank yourself and Centre for The Arts for so generously providing your wonderful space and your loyalty to helping out the low-budget independent theatre group, …that the values of CFA are in the court of community artistic ventures and no profit-making.                                                         

Melissa-Jane Shaw


I just wanted to email you to thank you for organizing such a great camp. The camp was really well organized and interesting. The camp was the best thing I could have done! It made me actually realize that I want to have a career in this field. I especially enjoyed the fact that you had actual people that are in this field talk to us.                                                                                                 

Meghan O'Rourke


Meeting you was fucking brilliant - your passion and enthusiasm to work with young actors blew my mind.  Plus, you willingly gave me a ton of advice and insight which, plain and simple, was damn cool.                                                                                                                                                  

Max Ingrao


…anyway, thank you. you were VERY patient with me throughout and you've taught me the stuff I most wanted to start learning, in terms of truth and fundamentals.                                                              

Matt Lemche


It was great to see you as well. I always appreciate our thought-provoking conversations.

Janine Pearson

I wanted to formally thank you for the time you spent and the comments you made to help me really get thinking about making choices, and, really, how to really tear apart a scene and look at why the characters say what they do. Invaluable, really.                                                                                     So, thank you again. You are a fabulous teacher and a really class individual to boot.                   

Liam Card


The idea of Centre for the Arts is a coming of age for the Toronto arts community.  I am delighted they are offering these programs for young people as they are our future.

Michael Levine

Partner Goodmans LLP (Entertainment Lawyer)


It's good for Teens to have an opportunity like this; start 'em young. I support the Centre for the Arts' activities. 

Joan Hutton

CSC, Past President, Canadian Society of Cinematographers


Thank u ! Those comments are very much appreciated. Looking forward to the opportunity to work with u again soon :)                                                                                                                     

Christine Donato


I just wanted to drop you guys a quick note to say thanks for the use of your centre last Saturday. As for the key deposit, don’t worry about it. Consider it a donation to the centre. So thanks again, and I hope to come down to the centre again soon.                                                               

John Durno


We are delighted that John can make it over to Ireland to work with us. Due to the amount of interest generated in the project, scheduled to run—we plan to run the workshop not only in Galway but also in Dublin.

Fiona Kilkelly, Galway Film Centre

Here are my thoughts as they come

  • Getting to do the work is good for you!

  • It's a great environment to do the work in!

  • The work itself (getting from A to B) is good!

  • The different kind of work you can choose to do at the Centre, is good!

  • The support that you get when working at the Centre is good!

  • Mistakes are encouraged rather than poo pooed on...also good.

  • The people involved with the centre, from the students to the instructors, are good.

  • And the final product of what comes out of the work...is always GOOD!!!     

That's what the CFA means to me...GOOD WORK...in all it's glorious definitions. You want to come back to the CFA to learn, play, and experiment because it is a good place to do so, and that in and of itself - is good!!                                                            

Jameson Kramer

Thanks for everything last month. This was so challenging, and there were definitely mornings that the last thing I wanted to do was come to class, but overall I found it so rewarding. I told Lisa at one point that I felt like I was having growing pains, like I was going through puberty again or something but mentally lol.

I'm thinking I'm going to take the Feb 16 class. I start rehearsals for a play tonight, so I want to get a look at our rehearsal schedule and make sure it doesn't overlap, and then I will let you know by the end of this week.

Kwaku

I wanted to thank you for such a positive and broadening experience.  I really feel that the class allowed me to reinstate my “voice”, and consistently work from a genuine place.  You quickly created an environment where everyone checked their egos at the door and felt safe to explore as themselves.  It was amazing to see everyone in the class quickly open up, letting their natures and personalities colour the scenes in entertaining and unique ways. The intensive process really allowed me to progress and reconnect with myself at a faster pace, while challenging me to work on my weak spots.  The frequent on-camera work focused and reminded me of what I needed to work on in a constructive way.  

Now, what to do next?  The class got me fired up to keep working!

For the time being, I’ll be writing and auditioning (hopefully).  Hope to see you again in the near future, John. And again, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                

Heli Kennedy

Such a lovely artful response to our film...thanks, John! I need to do some acting coaching soon just 'cause I miss it.                                                                                            

Rebecca Davey

My supervisor, John, was very friendly and provided a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere throughout the program. It was my pleasure to work at the centre and am very thankful for giving me such a great opportunity. Thank you John! 

Suzan Paik

The Board of Rasik Arts and I wish you a New Year filled with light, good health, great friends, and increasing wealth. Thank you for being a part of our 2006, and we look forward to sharing the next year with you.                                                                                                                                     

Sally Howard


Thanks John. And the same to you from all of us at Pleiades.                                                        

John Van Burek, Artistic Director, Pleiades Theatre


Masterfully creative and selective to the art of filmmaking, John Boylan (Director of the Centre for the Arts) and Matt Hilliard-Forde (team camp leader) bring together a non-conventional film camp that emphasizes creativity and fun. I believe that the camp is outstandingly successful in creating a great environment for all teens or adults who want to learn more about filmmaking.                                   

Chris Tai


I have had a much different experience as a student in your class--in comparison to other classes that I've taken. …I feel like the environment that you have established in the class is a perfect one for strengthening my own voice....although I don't believe I've even come close to touching that in class.(talk about a goal for the next three weeks!)
I have been quite astounded at times in class by your insightfulness, whether you were articulating something that was nice to hear or not. Thank you for that. 

Amanda Leblanc


Stellar Network UK regularly hosts unrehearsed readings showcasing work in progress by up and coming screenwriters and playwrights. John Boylan inverted this model in an exciting and revelational manner, working closely with the performers to draw out subtleties in the text. …he engaged fully with, and challenged the actors, and in the process maximised the impact of the writing. All agreed it was both a riveting and deeply informative evening. Many thanks!

Claire Geddie


Same back at you John, and thanks for the Centre.                                       

David Ferry


Thanks so much for the confidence you help to instill in my work. Taking this course the past few weeks has had a great effect on me… so thank you very very much!                                  

Kate Corbett


The camp was a fabulous experience! A wonderful open, friendly environment to learn and work in. I felt that everyone learned from each other. The teens learned from me, but I also learned from them, as I learned from the Young Company. It was the funnest time and I really enjoyed it!!! I came into it unaware and just willing to help and it surpassed all my expectations!!! Thank you!                                           

Caroline Lesley


The teen film camp is an amazing way for teens to learn and produce their own films with working professionals in the industry.                       

P.J. Lazic


It was truly a great experience working with you! You are a wonderful coach, a very knowledgeable person. Every time after you explain 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


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

Working with John over the course of one year has transformed me as an actor. His approach to teaching is geared toward the individual, and he has the ability to simplify the process, making everything about the acting. I have a new insight on preparation and performance, and I'm able to feel and see the growth that has developed over this time. Before taking his class, my acting was always the same,  and I couldn't get past certain obstacles, so it became more work and less playful. Now I love going into class (and auditions!), without feeling judgemental about my work. Working with John is a must for anyone who wants to transform their experience on camera.                                                                      

Jacquelene Gagliardi

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

It's rare to find a coach who is as intuitive, encouraging, and specifically helpful to you and what you need. 

Working with John is something I hope to do for as long as I'm acting. He helps you to identify your own perceptions and feelings about the work, and the different blocks you may not even realize you're experiencing. Then you work through them together, and you reconnect to your own power. 

I trust him. He pushes me. The work is targeted and specific to me. He helps me enjoy the work and reclaim it for myself so I can pursue it on my own terms, and celebrate the work I'm doing. 

There is so much unpredictability and rejection within the career of acting. If we don't have a way of protecting and enjoying the work - of deepening and exploring it further - we can be so rocked by the ups and downs. Training with John strengthens my core work as an actor. My base gets stronger, my convictions are clearer, and I'm more aware of what I can do. 

Vanessa Smythe

This was one of the best experiences of my life and I'm not just saying that to be nice. I will construct an email that qualifies this statement and expresses my gratitude.

Marta Bartowski


The Directing Actors workshop with John has been totally an out of the box experience for me, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. His approach to acting techniques sets the Director's mind on a self-empowering tour to take in the Actor's personality, mold it, motivate it and tune it into what he wants for the scene. I recommend John's workshop to Directors looking to explore ways of getting the best out of their own talent and the individual talents of their cast. 

Wael Shentenawy

Dear John,

It’s difficult to put into words the experience I had attending your workshop, as I find words dilute the feeling and sentiments I truly feel. This means I either need to become a better writer or find a way of transmitting my thoughts telepathically. However, since the latter is not an option yet, I will try my best to put my gratitude into words.

Thank you very much for your patience and the guidance and advice you imparted to us. There were many aspects of this workshop that made it special, starting with you and the environment you created for us to play, experiment and grow in. I loved that you were never condescending, patronizing or pedantic in your teaching. You just allowed the thoughts, opinions and insights of others to be expressed and trusted in our intelligence to pick up on subtle hints and clues as to how we can improve. In an industry with so few rules that are often broken and challenged, it was nice that you embraced this aspect and acted as more of a guide than a teacher. You allowed us to be ourselves and embraced our strengths. One of the many things that stuck with me, was when you told an actress to “put herself above the work”, to own her emotional space and rise above the circumstances, the reality.

It was wonderful to be able to work intimately with such a terrific group of actors. They were all very genuine, open, honest, uninhibited and collaborative. It was amazing to see the power of chemistry and collaboration, of everyone being on the same page, working together to make something real, authentic, palpable, relatable, whatever it may be. 

It was also great to participate in the actor’s exercises and put yourself in that vulnerable, emotional place. Furthermore, it was interesting to be directed yourself whilst in that place and see first hand the results effective and ineffective communication produces. I also enjoyed that you had all the directors, direct in front of everyone to replicate the on-set environment. It was great practicing how to tune everyone out and creating an intimate space and environment, where it didn’t matter where we were or how many people were around listening and thinking they could do it better. 

I love that we were able to practice all aspects of directing: auditioning, working the script, blocking, rehearsing and shooting. At each stage we had the opportunity to ride the wave, see the process unfold and mold into something greater and deeper than it began. One aspect I found particularly stimulating was how you always kept us on our toes, thinking creatively and spontaneously by presenting us with pop-up exercises. We all know how to work having prepared, but that’s not always the case and it’s important to accept this ‘new’ reality and make the best of it with confidence, creativity and in a calm, level-headed manner. 

More than anything, I really enjoyed myself at every minute. This is something I have learnt to be contentious of. If you enjoy yourself, hopefully you will inspire others to enjoy themselves, especially in the face of challenges. I was most certainly inspired by everyone at the workshop, by the actors, the fellow directors and most of all by you. Thank you for holding this wonderful workshop and I hope our paths cross again sooner rather than later.

Warmest Regards, 

Marta Borowski


The Directing the Actor workshop was successfully delivered over the April 21 weekend. 

John Bell


I took The Intensive in 2014 and 2015 and both years were such a pleasure. The fact that you're working with the same group for an entire month allows you to get to know fellow artists and their individual and unique essences while stretching and revealing all sides of you.  

Lisa Lau


You should put more content up on FB. Maybe write some things about acting. If you do, actors will know what your classes are like and what you believe in as a teacher. What you are writing goes along with and is a manifestation of  It’s your space. Take your place. You could read one every morning. It is supportive and a good thing to read before an audition.   

Camille Stopps


Totally wonderful! Way to go, Boylan. You are doing all of us proud...xo  

Haig


John! Hope you are doing well. I love how you soldier on. You inspire me. 

John McKay

Thought I would touch base to say ‘hello’ and let you know how much I love your ‘Tips & Insights’! Each and every one is so on point, authentic, validating and then some.
(Yes, you can quote me on that.)

Adrienne Wilson

Nice! Thanks for sending the edited version too.

At Thanksgiving yesterday you came up in conversation I was having with my dad -- one where (relating to this T&I) I was able to stand on my feet and behind the work I do regularly and feel like I was taking my place and owning  being an actor with grounding and level-ness. Terry was saying how much he admired your proactive position in this field, your commitment to and investment in moving our industry forward, and he loves how I've gained perspective on that and began to do the same through mentorship and many years working closely with you. Ain't that kinda everything and awesome to have an outside eye articulate? He did the same in his work-life and has a lot of respect for and sees great value in that. 

Ottawa -- Only tentative dates so far -- but sometime next week -- Wednesday or Thursday, start shooting Friday or Saturday.                                                                              

Camille Stopps

Omg. Great coaching notes. No…correction… “Superb advice.” Clear professional coaching that inspires actors at all levels.                                                                                     

Arne Zaslove

I appreciate your emails!                                                                                      

Laura Kohoot


Yep, I agree. It's MY audition. I try to enjoy them. It's not as much fun doing the self tape. I miss seeing my friends and fellow actors and going into the room and doing my thing at the in person auditions. I enjoyed the adrenalin. They might become a thing of the past. It's not the same buzz doing a self tape.                                                                                                            

Tom Butler


These are great.                                                                                                          

Sarain Boylan


Enjoyed!                                                                                                                      

Alan Florence


Fantastic idea to do this as a series!! Again John, we are so lucky to have you put these inspiring passages and information out for us actors. I really look forward to them ;))

Sincerely,                                                                                                                     

Imali Perera


Thank you, John! I find the job-normalcy approach really useful, and think it makes a lot of sense. I especially see now how I was adding to the situation in some of my lines that didn't really belong. 

I also really value that note on sensitivity, and will work to embrace mine. I like the connection made between the role you've been able to create and sensitivity--I can picture that clearly, and see how bringing that which is natural to you to the role is part of what it's all about.

Thank you again John, really enjoying working together!                                           

Scott Clark