andy

Andy currently coaches established actors, models, and aspirant performers wishing to gain training at the UK’s top drama schools. He has an excellent track record, having assisted over five hundred people into much-prized and hard-to-win places. In addition, he is proud to have coached, and launched, the careers of people such as: Vanessa Kirby, (Mission Impossible, The Crown, Pieces of a Woman, Fast and Furious) Emily Blunt, Tom Mison, (Sleepy Hollow, Watchmen) and other upcoming talent such as Viveik Kalra, (Next of Kin, Voyagers, Blinded By The Light) and Michael Balogun, (RNT, RSC, Top Boy, War of The Worlds, Deadline).

Andy started his career as a stand-up comic; this led to acting, writing, and directing, credits for TV and Radio. He shares in a BAFTA award for his writing and performance on five seasons of Short Change for the BBC.

He has been invited to direct theatre, or run master classes, at universities and drama schools; these have included: Mountview, LIPA, E15, The London Studio Centre, Greenwich & Lewisham Young People’s Theatre, Bristol University, Middlesex University, and at the University of Nevada.

He has directed at venues ranging from the Battersea Arts Centre to the Young Vic and Soho Arts Theatre. Andy also directs regularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he has also received several awards, including a Festival Fringe First and Critic’s Choice on numerous projects.

His best-selling book: ‘The Excellent Audition Guide’ is a highly regarded tool for actors and has assisted many people on their creative journeys. Andy makes regular contributions for publications like The Stage and Teaching Drama. He also writes online for Drama UK, Creative Choices, and The Actor Hub.

What other people have said about him.

Vanessa Kirby 2023
I will never forget meeting Andy – I had no idea it would change my life!
I often say to him that he taught me everything I know. So, I have to attribute every success I have had to him, really.
He is so much a part of where I am today, the last few months included. He is one in a million.”

Bella - So I will be playing Patricia Ashbridge for December and January. I just thought I should let you know because you have been incredible in helping me get to where I am today. And I just wanted to say a big thank you. X

Iqura. … you are honestly one of the most inspiring and amazing teachers I have been blessed to study with and I'm so so grateful for your kindness and nurture,

Barney - Unbelievably, I got the part! Thank you so much for all your help, I definitely would never have got it had it not been for your wise words, and amazing help! Never have I had a session which I got so much out of.

Beki - I am writing you to thank you again for the knowledge you gave me the time I met you. I have managed to get big auditions recently and the feedback I have been getting is amazing and positive. Oh yeah, and I got the part at the NATIONAL THEATRE!!! All thanks to you mate!

Article, The Scotsman. (Vanessa Kirby)
I didn’t really know how to go about it,’’ she says, but she remembered a teacher who’d taught a drama course that she did when she was 15 and managed to track him down. “His name is Andy Johnson. There was no bullshit with him. If you were sh#t he’d tell you. I managed to get his number and I went to see him and he worked me so hard. And it meant that I got into several drama schools. I really don’t know whether I would have otherwise.”

“I owe Andy everything.” Johnson had taught Emily Blunt when she was still at school and they had recommended her to an agent. He recommended Kirby to that agent too. “I had a cup of tea with him,” she says. “I think he saw something because he took me on.”

Andy I got recalled to the afternoon!!!! Thank you for your words of wisdom and dealing with my breakdown. I’ll keep you posted. Xx

Zoe - I got through to the next round at RADA! They sent a letter and my dad rang me – no date yet but they said they’ll be in contact sooner to the time. AHHHHHHHHHH. You’re awesome, thank you – honestly could not have gotten this far without you kicking me into shape X (She got in).

Tutoring Experience

Ex-actor and comedian. coach teacher, writer, and director

Tutoring Approach

Andy’s coaching incorporates the usual elements of technique, focus, and release, but equally, he is very interested in helping the performer to find the right, positive head space to allow them to work and rehearse in a creative and inquisitive fashion, without the fear of stress and judgement, which an anxious mind can so easily ignite. Following these principles, actors are at liberty to be in-the-moment and trusting in the free, and creative, journey they have had, in order to get there.