Robert M. Ledingham School of
Theatre, Music, & Film
Programs at the Robert M. Ledingham School of Theatre, Music & Film nurture young artists’ creativity and build skills that benefit them as performers and in everyday life. We see how singing in harmony fosters teamwork, how learning to use your voice builds self-confidence, how imagination is freed when encountering a new script, and how leadership is shaped long before one sits in a director’s chair.
Understanding Our Program Areas
Meet the Artistic Director
A graduate of New York’s prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Andy Toth has dedicated over 25 years to directing, coaching, teaching, and performing in Vancouver and beyond. Andy brings extensive industry experience to his leadership role at Arts Umbrella. His local directing credits include acclaimed productions like The Fantasticks, Assassins, and West Side Story, alongside a notable performance career that includes roles such as Edna in Hairspray and Brian in Avenue Q for the Arts Club. Additionally, Andy has voiced hundreds of cartoons and commercials over two decades.
Beyond the stage, Andy is a sought-after facilitator who leverages applied theatre techniques to enhance personal and professional development. He frequently leads workshops and speaks at institutions like SFU and UBC, as well as for corporate clients such as RBC and FirstWest. Committed to life-long learning and organizational excellence, Andy is completing his MA in Executive Leadership from Royal Roads University, complemented by Graduate Certificates in Change Management and Values-Based Leadership. Andy’s unique blend of artistic creativity and strategic wisdom helps him weave inspiration, innovation, practical skills and empathy – mentoring the next generation of creative humans.
Andy believes that Theatre, Music & Film encourages students to bring their whole selves into the room. “We understand that talent is not something fleeting that some have and others don’t. Instead, talent is nurtured through opportunity, craft, and consistency. With us, students are challenged to move beyond self-concern, using their craft and curiosity to explore the depths of human emotion and experience. Radical empathy lies at the heart of our curriculum and empowers students to tell stories that resonate genuinely with audiences.
Our mission transcends mere teaching. We commit ourselves to nurturing young, expressive individuals, primed to leave their indelible marks on the world with
their unique stories and captivating performances. Join us and discover how your creative voice can indeed make a difference.”
Beyond the stage, Andy is a sought-after facilitator who leverages applied theatre techniques to enhance personal and professional development. He frequently leads workshops and speaks at institutions like SFU and UBC, as well as for corporate clients such as RBC and FirstWest. Committed to life-long learning and organizational excellence, Andy is completing his MA in Executive Leadership from Royal Roads University, complemented by Graduate Certificates in Change Management and Values-Based Leadership. Andy’s unique blend of artistic creativity and strategic wisdom helps him weave inspiration, innovation, practical skills and empathy – mentoring the next generation of creative humans.
Andy believes that Theatre, Music & Film encourages students to bring their whole selves into the room. “We understand that talent is not something fleeting that some have and others don’t. Instead, talent is nurtured through opportunity, craft, and consistency. With us, students are challenged to move beyond self-concern, using their craft and curiosity to explore the depths of human emotion and experience. Radical empathy lies at the heart of our curriculum and empowers students to tell stories that resonate genuinely with audiences.
Our mission transcends mere teaching. We commit ourselves to nurturing young, expressive individuals, primed to leave their indelible marks on the world with
their unique stories and captivating performances. Join us and discover how your creative voice can indeed make a difference.”
Explore Theatre, Music & Film Programs
A Place For Everyone
We acknowledge that for many students, barriers exist to accessing the right care, medical diagnoses, treatments, tools, and/or medication options. Arts Umbrella strives to support students who need support whether they have a diagnosis or not.
The Arts Umbrella’s Bursary Fund also helps young artists experience the freedom of creativity by providing financial support to low- and middle-income families based on financial need.
The Arts Umbrella’s Bursary Fund also helps young artists experience the freedom of creativity by providing financial support to low- and middle-income families based on financial need.
