Interview with Canadian actor Andrew Phung
Andrew Phung Biography
“You learn by failing” is the philosophy taught to Andrew at a young age. Born and raised in the Northeast
of Calgary, Andrew is a unique character with a full tank of energy. While attending Bishop McNally High
School, Andrew became a volunteer at the Loose Moose Theatre Company (LMTC). Taken under the
wing by many of his improv heroes, Andrew developed a love for the stage. To him the theatre was the
one place where he fit in and could be himself. It is at the Loose Moose Theatre where Andrew learned to
fail and to get back up again. Through failing, Andrew learned and has adopted this philosophy in
everything he does.
Fourteen years later, Andrew continues to perform at the Loose Moose Theatre Company as a Senior
Performer and Instructor. He’s taken the opportunity to mentor young improvisers and be a positive
influence in their lives. Improvisation is a form of theatre that is limitless. He believes that by teaching
young people how to improvise, you teach them to think outside of the box.
Andrew consistently teaches at various high schools and junior high schools around Calgary. Since 2010,
Andrew has been a resident artist at Central Memorial High School where he teaches improvisation to
their PVA Performing Arts Program. This long-term residency has allowed Andrew to develop a unique
and engaging style of teaching. His approach to teaching improvisation to youth is to draw upon what
interests or matters to them. “When you connect the art to the student, you bring the teachings to life,”
says Andrew.
Andrew is a graduate of the University of Calgary (BA
Econ) and is currently the Director of Special Projects at Youth Central. His job allows him the opportunity
to speak to and work with young people. From 2008-2015 Andrew has spoken/presented to over 22,000
students. Andrew speaks on the topics of volunteerism, community engagement, and youth voice. Each
time Andrew presents, he looks to develop a connection with the students through honesty and humor. In
2011, Andrew presented a Ted Talk titled “The Obvious Secret to Engage Youth”. In 2012, Andrew won
the inaugural SVP Fast Pitch Calgary event. He pitched a youth friendly project, which won the top price
of $25,000 for Youth Central.
In 2009/2010 Andrew was a featured host on the television series “Drafted” presented by the Score
Television Network. From 2009-2012, Andrew was a member of the comedy sketch group Sciencebear.
They produced numerous comedic viral videos and content for The Calgary Flames, The High
Performance Rodeo, and Village Brewery.
Since 2012 Andrew has hosted large stages at the Calgary Stampede. This includes the Bell Adrenaline
Ranch and Enmax Coral Show. Each summer, Andrew entertains over 100,000 visitors to the grounds.
“As a Calgary kid, there is no greater honor than to perform in front of your home town on the biggest
stage possible”, says Phung. Andrew is an in-demand emcee throughout the year having hosted events
for numerous non-profits, The City of Calgary, and Telus Spark. He brings an off-the-cuff comedic charm
to every event he emcees.
Andrew is a fixture on the local improv scene playing alongside Renee Amber. Their duo, Past your
Bedtime, runs a weekly show on Fridays at 10:30pm at the LMTC. Andrew can also be seen playing
alongside numerous other improvisation groups including the Kinkonauts, Mixtape, and Chico. As always,
you can see Andrew perform at the LMTC on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
In 2009, Andrew was named one of Avenue Magazines “Top 40 under 40”. Also, Andrew has been voted
“Best Local Actor” (2013 and 2014) and “Best Local Comedian” (2014) by FFWD Weekly.
Andrew can currently been seen on the television “Let’s Talk English” (Spotlight Productions) airing on
OMNI Sundays at 5pm and 5:30pm (MT). Andrew is currently writing and starring in “Cowtown Sketch”
(Nur Films) which will on Telus Optik in 2015.
The Email Interview March 20th 2015
Hey Peter,
I hope all is well buddy! Thanks for asking me, I'm happy to help. Here are my responses:
1. Please provide a brief history of your families' immigration story relating to Canada
My parents actually met in Canada. My dad and 2 of his brothers tried to escape Vietnam in the late 70's.
They were caught and my grandmother had to get them out via trades in the Black Market. They got out
and attempted escape again. This time they made it out. They were eventually sponsored and made it
over to Saskatchewan. My dad soon headed to Calgary to meet up with a friend who never showed up.
Instead my dad met some other Vietnamese immigrants and lived with them. The community was very
tight in the early 80's, constantly supporting newcomers. My mom was sponsored to Canada via family
members who had escaped and arrived years earlier. One night my mom's brother had a card game at
their house. My dad came to play cards and ended up meeting my mom. In total my mom has 13 siblings,
my father has 12, all of them made it to Canada. They are the Canadian dream, came to Canada with
nothing. No money, didn't speak the language, and now everyone calls Canada home because of the
opportunities they received.
2. Growing up in Calgary/Canada did you feel that ethnically you were represented through the
media (television)?
I never truly felt like I was represented in the media. Yes, there were Asian newscasters for the news but
rarely were there relevant television characters. I can think of 2, Yik from Degrassi Jr High, and Harry
from Full House. Both were bit characters but they were my people. Over the years Asians ended up
bring the stereotype. Even now, I can't think of an honest Asian character on television that isn't there for
comedic relief or IT support.
3. What would you reflect on today's representation?
I think it's getting better. Fresh off the Boat is an amazing new TV show that totally hits close to home. I'm
so impressed that they cast Asians to play Asians. I think you're seeing more of it happening in movies,
but it could use some work. It's crazy to think right now that the two biggest Asians in the media is a
dictator and PSY. I would love to see the day when an Asian plays the lead in a romantic comedy without
it being a joke. But, I get the sense that its changing and the industry is ready for it. I'm excited to see
what's happening in TV, movies, and the arts in regards to Asians.
4. Being involved in the industry has there been anything in particular you've noticed with
representation of minorities in Canadian television?
From my stand point, Canada is a melting pot of cultures. Yet, it's not apparent on television. It's changing
right now which is great. But it's kind of nuts to think that Canadian TV hasn't done a proper job of
representing minorities. We're Canada!
Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Thanks!
Andrew