Hi, I’m Heather Gilliland.
When I think about my journey on screen, I feel really grateful for the range of projects I’ve been part of. I’ve had the opportunity to work in television on shows like The Walking Dead, George and Tammy, Halt and Catch Fire, Paradise Lost, and Blue Ridge. Along the way, I’ve also been honored to work with incredible actors such as Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, Josh Hartnett, and Lee Pace. On top of that, I’ve appeared in dozens of commercials for brands like Motorola, Bojangles, Chase, Bissell, Biltmore, and Publix. Each set has taught me something different, and I bring all of that experience into everything I do now.
Teaching really comes from the same place for me as acting—I love storytelling, and I love helping others discover their own voice in it. In 2020, I started an acting school in South Carolina where I worked with both teens and adults, focusing on professional audition techniques and building real on-camera confidence.
When my family and I moved to Florida in 2023, I began teaching with Peace River Homeschoolers for a time, which gave me the opportunity to stay connected to students while also adjusting to our new home. During that season, I was also balancing homeschooling my daughter and staying present with my family. As I continued to see the level of talent and creativity here in Florida, I felt increasingly inspired to build something more focused and dedicated for young actors.
That’s really what led me to create Ibis Acting Academy. I wanted to build a space where actors can feel supported, challenged, and encouraged—where they can grow their skills, take creative risks, and really let their talent shine.
My Approach
My approach to teaching is simple: every student deserves to feel seen, encouraged, and confident enough to take creative risks.
As a working film and television actress, I believe the best way to learn is by doing. My classes are hands-on, interactive, and designed to feel like a real set—not a lecture. Students spend time on camera, learn professional film terminology, practice audition skills, explore scene work, and discover how to make truthful, believable choices in front of the camera.
I keep my classes intentionally small so every student receives individual guidance, constructive feedback, and plenty of opportunities to perform. Whether a student is naturally outgoing or just beginning to find their confidence, I create a supportive environment where they feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and grow.
My goal isn't just to teach acting techniques—it's to help students develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, and the courage to express themselves. Every six-week session introduces new challenges and fresh material, allowing students to continue building their skills while having fun along the way.
Above all, I want every student to leave class feeling proud of what they've accomplished, excited to keep learning, and inspired to discover their own unique voice both on and off the screen.