Alumni, Donors and Community

What I enjoyed about my program were the numerous opportunities to exhibit my work, collaborate with my peers, and do more interdisciplinary work. During my time at AMPD, I'm grateful for all that it gave me—a chance to make the work I want, exhibit it, and develop both my practice and confidence in my work.

Joy Wong

Alumni & Assistant Professor

All these years later – in addition to singing and recording – I am still producing concerts, showcases and festivals, and all because of York, which truly did inspire me to redefine the possible.

Ori Dagan (BFA Music ‘07) 

Photo: What A Difference O’Day Made: a celebratory concert honouring Anita O’Day that he produced at Burton Auditorium in 2005. Read more in The York University Magazine.

The program at York exposed us to everything, from sets to costumes and lighting, of course, which is what I knew I would concentrate on.

Arun Srinivasan (BFA Theatre ‘94) 

Recipient of 10 Dora Mavor Moore nominations for his work in dance, theatre and opera. Read more in The York University Magazine.

My degree in Theatre from York University taught me to think creatively and solve problems in unique ways. In theatre, no two shows are ever the same, just as every event I plan at Union Station brings new challenges and opportunities.

Alexa

Alumna (BFA '16), Theatre

When looking at Canadian university Theatre programs, I was most impressed by York’s. There was something about the structure of the program, the choices to specialize, and of course, access to Toronto - a lively theatre city.  My program encouraged me to get to know myself as a person as well as an actor/performer/English Lit nerd. Since graduating from York, I’ve been working at Mass Culture, where I do my part to support a thriving research infrastructure for the Canadian arts sector.”

Kathryn Geersema

Alumna, Theatre

International Alumna - Singapore

As I stepped into my first class I was excited to started meeting a ton of international students like me, who traveled from all around the world for this program. I would’ve never imagined that I would be an artist who is developing a play he wrote in the heart of Toronto, but that’s exactly what I’ve been up to recently. And my friends and teachers, are some of my biggest supporters in this process.”

Tuna Gümeli 

Alumnus, Theatre

International Alumnus - Türkiye

Albert Shin, BFA 2006

The theory and fundamental skills I gained at York for creative movie-making through development and production prepared me for my career. I would suggest that students absorb the experience and learn by forcing mistakes, pushing the limits and networking. As one of my third-year professors said, ‘When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’

Bill Bannerman (BFA ’83)

Executive Producer, known for The Twilight Saga, The Predator, Masters of the Universe and more.

[In] York University’s vibrant theatre program, I received an education that I literally draw on every day.

Rachel McAdams (BFA ’01) 

Actress, credits include The Notebook, Mean Girls, Sherlock Holmes

I was drawn to York’s variety and offering of hands-on courses. My education was experiential, engaging, and most importantly, it was self-driven. Various connections with alumni, professors and other students have since created monumental impacts on my career success. remain deeply inspired by the powerful artists that I met during my time here.

Jade Silman (BFA ’20)

My time at York taught me so much about working in the industry, not only as an actor, but as a well-rounded artist. Stepping into my professional career now, I often find myself going back to the basics I learned when starting new projects. Having the opportunity to work with and learn from professionals in their specialized fields allowed me to experience first-hand what goes into the creative process.

Aurora Matrix (BFA ’21)

runner-up on Canada’s Drag Race

When I was looking at universities, York stood out to me because it was a more holistic program. I was interested in performance, but also in writing, creating my own work, applying theatre in educational contexts and learning about theatre from around the world. York cultivated in me a sense of curiosity about what theatre could be, beyond its traditions and conventions.

Rohan Kulkarni (BFA ’14)

I had a great experience during my time at AMPD and York University. I benefited greatly from the exposure to various texts and readings and the rich exchanges and critical discourse I engaged in with my peers and professors in the MFA program and wider department. Courses like Methods in Practice-Based Research and the Goldfarb Summer Institute (about engaging photography and archives), and the guidance I received while working on my thesis project helped me to reflect more deeply about my own practice and develop more rigour in my form-making.

Abraham O
Visual Arts Graduate (MFA 2022)

I got really inspired by the experiences around me. I love that the arts faculty included music, theatre, film and design. You have to take other courses and integrate yourself amongst this whole arts umbrella.

Claire Scott (BFA ’16)

Artist & Curator

At York they encouraged us to try different disciplines. When I went there it was just about drawing but once I took my first sculpture course it spoke to me and became the most important discipline for me.

Ekow Nimako (BFA ’10)

Internationally Exhibiting LEGO Artist

Coming out of the Digital Media program gave me a unique advantage in being a front-end developer who has a creative background and is able to think a bit more creatively about development.

Daniel James (BA ’17)

Front-end Software Engineer – Helium Inc.

The community that is here in the studios is supportive and they love my work and they always cheer me on. They inspire me - I found my community.

Revill Villanueva (BFA ’23)

Visual Arts – Studio 

The Design program provided me with several opportunities to practice professionally and prepare me for my graphic design career. These opportunities span from doing a co-op in my third year, learning about the business of design in Design Management, participating in hackathons with my classmates and more.

Caitlin Lewis

Graphic Designer, Division of Students, York University

The Design program at York has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The incredible variety of courses spanning both print and digital design, alongside the guidance of dedicated faculty, inspired me to grow as a multidisciplinary designer.

Andrea Abello

Digital Specialist, EUC, York University

As a proud graduate of York University’s Design Program, I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional calibre of professors and coursework that have prepared me for a professional career in design. Transitioning from corporate roles at Samsung and Toshiba Canada to the non-profit sector at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, and presently, within the educational sector at York U, the design school has prepared me to seamlessly navigate across diverse professional environments.

Nesha Kumana

Marketing and Design Officer, AMPD, York University

When I studied at York University I wasn’t just studying performance or composition. I was studying everything and how they all connect together. Learning how to collaborate and appreciate all those different kinds of fine arts really did help me.

Dan Kanter (BFA ’07)

Musical Director and Producer for Justin Bieber

My time at York was actually amazing. I never put myself in a box and nor did York University and it opened up so many doors. York has everything to do with my success now.

Debra Brown (BFA ’78)

Principal Choreographer, Cirque du Soleil 

Christa Dickenson (MFA ’93)

CEO of CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel

Howard Barish (BFA ’83)

President/Executive Producer - Kandoo Films, an Oscar nominated, Emmy award-winning entertainment company

Chris Romeike, CSC (MFA ’13)

Cinematographer for The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsals, premiered at TIFF in 2024

Helen Lee (MFA ’24)

Director of Tenderness, premiered as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts program in 2024

Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson's production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.

Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)

Director of Measures for a Funeral, premiered at TIFF in 2024