AMPD Testimonials

At AMPD, I used the skills I learned in acting class and beyond to explore storytelling in a way that truly suited me. I got to know playwrights of the "canon," future playwrights, ones unappreciated in their time, and ones I felt deeply connected to, and slowly realized I am completely unique. I started writing the kind of plays I wanted to see on stage, the plays I wished existed for me to perform and pull monologues from, and I put them up at playGround. I wrote two short plays during my time at York, led my own creative spaces, and built new ones that gave me hope for a better future and a new way of making theatre. I am so grateful for the connections York brought me.

Mercedes Isaza Clunie (BFA ’23)

Founder and Creative Director, First Born Theatre

At AMPD, I was given so many opportunities to try all aspects of theatre—whether it was costume design, hanging lights, writing, or acting. Working on so many shows forces you to respect the people around you and build something together that you never could have created on your own.

David Hein (BFA Theatre ’97)

Tony-nominated writer, composer, and lyricist of Come From Away and Waking Ned Devine on Broadway

I have nothing but amazing memories of my time at York. I met so many fantastic professors who mentored me and helped guide my career. They introduced me to people in the business who have truly supported me throughout my journey.

Natalie Bartello (BFA Theatre ‘04)

Partner and Producer at Yonge Street Theatricals

Tony, Olivier, and Dora Award–winner, Broadway League member and Tony voter

The support of my peers and the guidance of my professors provided me with a strong foundation to step into the real world and on set with confidence. Through my time at AMPD, I gained valuable skills that I’m still building on, and it gave me a growth mindset to stay open and always be learning. My advice to future students is to be open to any pathway. You never know where each opportunity might lead.

Mikaela Cordero (Theatre BFA ‘24)

CineCares Electric Trainee, ‘Devil in Disguise’

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

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.

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

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

My first-year experience as a theatre and performance student was transformational. Sure, I had heard of York’s reputation as one of the best theatre schools around, though I was not aware of how comprehensive it was, from hands-on tech and design to a deeper understanding of theatre and performance. What amazed me was the collaborative nature, working with peers in a spontaneous whirlwind of creativity. It was electric and eclectic.

William Kerr

First-year Theatre Student