AMPD Testimonials

I love how the program balances hands-on learning with theory. As much as you’re writing and exploring ideas, you’re also refining technical skills and learning how to work behind the camera as part of a crew. We had opportunities to visit YUMMS at Cinespace Studios and talk to industry professionals and TV writers. It’s a very driven and collaborative environment where everyone wants you to succeed.

Daniela, third-year Film Production student

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 education at AMPD played a vital role in shaping my career. It exposed me to a diverse range of genres and deepened my understanding between music and other art forms. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the student-run Media Music Concert. It truly nurtured my passion for music in film and television while helping me develop essential skills in arranging and composing. In fact, hearing about this event before attending York was a key factor in my decision to choose this program.

Blair Smith-Herbert (BFA Music ’22)

Long & McQuade, Educational Services

York changed everything. My studies at AMPD reignited my curiosity, turning my confusion into exploration. The mentorship I received helped mend the invisible gap between me and my potential. My professors showed me that I didn’t need to be a virtuoso pianist to have a voice in music. I could shape my own path, create my own role and build a life in music that felt authentic to me.

Alokananda Dasgupta (BFA Music ’09)

Award-Winning Film Composer (Netflix, Amazon Prime)

Read our feature on Alokananda’s journey.

While studying at AMPD, my film professor Tereza Barta once told me my script was terrible, and it was maybe the best thing she could have done. It helped me realize how important criticism is if you ever want your work to get better.

Dusty Mancinelli (BFA ’07)

Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Several films shown at TIFF, including a feature film in 2025, with work also featured at Sundance, Berlinale and BFI London, earning recognition and awards worldwide.

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.

At AMPD, I learned how essential it is to stay organized, manage my time and approach each project with a clear method for breaking down a script. Acting taught me the importance of storytelling and understanding an audience.

Asha James (BFA Theatre, ’18)
Dora Award winning actor

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

What I valued most during my time in York’s undergraduate and graduate Theatre programs was the excellent mentorship I received from faculty who deeply shaped my path as a scholar, and the opportunity to engage with advanced courses in theatre and drama that challenged me to think critically and creatively about the field.

Benjamin Gillespie, PhD (BA ’09, MA ’10)

Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Performance Studies
Santa Clara University