AMPD Testimonials

Wondering what it's like to study at York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design? Our students and alumni share their inspiring stories, career wins and how AMPD shaped their path across film, theatre, media, art, design and other creative fields. Get a glimpse of the experiences that could await you!

What I enjoy most about the screenwriting program is how hands-on it is. They really give us time to start with an idea and develop it. Through my courses, I even get to go from script to screen myself. It's cool to have both the script and the film in my hands.

Daniela Corallo

Second-year Screenwriting Student

I wouldn’t be the filmmaker I am today without my time at York. It gave me a great balance of theoretical and practical training that made me a more well-rounded filmmaker.

Albert Shin, BFA 2006

Being a dance student at York University has given me countless opportunities to both train, perform, and create at an advanced pre-professional level. As a second year student in the Choreography and Performance stream, I already have been able to perform in nearly 6 shows as well as create and train within my normal school hours. The teachers and fellow students in the dance program all foster individual expression as well as share the common goal of furthering ourselves as artists, no matter which area of the dance world peaks your interest, which is unlike any other program in the province. 

Hanna T

Third-year Dance Student

AMPD has everything—stimulating courses and excellent professors, support for our thesis projects, a stellar cohort, it’s a great place to do film.

Helen Lee (MFA ’24)

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

I was about to accept my offer to NYU Tisch's acting conservatory (my former dream school) when my guidance counselor suggested applying to York University. The flexibility and autonomy that York's Theatre program offers are unparalleled! I've had opportunities to learn about producing, screen acting, playwriting and devised theatre, truly becoming a multidisciplinary artist. The moment I came for an on-campus visit, I had an instinctual feeling that York was the right place for me. Four years later, I can confirm that it's true.

Natasha Advani Thangkhiew

Current Student, Theatre

What I really love about this program is the network that you create with your classmates. From first year all the way to fourth year you're with a great group of students that you'll spend time with both in and outside of the classroom. As a Film student, I also really appreciate being able to take courses outside my own discipline.

Chifundo Thangata

Fourth-year Production student

International Student - Kenya

My experience in the Acting area has been incredible. The tremendous faculty members I have had the pleasure to learn from continue to foster environments in which students are inspired to develop their most authentic and artistic selves, both independently and collectively.

Isabella Cappiello

Third-year Theatre student

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

I love that at AMPD, we take a holistic approach to dance. We have the opportunity to learn not just about the physical practice, but also the history of dance and choreographic methods. We read, write and are fully immersed in the art of dance. These are the things I didn’t think I would get elsewhere, but I knew I could get them at York.

Kemora Manning

Fourth-Year Dance Student