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!

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

I came to film school to find people to make work with. Almost twenty years since graduating, I still work with a large number of York alums. It’s no surprise, since this school tends to attract people seeking more radical ways to make films, and not just formulaic imitations.

Maya Bankovic (BFA ’07)

Award-Winning Cinematographer, with work featured at TIFF in both 2024 and 2025

Throughout my program, I found my AMPD peers to be exceptionally talented, collaborative and inspiring, and I had incredible support from the faculty, particularly my final semester adviser Carol Anna McBride, who constantly inspired us students to think we could leverage our creative skills to bring meaningful change once we stepped out into the world.

Bhabna Banerjee (BFA ‘20)

Production

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

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

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 University’s design program introduced me to design in all its forms—across industries and influential movements—while giving me the tools to hone my craft. It taught me to see design’s influence everywhere, from the smallest details to the largest cultural shifts. This program didn’t just shape my career—it sparked a love for design that continues to inspire me.

Angela Li (BDes ’17)

Product Designer at Dropbox, Airbnb, Facebook

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

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

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