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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!

Chifundo Thangata


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

Ashley Loyst

The thing I enjoy about the Design program is that it's super hands-on. The professors, TAs and instructors are amazing and accommodating. It’s a small program, so I know everyone and everyone is really lovely. For students interested in applying, I really encourage you to start creating pieces that represent who you are as an artist and take advantage of events at York.

Ashley Loyst

Third-year Design Student

Albert Shin

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

Bill Bannerman

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 SagaThe PredatorMasters of the Universe and more.

Rachel McAdams

[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

Ava De Luca Mele

Theatre students and faculty members are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. I felt welcomed and encouraged each day as I navigated my way through first year. One thing that I found very interesting were the stagecraft labs (hand-sewing, machine-sewing, carpentry, lighting, scenic painting, sound editing). I truly enjoyed everything about first year.

Ava De Luca Mele

First-year Theatre student

Brian G

I chose the Visual Arts – Studio program at York not only for its exceptional studio spaces but for the incorporation of art history into the program. In these Art History classes, I’m allowed to learn historical references and methodologies that I incorporate in my own body of work. With the help of professors, I’m able to better my skills and create a cohesive body of work that I can take outside of the university 

Brian G,

Third-year Visual Art – Studio Student

Eric Koski-Harja

By far the best thing that I have done in the program was a part of the production practicum class. Through this, I was able to gain so much on-the-job experience and explore new interests, such as technical direction and lighting design. This is how I’ve developed close relationships to my mentors and made some of my closest friends.

Eric Koski-Harja

Fourth-year Theatre student

Isabella Cappiello

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