"John has a very pleasant way of giving feedback. He’s encouraging, has a fine sense of humour…I felt safe to try out things…"

- Liz MacRae

"I just wanted to thank you so much for the past 4 weeks. Thanks again for all of your help, I feel like I grew a lot in my work and want to keep going with what I was finding."

- Katie Witkowski

"Our only complaint was that we didn’t get enough time with you. …I want to thank you for your openness and candour in class. I rediscovered the reasons why I wanted to be an actor."

- Geri Lee, Yale School of Drama

"You were truly a wonderful guide. I can’t recall ever having such an observant, articulate, gentle instructor so committed to his craft. Talk about models to aspire to!"

- Jennifer Overton

"My models who took a transition course into film and television acting swear by your course."

- Jeff Andrews

"Thank you for your time, knowledge, and thoughts this last month or two. It has been eye opening and inspiring."

- Zach Eisenstat

"Your workshop has taught me things that I didn’t expect…it was, perhaps, life changing."

- Laura MacLean

"John is an extraordinary human being and teacher; the latter is more than likely due to the former. He is one of those teachers who is relentlessly giving, totally approachable, not to mention thoroughly versed in his craft. In short, I believe him to be an instructor of the highest caliber."

- Michael Greer

"The response has been overwhelming and the results impressive. The combination of John’s years of experience in front of a camera coupled with his natural teaching abilities makes him one of the most dynamic instructors I have come across. The praise does not come lightly."

- Cheryl Ashton, National Screen Institute

"Your class environment is so supportive and healthy! I was surprised by how much if what I’ve learned from your classes has not only stayed with me but grown with me. Onwards and upwards!"

- Birgitte Solem

"Thanks so much for coming last night. Your support means a lot to both Rebecca and I. It’s very important to have you as a mentor and witness to my work. Thanks!"

- Marie-Claire Marcotte

"Your talent, skill (as practitioner/teacher), dedication, attention to detail and sense of humour are of extraordinary value to us. The benefits for our students are being seen both on Irish and international celluloid."

- Patrick Sutton, Gaiety School of Acting

"Thank you for pushing me and working me the way that you do."

- Jason Palter

"I learned a lot in your class. We’ve been quoting you like crazy in acting class."

- Sidne Anderson

"It brings industry professionals to kids and teenagers through accessibility. It is an example of what the spirit of the Centre for the Arts is—people coming together to teach kids about films and film making."

- Saroj Bains

"Before each class John is filled with nervousness, and that in itself is a measure of his authenticity. Fools can easily come up with a formula to teach these kinds of things, tut that couldn’t be further from what John is. I have had many occasions how to say that what he has done has made a tremendous contribution."

- David Calderisi

"What I particularly appreciated was how you brought up a point and allowed it to sink in—(in its own time vs.—tell and belabour)."

- Kevin Lesmister

"…because of the Centre for the Arts…because I helped give rise to it, initiate it…I painted it’s walls, took classes there, met friends there…it would ensue that while auditioning for a CFA Young Company play project, I was invited by the director to audition for a film he was casting next door…and I booked my first major lead in a feature film! I am forever grateful to the Centre for the Arts and what it stands for."

- Laura Jordan

"It’s so important to make Canadian films because the Americans will leave anytime they want and then what we will have to show for ourselves. I totally support what you’re doing. It’s completely needed. When you start from the ground up, there’s only one way to go. It’s important to bang the first nail in."

- William F. White