One day, my acting coach John says, “Alexandera, I have homework for you.” I eagerly awaited, as I could see he had it all figured out. “I want you to enrol in the school of nothing.” John is a perplexing man at times. He likes to ask you questions, and just stare at you for an eternity while you writhe in your chair trying to figure out what the hell he’s getting at. He just sits there and says, “Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm,” in a variety of different tones until he finally puts you out of your misery, and sheds some light. Though once you get John, you realize he is magic. He has a profound understanding of the human condition. He explains that the school of nothing is actually not nothing, but it is really something. I must have looked utterly stunned, as he didn’t hesitate this time to clarify. He said he wanted me to take the scene, go home, read it once, determine what the situation of the scene is, then put the scene away. Do not look at it again until next class. I was terrified. How can I play the scene without memorizing the words and studying the beats? I think he was enjoying my terror, as he then added that he wanted me to do this for the next six months! I hesitantly agreed to his terms. Doing nothing was scary at first, but as time went on it became second nature. I began to really loose myself in the situations, and play in them truthfully. It reminded me of a Thomas Troward book I read, impressing that we should touch things lightly. By year end, I received an email from John telling me that I was finally on the right side of the river. He congratulated me for fighting the good fight, and winning. I printed it out, and it sits magnetized to my refrigerator to remind me what I am capable of.

- Alexandera Yetman

"The idea of Centre for the Arts is a coming of age of the Toronto arts community. I am delighted they are offering programs for young people as they are our future."

- Michael Levine

"That feedback means a lot. Film and tv is my primary focus…I’m glad that your class is providing a great playing field. I’m really enjoying it and love any advice and feedback! I enjoy and crave that practice."

- Jeremy Walmsley

"The support that the centre gives, infrastructure the Centre provides makes the process so much easier & more tangible that has been my experience Relationsips John has b/c of career in industry. The collaborative nature of it all. Opportunity to work w/ the teens & the young company at the summer teen cmap gives whole sense of essential continuity."

- Matt Hilliard-Forde

"Lately I’ve really learned about the dynamics of creating in a group, each with equal ownership. The camp really allowed some great organic creations and allowed for a new perspective on one another’s work as artists."

- Matt Austin

"Been years since I played like that. Reminded me why I chose this life, suffered all the rejection, and kept on trying. There is a payoff. Capture the great moments and put them in your pocket and bring them out when you need them. I would do this again in a heartbeat. I think every director should take the workshop. Even the very experienced. It’s a perceptive and practical window on the actor’s process and preparation. I felt like a kid again."

- John Bell

"You are one of your country’s truly ‘world-class’ Master Teachers."

- Jonathan Wolff, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

"This camp was so amazing. I love it so much. I’m one lucky girl to be involved with this camp. I appreciate everyone behind the scenes. I give this camp 5 thumbs up. I love this camp."

- Denise Collins

"This was a very cool camp and it made me learn things I didn’t know before."

- Amedeo Dragonieri

"Centre for the Arts is more the just a space for artists, it is literally the center for the arts, a Mecca for all artists to converge. It has allowed me to develop my passion for the arts by providing a venue whereby I can meet, discuss, and work with a diverse group of artists and attempt set design and lighting for a stage show. It is imperative that a place like Centre for the Arts exists in order to create support and awareness for the importance of the arts in our community."

- Zaxhary Cox

"You are a perceptive fellow and very astute about the banality of the commercial world."

- Arne Zaslove, Master Teacher, Commedia dell' arte

"We believe the proposed placement will enrich Sam’s grasp of the arts beyond the classroom and are honoured by your considering this request. Former students working with your institution have had extraordinarily rich experiences and learned much from the opportunities you provided."

- Aynne Johnson

"It’s good for me being in class. I am often moved, watching young actors grow and open up in front of me. And the stuff I am learning is really useful."

- Greg Campbell

"I’ve been meaning to write you to thank you for everything in the intensive. It was the best decision I could have made, to start my year off in your class. I can’t tell you how much your teaching and approach to the work has helped to reinforce my confidence. The biggest thing I have taken with me is ownership over my work. Just like I said at the beginning of one of the classes, every little “win” that I’ve had has gone into my confidence bank, and I have been a new actor walking into those audition rooms. The class I got to work with was wonderful, you put together a great dynamic and I’m very happy to have met them and call them friends and colleagues. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience, I truly look forward to working with you again."

- James Hawksley

"I am deeply appreciative for your insights! And will continue to look back on your email in the times ahead to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race. Rome was not built in a day!
I am sending you much respect…"

- Victor Dolhai

"A wonderful open, friendly environment to learn and work in…it surpassed all my expectations! Thank you!"

- Caroline Lesley

"Having led a workshop for the Centre for the Arts I have seen the calibre and standards of the students. The classes and film camps provide a realistic opportunity for young people to discover and recognize what the film and tv industry is truly about; and not a fantasy world lived simply through going to the movies. I would therefore encourage your support of the CFA."

- George Bloomfield, Director

"Having taught for ten years you have married the performing experience with the teaching one and bring this experience to the Actors Centre will be extremely beneficial."

- Michael John

"John’s director’s workshop isn’t just a class – it’s an experience. He creates an environment for the director and actor to creatively embrace and get down to the heart of a scene, helping you understand the process of the actor’s craft. There is no right or wrong way. No critique. It’s all about doing, discussing – experiencing. Taking his workshop has stepped my game up as a director a whole new level. Sign up for it, now."

- Adam Schafer