“Thanks for this John. And thank you for including me in this session. I really do adore you and your coaching. I must continue preaching with you.”

- Allison Basha

“Thank you so much for the letter. The letter looks fantastic. I will film the videos this week and I will send it to you once I finish editing it.

“I have made a promise with my mom to cook you a dish once we stop by Toronto to visit my sister. If you have a favorite Chinese dish, please let me know. My mom also wants me to tell you she really appreciates your help for the last couple of months.

“For Now, I am just going to work on my application for universities and I will let you know the result once it comes out. After I am finished with my applications or after quarantine, I would love to book sessions with you for the demo reel to work on my portfolio. That's it for now John, have a great night!”

- Regan Wang

“I appreciate that, I value your input a lot as you are a big part of my development as an actor and as a person. Today went well, I continued to try to incorporate some of the things we talked about. Some takes were better than others, so it goes. In general things went well as the director did a big ‘yesss’ gesture after one of my takes. It’s funny because as you said he likes the more intense version of the character. Tomorrow is another day and I will keep trying to do my best. Thanks again for all your help.”

- Elie Gemael

“Omg... 2001... How is it possible that was 20 yrs ago?? I bet it was wonderful to see those videos. How amazing what a big part you've played in all our lives. We really did do great work, and you continue to do great work! Lucky students. Think about you often.”

- Shannon Barnett

“I truly can't tell you how influential you've been to my work. I've had some extraordinary teachers and yet I find you to be the most influential, particularly right now with film and TV. I'm grateful that the pandemic has brought me to yourself and your work!”

- Evelyn Wiebe

“Thank You! I had so much fun - I was sorry when it was over. Take good care!”

- Laura Kohoot

“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