Category Archives: Spotlight on Alumni

Albert Tam (BFA Production 2011) has worked behind the scenes at the Banff Centre, and as part of the York staff, coordinating the Fine Arts Summer Intensive. Now studying for an MBA, Albert hopes to work in the not-for-profit sector in Arts Management. He shares his stories about his time at York, and life beyond York.

Claire Wynveen, Matt Walker and Adriano Sobretodo Jr. (MFA Acting 2009) joined forced to create Litmus Theatre, their company shortly after graduating, and produced the sold-out run, site-specific show Matchbox Macbeth. They took time out of their preparations for their next show, The Birth of Frankenstein, to talk with us about York, and life beyond it.

Sue Edworthy (BFA 1995) has worked in the non-profit performing arts for over a decade and a half and is a self-described city enthusiast. Her passion for the performing arts has led her to stints as a director, event coordinator and arts administrator and is now respected and sought after in Toronto as a marketing and communications specialist.

Award-winning actor/playwright Anusree Roy (BA Theatre 2006) has strong, forceful advice for those about to graduate from York: WORK WORK WORK, and APPLY TO EVERYTHING! She takes a break from her busy writing life in order to share her thoughts on the theatre life and her time at York.

Andy Cheng (MFA Dramaturgy 2009) works as a dramaturg, playwright, actor and stand-up comic. We chased him down to get his take on life at York, and life beyond it.

Elizabeth Bradley (BFA 1976) is the former Chair of Drama (and is now an Arts Professor) at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at NYU in New York. In this spotlight, she shares what she’s been up to lately and the arc her remarkable career since graduating. She urges students to ” be brave and believe you have earned a place in theatre-making,” while letting us in on her York experience.

Sarah Jurgens (BFA Acting 2009) has done mostly TV and film work since graduating. Her production company, with classmate Sasha Singer-Wilson, the blood projects, produced Singer-Wilson’s first play at the 2012 Fringe to resounding success.

Cherissa Richards (MFA Acting 2009) has been busy working around the country, including a two year stint at the Shaw Festival, since she completed her 2 year degree at York. She urges students entering the program to be fearless, and those about to graduate to “hustle their butts!”

Playwright, Dramaturg, Playwriting Teacher and Producer Dave Deveau (BA Creative Ensemble/Playwriting 2005) catches up with us to tell us about his company, ZeeZee Theatre, and his busy theatrical life in Vancouver.

Tanya Palmer (MFA Playwriting 2000) is the Director of New Play Development at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. She talks with us about her journey to the Goodman, and her experience as a grad student at York.