What’s next for Performance: Acting grad Ella Johnston?
The Performance: Acting program prepares students to find power in their own voice, so they can shine with individualized intention as the changemakers of the future.
Upcoming Acting program graduate, Ella Johnston is ready to leap into the live entertainment industry and reflects on how her acting training from TMU prepared her for a variety of possibilities. 
Describe your time at Performance, what were your favourite classes and what rehearsal projects/performances were you a part of?
My time in the Performance: Acting program has been four of the best years of my life. I've made lifelong friends, taken classes such as motion capture and stage combat, and had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous working theatre professionals and directors. I am extremely proud of the work I've done here, and I feel that it has successfully prepared me for graduation.
Ella as Detective Anita Find in her Clown X piece "A Cold Night For a Killer"
Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh
What are some good memories and your biggest takeaways from your four years?
Other than the skills I've gained, my biggest takeaway from this program was the relationships I've formed along the way with my peers as well as working theatre professionals. I have met some of my very best friends here, as well as people I know I'll be working with for years to come. It's so important to have a community to work with and support.
Is there something you wish you could tell yourself in first year?
If I could give any advice to students entering the program, it would be to put your best foot forward and remain open to learning new things. The work you put in really impacts the skills you take out and you have to be willing to take risks.
What is one BIG dream you have for your life after graduation?
One exciting thing I have going on post graduation is continuing other training that I've had less time for! In addition to acting, I'm going to be further developing the circus skills I love such as walking on stilts and juggling.