“I thrived as an actor under Cynthia’s guidance and direction at theatre school . The best work I did during those years, I did under Cynthia’s rigorous care and masterful guidance. From exploring the depths of psychological gesture and the Michael Chekhov technique with Three Sisters to building highly stylized and hysterically farcical characters of the restoration era such as in A Country Wife, Cynthia’s versatility, expertise and skills as a performer, director and pedagogue paved the entire way for me during my training and provided me with a life-long toolbox and nourishing set of rituals for exploration, creativity, healing and self-care as both an artist and a human being. I can honestly say that her example alone provided the backbone and foundational pillar to my beginning as a young actor and the early success I enjoyed on the stages of Soulpepper and the Shaw Festival and behind the camera at the prestigious Canadian Film Centre. As a consummate artist herself, she is electric and fierce, deeply sensitive and simply stunning to behold - one of those rare, sublimely gifted performers you cannot take your eyes off of - and with whom you are instantly enamoured. Cynthia remains a major inspiration in my life both as a constantly evolving actor and as one of the strongest and most resilient women I know. ”