I had the great pleasure of training under Cynthia throughout my time at Ryerson University.  I think the first word that comes to mind when I think of the many lessons I learned from Cynthia is the concept of IMPULSE.  Tuning in to that frequency that’s always there inside of us, but that we often miss, forget, or don’t know to pay attention to.  Cynthia nurtured that sense of impulse in me, of following that inner current, and allowing myself to be surprised by where it took me.  That lesson, has been one of the most foundational tools for my work as a performer, songwriter, speaker and creator… I use it every day.  Another deeply personal gift that Cynthia offered me, was feeling empowered to honour and respect myself as an artist, to be unapologetic about my self-expression and commitment to the craft.  She demands of her students to step up and be fully present, fully committed, and fearless.  If you were willing to take her up on that challenge, then you very quickly felt like you were a peer, learning alongside her, inspired by her own commitment and fearlessness, striving to meet her there.  That energy is special and infectious.  I’ll forever be grateful for having been able to work with her, and for the fire she lit in me in those early days of my development as a performer and artist. 

Peter Katz 
Juno Award, Canadian Screen Award and 2x Canadian Folk Music Award Nominated Singer Songwriter
4x TEDx Fellow and internationally acclaimed Speaker.

   “Cynthia Ashperger is one of the most influential teachers I had the priviledge of training with as a developing artist. Cynthia's unrivalled, raw, and dynamic  talent as an actor gives her a uniqe insight into the practice of Acting and Performance. This insight allows her to naturally and intuitively connect with the work she is guiding, and to the artist she is coaching. There is no part of the actor's body that is not engaged while immersed in Cynthia's pedagogy. From the physical, to the intellectual and emotional, she carefully fosters a learning environment where creativity reigns. Her knowledge and skill in connecting archetype, psychological gesture and style to text, is matched only by her innate ability to stimulate the most important component of an actor's toolbox: the imagination. 

 As a young actor training under Cynthia I benefitted from her skillset immensely. Now, because of her instruction, as a professional performer I have the technique and artistic foundation to make big and bold physical and emotional choices that are grounded in authenticity. The skillset I gained from her not only got me into the audition room, but it also booked me the job. 

 Cynthia is a tour de force performer, a prolific teacher, and an inspirational person. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to stand in the wake of her artistry, and I attribute much of my early success to the technique I developed while I was under her instruction. In short, Cynthia is magic, and the knowledge she imparts  is an unparalleled asset to any actor who is lucky enough to train with her.”

                                   - Michael De Rose. Breakthrough Toronto Stage Artist 2019, Dora Nominee 2020

 “Cynthia’s unwavering commitment to her craft, her knowledge of the arts, and her sincere enthusiasm for the art of acting itself make her process exciting, inspiring and truly transformational as an actor. I have had many fine teachers but never anyone who approaches the craft of acting like Cynthia. I first met Cynthia at Ryerson theatre school in 2006. The first thing that won me over was her laser-like critiques of students' creative blocks, of their connection or disconnection to the heart of the imaginary circumstance, and occasionally her discernment of their emotional pain which she sees as a roadblock to their continuing progress as an actor. (Her dedication to mindfulness practice makes this feel safe, and well supported.) She has in so many ways changed my life. She fueled the flame in me regarding my passion for acting, and touched my life with the beauty of what it is to be human. I would recommend her technique and process not only to first timers, but also seasoned veterans of the craft.”

— Jonathan Sousa, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canadian Film Centre