 After graduating from Bethpage High School in 1999, Tsapelas enrolled at Hofstra University as a Film Major.In 2000, he formed the Hofstra Filmmakers Club with Brian Amyot and Angel Acevedo where they produced numerous comedic short films.In his senior year Tsapelas took home Best Film and Best Director for his thesis film "Be My Valentine, Franny Canada", which went on to play at the Long Island Film Expo and the Palm Springs International Short Film Fest before being picked up for international distribution by Big Film Shorts.