Orange County's Fastest Growing School of Performing Arts
(PRWEB) March 23, 2005 -- The Performers Academy is owned and operated by Natalie Costa of Laguna Niguel, California. This facility hosts the most impressive teaching staff and affordable programs. The academy is the heartbeat of Natalie Costa which transitioned from her daughters desire to act, perform and hopefully pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
There were so many obstacles with no clear-cut answers. Initially when Brianne was 5, we went to a place in Irvine that sold them a portfolio and said they would manager her. After paying for the pictures, there were never any calls for auditions. Brianne started to lose here teeth and wound up looking nothing like the expensive and unnecessary portfolio she just purchased.
What Costa found out the hard way is this, just because your child is cute and performs in front of grandma and family members, doesnt mean they are cut out to work in commercials, TV or film.
A child must be outgoing – not out of control. They must take direction from strangers and as parents we tell our children, dont talk to strangers". They have to audition to get an agent. The agent must believe they are bookable and then you have to take them to auditions.
There is nothing worse than driving all the way to LA for an audition, with a child whos not cooperative, falls asleep in the back seat and is cranky when you wake them, or who just wont cooperate once you get there.
There are some children who just have it", the look, the personality, and the charm. You still need to get an agent before they can work. You never need portfolios. NEVER. Every actor, (child through adult) needs a headshot, with is an 8x10 COLOR photos. Most agents no longer use black and white photos.
You must use a reputable industry standard photographer. Uncle Fred taking a picture by the rose bush wont cut it. Call the agencies and find out whom they recommend. If you spend money on an independent photographer and do get an agent, there is a good chance they wont like the pictures and you will have to re-do them.
You need to get your child into workshops. Agents will almost always insist" that their clients stay connected and that means taking classes. Classes should not cost a fortune.
The Performers Academy fills a void that existed in the Orange County area. Being miles from LA, the only training available were that of franchised modeling and acting schools. Their tuition can be on the pricey side and out of reach for most parents of children who are not exactly sure of their childs commitment or interest level.
The academy offers affordable programs. There are no lifetime programs and our programs never cost thousands of dollars upfront. With pricing out of the way, the crowing jewel in this cap is the teaching staff.
The Academy has working actors, writers, and film directors on board. These individuals have verifiable credits (IMDb) and are the most passionate fun group of people you can possibly work with.
The LA area agents are quick to refer their Orange County clients to us for continual training. They recognize the credentials of the staff and they like the fact that we are affordable.
Jeff Celentano, Executive Director of Drama, is an award winning film director, writer, and actor for over 22 years. He directed Academy Award nominee Diane Lane and CSIs William Peterson in GUNSHY. He directed William Baldwin in PRIMARY SUSPECT, he directed and wrote, UNDER THE HULA MOON, starring Stephen Baldwin, Emily Lloyd and Chris Penn. His latest release is a Russian action film called MOSCOW HEAT", which stars Michael York, Adrian Paul, and Alexander Nevsky. Recently Jeff was signed to write and direct a feature called, ONCE UPON A TIME IN PARIS", scheduled to shoot later this year. This film is produced by Soleil Film and is in preproduction.
Brent Huff, is a writer, director and actor and has written and directed 4 feature films and appeared in dozens of television shows such as THE WEST WING, JAG, and IN LIVING COLOR.
Tracey Abbott is a wonderfully talented actress with a great comedic flair. She appears regularly at The Improv and other comedy clubs throughout the LA and Orange County area. She a working actress and starred with Jim Carey in ME, MYSELF, & IRENE, has an extensive theatre background as well. She currently heads up the musical theatre division and comedy workshops at the academy.
Jose De La Cruz, heads up the hip hop department. Jose is a gifted and talented dancer straight from NYCs The Broadway Dance Center and Millennium, featuring dancers such as Chris Judd (JLOs ex-husband) as well as students such as Brittney Spears and NSYNC. Jose classes break down the current hot videos so each week you can bust a move to the last MTV/VH1 releases. He teaches children, teens, and adults and is a truly amazing teacher. Classes are $6.50 per class.
Rya Wyner, heads the Baby Ballet department. This is the cutest department at the academy – because the students range from age 2-5. This dance program focuses on fun and is filled with lots of love. The children, as small as they are, are learning their positions, their right foot and a little dance from Swan Lake. Parents are encouraged to come, bring their video cameras and take lots of pictures. There are no pricey recitals – just a fun and affordable environment where the children dance and learn. The ballet classes are $4.50 per class. Its not about money – there are just too cute.
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