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Testimonials
"Gary,
We just wanted to say thank you for everything that you and your entire staff have
done for our daughter, Elsa Hanson. Obviously, it is exciting that Elsa has now
signed to be represented by a top modeling and theatrical agency. But, we see even
more important benefits in the way Elsa's self confidence and ability to articulate
herself, have grown. Her ability to overcome the natural fear, that we all seem to
innately possess, to stand up and express oneself in front of an audience of
strangers, will probably help her very much-regardless of what she chooses to do
with her life.
The success of your vision for "The Playground" is much deserved!"
Sincerely,
Sherod & Jane Hanson
We just wanted to say thank you for everything that you and your entire staff have
done for our daughter, Elsa Hanson. Obviously, it is exciting that Elsa has now
signed to be represented by a top modeling and theatrical agency. But, we see even
more important benefits in the way Elsa's self confidence and ability to articulate
herself, have grown. Her ability to overcome the natural fear, that we all seem to
innately possess, to stand up and express oneself in front of an audience of
strangers, will probably help her very much-regardless of what she chooses to do
with her life.
The success of your vision for "The Playground" is much deserved!"
Sincerely,
Sherod & Jane Hanson
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"I've never heard my daughter, Ashley, say, “I don't want to miss my acting class!”,
until she started taking classes at “The Playground”. Gary, Gayla, Lee, Faran and
the rest of the wonderful teachers at the Playground have been instrumental in
building her self-esteem. She goes to auditions with so much confidence, because
she has learned how to analyze scripts on her own. She can now perform
improvisations without panic. When she feels kind of nervous at an audition, she
does the exercises that she was taught and it calms her down. We are so grateful to
have found “The Playground” through our manager. "The Playground" doesn't ever
promise you a job or agent, but they help you build the skills necessary to attain
what you're hoping for (getting agents & managers, booking auditions, etc.) She
has an incredible amount of fun in her classes, but learns so much at the same
time. Her classmates have become some of her great friends-- Everyone there is
like family to us now. Parents hang out while their kids are in class, exchanging
pleasant stories about auditions, so the parents have fun as well.
Much gratitude to you and the staff, and thank you so much for such a great and
productive experience at “The Playground”!
Aurora Argota
until she started taking classes at “The Playground”. Gary, Gayla, Lee, Faran and
the rest of the wonderful teachers at the Playground have been instrumental in
building her self-esteem. She goes to auditions with so much confidence, because
she has learned how to analyze scripts on her own. She can now perform
improvisations without panic. When she feels kind of nervous at an audition, she
does the exercises that she was taught and it calms her down. We are so grateful to
have found “The Playground” through our manager. "The Playground" doesn't ever
promise you a job or agent, but they help you build the skills necessary to attain
what you're hoping for (getting agents & managers, booking auditions, etc.) She
has an incredible amount of fun in her classes, but learns so much at the same
time. Her classmates have become some of her great friends-- Everyone there is
like family to us now. Parents hang out while their kids are in class, exchanging
pleasant stories about auditions, so the parents have fun as well.
Much gratitude to you and the staff, and thank you so much for such a great and
productive experience at “The Playground”!
Aurora Argota
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"I just wanted to thank you and your staff for always taking the time to answer (even
lame) questions and for all the great advice. I also wanted to let you know how
positively we regard The Playground. Your staff is amazing! (The patience of
saints!) It is rare to see so many genuinely nice people in one place. The kids have
so much fun. Ours has made so many great friends and adores his instructors (Bob
and Kelli are awesome!). Honestly, we never imagined he would get called by an
agent, or this soon. But he was so well prepared at the interview. He wasn't even
nervous doing a "cold read". He said that he learned how to do these things at The
Playground. Even his teachers have asked what's up. They say he seems more
outgoing and eager to read aloud, with a lot of added drama. We explain that it must
be the acting classes... So, we hope we can continue sending our little guy to The
Playground for many years to come. And, again, just wanted to let you know what a
special place you have created.
Very Sincerely,
Eve Balembois
Sebastien's mom"
lame) questions and for all the great advice. I also wanted to let you know how
positively we regard The Playground. Your staff is amazing! (The patience of
saints!) It is rare to see so many genuinely nice people in one place. The kids have
so much fun. Ours has made so many great friends and adores his instructors (Bob
and Kelli are awesome!). Honestly, we never imagined he would get called by an
agent, or this soon. But he was so well prepared at the interview. He wasn't even
nervous doing a "cold read". He said that he learned how to do these things at The
Playground. Even his teachers have asked what's up. They say he seems more
outgoing and eager to read aloud, with a lot of added drama. We explain that it must
be the acting classes... So, we hope we can continue sending our little guy to The
Playground for many years to come. And, again, just wanted to let you know what a
special place you have created.
Very Sincerely,
Eve Balembois
Sebastien's mom"
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“An awesome find! We’ve tried many different studios since our arrival in California
two years ago. We’ve learned that there are a million different ways you can spend
your money to educate your children in the entertainment business, but when we
found The Playground we knew we were in the right place. At this studio you can feel
the genuine enthusiasm that everyone has for your child to do well and the staff
provides the most professional experience I have come across anywhere. When we
found The Playground my thought was: ‘Finally, someone who really knows how to
teach, who cares about the kids as individuals, tracks their progress and gives
professional feedback you can trust!’ This is exactly what we were looking for.”
Cindra Barnes
two years ago. We’ve learned that there are a million different ways you can spend
your money to educate your children in the entertainment business, but when we
found The Playground we knew we were in the right place. At this studio you can feel
the genuine enthusiasm that everyone has for your child to do well and the staff
provides the most professional experience I have come across anywhere. When we
found The Playground my thought was: ‘Finally, someone who really knows how to
teach, who cares about the kids as individuals, tracks their progress and gives
professional feedback you can trust!’ This is exactly what we were looking for.”
Cindra Barnes
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Dear Gary, if it weren’t for your expertise and an outstanding judgment of character,
Ani would have never ventured acting! Moreover, she owes all her audition nights
and performance nights to you and your amazing staff.
Our deepest thanks and warmest wishes to all of you at the Playground!
Grateful parents of Ani Helia O. (Playground actress)
Ani would have never ventured acting! Moreover, she owes all her audition nights
and performance nights to you and your amazing staff.
Our deepest thanks and warmest wishes to all of you at the Playground!
Grateful parents of Ani Helia O. (Playground actress)
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Gary,
I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are to you. I hadn't seen Paris perform
since she had auditioned for The Playground last year. I was so impressed by her
performance and the way she handled herself. I was blown away! I had a hard time
holding back the tears. It is so amazing to see what a great job you and your teachers
have done with Paris over the past year. As a parent it is such a blessing to see your
child blossom and gain confidence in her self. She has gained so much from her
experience at the Playground.I believe this experience will have such a positive affect
on her in so many aspects in her life.
After the interview I expressed to my husband how well Paris had done and that
whatever the cost, whatever the effort, The Playground has been all worth it. Our little
tiny nine year old could fill a room with so much personality and expression. My
experience watching her last week was priceless. Thank you so much for everything.
You have been so helpful and generous of your time. You have been so supportive of
Paris and her future. Whatever her future holds, we will be very grateful that we have
all had this experience.
All the best,
Ann
I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are to you. I hadn't seen Paris perform
since she had auditioned for The Playground last year. I was so impressed by her
performance and the way she handled herself. I was blown away! I had a hard time
holding back the tears. It is so amazing to see what a great job you and your teachers
have done with Paris over the past year. As a parent it is such a blessing to see your
child blossom and gain confidence in her self. She has gained so much from her
experience at the Playground.I believe this experience will have such a positive affect
on her in so many aspects in her life.
After the interview I expressed to my husband how well Paris had done and that
whatever the cost, whatever the effort, The Playground has been all worth it. Our little
tiny nine year old could fill a room with so much personality and expression. My
experience watching her last week was priceless. Thank you so much for everything.
You have been so helpful and generous of your time. You have been so supportive of
Paris and her future. Whatever her future holds, we will be very grateful that we have
all had this experience.
All the best,
Ann
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Like many parents I thought that my daughter would be a "natural" without having to do
the "hardwork" but I quickly learned how wrong that thinking was! Without the
coaching, mentoring, instruction and pure repetition you provide success in this
business could not be achieved or would be significantly delayed.
Thanks again.
Richard Barbarossa
Father of Ashley Abbott
the "hardwork" but I quickly learned how wrong that thinking was! Without the
coaching, mentoring, instruction and pure repetition you provide success in this
business could not be achieved or would be significantly delayed.
Thanks again.
Richard Barbarossa
Father of Ashley Abbott
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"Gary Spatz's: The Playground is simply the 'creme de la creme' of children's acting
schools!!
With acting coach extraordinaire Gary Spatz and his talented crew, Porschia has received
the best training from the best children's acting school in the business! From Gary's
impressive credentials to The Playground's simulated TV Studio Set, you won't find a
'Young Actor's Conservatory' like this anywhere in the world! So if you're serious about
your child's acting career...this is THE school to attend!"
Geralyn C. Adler
schools!!
With acting coach extraordinaire Gary Spatz and his talented crew, Porschia has received
the best training from the best children's acting school in the business! From Gary's
impressive credentials to The Playground's simulated TV Studio Set, you won't find a
'Young Actor's Conservatory' like this anywhere in the world! So if you're serious about
your child's acting career...this is THE school to attend!"
Geralyn C. Adler
Our experience at Gary Spatz's Playground has been an abundance of positive energy
and love. My 11 yrs old daughter is developing important acting skills and growing as an
expressive young lady. Gary has the energy of a fun filled kid, a passion for the business
and a compassion for his kids and their families. Thank you Gary, Eric, Lee, Andrew,
Diana, Gayla, and staff for this great experience and opportunity.
Much Love,
Channing Lou and Lesli
and love. My 11 yrs old daughter is developing important acting skills and growing as an
expressive young lady. Gary has the energy of a fun filled kid, a passion for the business
and a compassion for his kids and their families. Thank you Gary, Eric, Lee, Andrew,
Diana, Gayla, and staff for this great experience and opportunity.
Much Love,
Channing Lou and Lesli
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Dear Gary,
We can't believe one year has passed. Initially we were skeptical about enrolling Westin
and Cassidy in acting class, but now we know that we made the right decision. Their school
teachers noticed an improvement in their communication skills since they started with you.
They both have learned patience and perseverance through this process and the need for
the kids to have a work permit is a strong incentive to keep their grades up. It has been a
positive experience for them and they can't wait for Saturdays to come.
You and your staff are very supportive of them. We are looking forward to another great
year with you!
Sincerely,
The Mills Family
We can't believe one year has passed. Initially we were skeptical about enrolling Westin
and Cassidy in acting class, but now we know that we made the right decision. Their school
teachers noticed an improvement in their communication skills since they started with you.
They both have learned patience and perseverance through this process and the need for
the kids to have a work permit is a strong incentive to keep their grades up. It has been a
positive experience for them and they can't wait for Saturdays to come.
You and your staff are very supportive of them. We are looking forward to another great
year with you!
Sincerely,
The Mills Family
Gary Spatz is the best acting coach we've ever had. He is so inspiring and caring about his
students it's amazing. We learn so much each week and every week is a different
experience. The teaching staff is really great, too. They give you constructive criticism and
help us be prepared for all kind of situations in the audition process. The private coachings
are really great and every time we called Gary he was always there for us.
Justin and Dean Misch
students it's amazing. We learn so much each week and every week is a different
experience. The teaching staff is really great, too. They give you constructive criticism and
help us be prepared for all kind of situations in the audition process. The private coachings
are really great and every time we called Gary he was always there for us.
Justin and Dean Misch
Gary,
My wife and I appreciate everything you have done for Harrison, and look forward to what
else he will learn in his advanced, and professional classes. He loves it all, and he even
studies at home with his little brother Preston.
Thank you all again,
Harrison, Marni, and Anthony Thacher
My wife and I appreciate everything you have done for Harrison, and look forward to what
else he will learn in his advanced, and professional classes. He loves it all, and he even
studies at home with his little brother Preston.
Thank you all again,
Harrison, Marni, and Anthony Thacher
Gary,
I just wanted to share with you and your staff how much Sean's everyday life has been
changed for the good. Sean's improved with school and his shyness and overall confidence
is wonderful. This truly is a thank you letter.
Sincerely,
Terry & Kimberly Fall
I just wanted to share with you and your staff how much Sean's everyday life has been
changed for the good. Sean's improved with school and his shyness and overall confidence
is wonderful. This truly is a thank you letter.
Sincerely,
Terry & Kimberly Fall
"Ally loves the "PLAY"ground! She looks forward to her classes and wishes they were
everyday. She has learned so much and she says she never wants to leave! We love
Gary. He is wonderful! He's always available to talk to the parents and genuinely cares
about every student."
The Espinoza Family
everyday. She has learned so much and she says she never wants to leave! We love
Gary. He is wonderful! He's always available to talk to the parents and genuinely cares
about every student."
The Espinoza Family
Hi Gary,
“I wanted to thank you and Gayla for a wonderful experience at The Playground. Deciding
to take acting lessons was not something we took lightly. It was completely new to us,
since Marissa had never expressed an interest in acting, and it was a big commitment of
time and money. I am SO glad we did it! Marissa loved every minute of it and has learned
so much about herself in the process.
Many people have dreams of becoming famous actors, and of course it would be
awesome if that happened for her. I was happy to give her the opportunity to try
something new, but my hope was that if nothing else, she would gain the skills, confidence,
and poise that one needs in life to speak in front of others. She got that and more from
your program. Thank you very, very much for a truly wonderful experience. I loved that
we always saw you there and that you would take the time to chat with the kids and
parents. Andrew was a pleasure to see each week; he is a terrific young man. Gayla, well
there aren't words to tell you how we feel about her. I'll start by saying we ADORE her.
Not only is she a wonderful acting coach, but she made it fun, exciting, and safe to try new
things. She truly "gets" kids and it shows. You are so lucky to have her, and she is a
huge part of what made Marissa's first foray into acting the amazing experience it was.”
Susan Laschi
“I wanted to thank you and Gayla for a wonderful experience at The Playground. Deciding
to take acting lessons was not something we took lightly. It was completely new to us,
since Marissa had never expressed an interest in acting, and it was a big commitment of
time and money. I am SO glad we did it! Marissa loved every minute of it and has learned
so much about herself in the process.
Many people have dreams of becoming famous actors, and of course it would be
awesome if that happened for her. I was happy to give her the opportunity to try
something new, but my hope was that if nothing else, she would gain the skills, confidence,
and poise that one needs in life to speak in front of others. She got that and more from
your program. Thank you very, very much for a truly wonderful experience. I loved that
we always saw you there and that you would take the time to chat with the kids and
parents. Andrew was a pleasure to see each week; he is a terrific young man. Gayla, well
there aren't words to tell you how we feel about her. I'll start by saying we ADORE her.
Not only is she a wonderful acting coach, but she made it fun, exciting, and safe to try new
things. She truly "gets" kids and it shows. You are so lucky to have her, and she is a
huge part of what made Marissa's first foray into acting the amazing experience it was.”
Susan Laschi
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Wow! Look at
our Proud Graduates.
our Proud Graduates.
New Performance Videos!
And the winner is...
The Playground!
The Playground!
See the schedule of
the classes we offer.
the classes we offer.
| Need to Make-up a Class? |
| - Annual Show Biz Kids Edition Sep '08 |
Gary Spatz and The Playground
would like to thank some recent
Playground Actors.
would like to thank some recent
Playground Actors.
| The Hollywood Reporter |
| Mary Ann Cooper, Nov/Dec '07 |
"Calling all Kids: lights, camera,
action! Acting and filmmaking
schools can give your grandchild
poise and confidence..."
action! Acting and filmmaking
schools can give your grandchild
poise and confidence..."
| Grand Magazine |
| -Alan Duman, Oct 1994 |
“Spatz knows what he’s talking
about. He’s the set coach – the
on-site acting teacher – for the
kids on Roseanne..."
about. He’s the set coach – the
on-site acting teacher – for the
kids on Roseanne..."
| Rocky Mountain News |
| Hollywood Weekly |
| - January 2010, Page 45 |
| NEW! |
"The magic that happens over at
The Playground you can tell is real,
honest and empowering, ..."
The Playground you can tell is real,
honest and empowering, ..."
| L.A. Family Magazine |
| - August 2009, Page 34-35 |
"Meet Hollywood's Top Coach of
Young Superstars..."
Young Superstars..."
| - June 2 - June 16, 2009. Page 7 |
"Entering its fifth year in Century
City, Gary Spatz's "The Playground"
proves to be a lot more than just
fun and games..."
City, Gary Spatz's "The Playground"
proves to be a lot more than just
fun and games..."
| Century City News |
| Home | About The Playground Director | Acting Workshops | Admissions | Calendar | Staff | Picture & Video Gallery | Links | Press Room | News | FAQ | Contact Us |
Gary, your Playground is simply UNIQUE! Your genuine dedication, care and
well-grounded personality radiates towards your students in a way that they unfold
their wings to greater heights. You have created an acting conservatory that not only
enriches all students artistically but also emotionally and socially. We enrolled our
son and daughter with the simple hope of nurturing their talents and quenching their
thirst for acting, but in less than four months, they acquired enough confidence and
skills to meet with agents and audition well. Indeed, The playground is a well thought
out conservatory, crafted intelligently and with the best interests of all students in
mind. Students are not only exposed to real lights and camera recording studios but
also to a very talented staff that deliver various acting experiences, personalities and
talents. Thus, making The Playground a very special place to be in.
Thank you Gary,
Joseph and Ileana
The proud parents of Andre and Abigail
well-grounded personality radiates towards your students in a way that they unfold
their wings to greater heights. You have created an acting conservatory that not only
enriches all students artistically but also emotionally and socially. We enrolled our
son and daughter with the simple hope of nurturing their talents and quenching their
thirst for acting, but in less than four months, they acquired enough confidence and
skills to meet with agents and audition well. Indeed, The playground is a well thought
out conservatory, crafted intelligently and with the best interests of all students in
mind. Students are not only exposed to real lights and camera recording studios but
also to a very talented staff that deliver various acting experiences, personalities and
talents. Thus, making The Playground a very special place to be in.
Thank you Gary,
Joseph and Ileana
The proud parents of Andre and Abigail
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As a parent there have been many forks in the road and times I have thought this is
crazy, this acting stuff. I had no idea if Maika was even talented and she was
sacrificing more and more time to it. I was not sure if it was healthy or would ever go
anywhere. AND I was driving her everywhere plus working full time (we live in Santa
Barbara). When it came to the end of her class I had thought we would back way off
the acting and focus more on dance or whatever in Santa Barbara. But that night
when she won the BEST ACTRESS AWARD I couldn't tell her no. I truly was in
shock (as was she). I thought coming from you, Gary Spatz, she won best actress??
So honestly that revived my energy to help my daughter follow her dream. Without
you, she would not be filming a movie right now. And really I shouldn't emphasize
the award so much because it was the classes and the feedback she got from the
teachers that were invaluable. So a big thank you Gary (and awesome staff)!
I am so happy that things are going well for you. When Maika finishes filming we will
come down and see you!
Dixie Buckley
crazy, this acting stuff. I had no idea if Maika was even talented and she was
sacrificing more and more time to it. I was not sure if it was healthy or would ever go
anywhere. AND I was driving her everywhere plus working full time (we live in Santa
Barbara). When it came to the end of her class I had thought we would back way off
the acting and focus more on dance or whatever in Santa Barbara. But that night
when she won the BEST ACTRESS AWARD I couldn't tell her no. I truly was in
shock (as was she). I thought coming from you, Gary Spatz, she won best actress??
So honestly that revived my energy to help my daughter follow her dream. Without
you, she would not be filming a movie right now. And really I shouldn't emphasize
the award so much because it was the classes and the feedback she got from the
teachers that were invaluable. So a big thank you Gary (and awesome staff)!
I am so happy that things are going well for you. When Maika finishes filming we will
come down and see you!
Dixie Buckley
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We really want to thank you for your teaching Jillian at the Playground. Because of
the Playground, Jillian got an agent (Kathy Keeley from Jana Luker) and has had six
jobs this year alone! This weekend, she worked on a short film, and the director,
Chris Krebsbach, gave her so many complements about how well she was able to
act and take direction. She was impressed that Jillian understood so much of the
terminology of the industry and told us she could tell Jillian had received excellent
teaching. Chris really gave us great feedback about Jillian and we gave all the credit
to you and the Playground. We cannot thank you enough for your help. Jillian loves
acting and it has truly given her a direction in life. We can only hope one day Kassie
will have the same opportunity to study at the Playground.
Take care, and hopefully our paths will cross again if Jillian ever gets a feature film
or a job on as a series regular.
Thank you.
Denyse and Tim Nation
the Playground, Jillian got an agent (Kathy Keeley from Jana Luker) and has had six
jobs this year alone! This weekend, she worked on a short film, and the director,
Chris Krebsbach, gave her so many complements about how well she was able to
act and take direction. She was impressed that Jillian understood so much of the
terminology of the industry and told us she could tell Jillian had received excellent
teaching. Chris really gave us great feedback about Jillian and we gave all the credit
to you and the Playground. We cannot thank you enough for your help. Jillian loves
acting and it has truly given her a direction in life. We can only hope one day Kassie
will have the same opportunity to study at the Playground.
Take care, and hopefully our paths will cross again if Jillian ever gets a feature film
or a job on as a series regular.
Thank you.
Denyse and Tim Nation
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