Tony Reverditto

Actor/Director/Writer/Producer
Tony Reverditto Joins The Performer's Academy Staff!
Startomg January 12th - New Workshops begin with Tony Reverditto.  His workshops will be on Monday evenings: 6:00-7:00 (Pre-Teens ages 9-12) and 7:00-9:00 PM (Adult ages 13+)
Tony's credits in the industry include Television (as an Actor, Producer, Director, Casting Director and Writer), Feature Film (Writer) Freelance Writer - (OC Magazine, Ocean View Magazine, etc.); Live theatre - Acting School Owner, plus worked at Paramount Pictures, Premiere Entertainment, Screen Artists Talent Agency and OCHSA.  
His class will be On-Camera Acting for Television and Feature Film. His plans with our school also includes stage productions, improvisation workshops and performances. 
He's an amazing man.  We hit it off right at the get-go and we are very exciting about adding his classes and energy to this academy.
Please call the office if you are interested in getting on the list for his classes.  Remember the ages are 9-12 and 13+ through adult. 
Monday Night:  Starting January 9th - 2012
6:00-7:00 Pre-Teens
7:00-9:00 ages 13 through 100!
Come take part of something new and exciting for the New Year.  Enroll NOW!

Posted byThe Performers Academyat7:12 PM0comments
Labels:Acting Classes Orange County,Commercial Acting Workshops,Improvisation Classes,Natalie Costa,On Camera Workshops,Orange County Drama,the performers academy,Theatre,Tony Reverditto

Behind the Orange Curtain Trailer Screening

Screening for "Behind the Orange Curtain" on Saturday, November 12th at:

The Performer's Academy
24310 Moulton Pkwy, Ste M
Laguna Woods, CA 92637

Seating is limited, call or email to confirm:
949-609-1600
theperformersacademy@gmail.com

Nick Roux Preview of Jane by Design

Coming January 2012 

Nick Roux - Orange County Stars in

Jane by Design

Nick got his start at

The Performer's academy

Parents Love The Actor's Forum @ The Performer's Academy

This past weekend, we had wonderful seminars here by top entertainment professionals.  They gathered to educate parents and actors about the entertainment industry as a whole.  The day started at 10:00 am and concluded at 6:00 PM.  They spoke individually and collectively about all aspects of the industry.  They covered casting, auditioning, unions, the potential merging of SAG and AFTRA, headshots, techniques and more.

The feedback was amazing and I'm happy to share it with you!

Natalie:

I just wanted to send you a note, letting you know how much Derek and I enjoyed the Actor's Forum.  He had such a big smile and glow when he came out of the door.  You put so much time and effor and hard work into this experience and made it possible for all of us to understand this business more, and to be able to have our kids get this experience.  - Liz Bagga

Thank you so much for your good advice when we are trudging along in unfamiliar territory.  I appreciate it very much - Julie

Hi Natalie & Team:
I would like to thank you guys for putting up such a good Actor's Forum yesterday - my husband attended the forum and he was very impressed and said it was informative.....thank you for training the kids and taking care of them when the parents were in the meetings.  I really appreciate giving us the opportunity to meet people in the entertainment industry. -- Preveena Challa

Thank you so much for a great day.  I was really blown away by the talent and your staff.  Sincerely....Jackie Paul, Reign Agency.

Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for a great day and experience!  Yesterday was fabulous and I know it takes a ton of work and personal effort to pull that kind of event off.  Well done - Kudos to everyone involved!  - Wendy and Jackson Massey

More to come.......
Thanks to all who attended.  It was an amazing day.

Joey Paul Jensen

Casting Director/Producer, Joey Paul Jensen will be coming to The Performer's Academy on December 11th - for a day of workshops.
She will be conducting a parent workshop - for mom's and dad's, sharing information on all aspects of the entertainment industry - from SAG, AFTRA, working schedules, expectations and more.

She will teach and improv acting workshop for non-readers, readers, teens, and adults. 

She has been working with The Performer's Academy for many years.  We look forward to her visits and the students and parents walk away with an enormous amount of information.

She is one of the producers of "Soul Surfer" which has grossed over 2 million dollars in DVD sales.  

Congrats Rochelle Gluzman

Congratulations to Sarah "Rochelle" Gluzman.  She booked the role of a young Amy Winehouse in a documentary about her life!  Congrats Rochelle!

Randi Driscoll - Matthew Shephard

Randi Driscoll composed this song.  She is very involved with the Laramee Project.  Matthew Shephard was beaten, tied to a fence post and left to die, because he was gay.  Please listen to the song and past it on for all to hear.  Support the NoH8 campaigns and no Bullying Campaigns.    Rest in Peace, Matthew

Brent Huff is Back!

Brent Huff Resumes Teaching Workshops at The Performer's Academy

Cozi Zuehlsdorff's Mother's Testimonial

A heartfelt email from Cozi's mom:

Hi Natalie, Suzy, Brent and Jeff,


I tried to send an email to you a few weeks ago but I'm not sure it went through so I'll try again....

I just wanted to thank you for your part in helping Cozi with her training and with getting her awesome agent!

Through the Actor's Forum, Cozi found her new agent Pamela Fisher at BTG. We LOVE her and everyone at BTG.

Cozi also loved her classes with Brent. They really helped her confidence and ability in the audition room.

I'm emailing from Clearwater Florida where Cozi is filming the movie "Dolphin Tale" starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd and Kris Kristopherson and Nathan Gamble. She is playing the part of "Hazel," Harry Connick, Jr.'s daughter.

What a fantastic experience we're having here and I just wanted to THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for everything you do at The Performer's Academy to help kids in their careers!

Sincerely,

Allison Zuehlsdorff
 
(Editor's note:  Since this email was scene, Pam Fisher has moved to Abrams Artists)

Lauren Manix Books Hometown Buffet

Hi Natalie!

I finally have a success story! Yay! Even though I'm taking a hiatus from
classes right now (1st semester if college...eek!) I still wanted to share some good news with everyone at the academy: I booked my first job! It is one of the three new Hometown Buffet commercials for this year. They started airing them today so I can spread the excitement of my success now! Thank you to you, and to all of my teachers at PA. The hard work has finally paid off!
Thank you Nataie, and I can't wait to return to my PA family soon!
Xo, Lauren Manix
 
Yeah Lauren, we are so exited for you!  Will be watching to see you on TV!  Can't wait till you're back from school!  xoxo Natalie

Moving Autism Video by a Loving Father

Please take a minute to watch this moving video on Autism.

It's very informative and touching. 

Congratulations to: Austin Parker

Congratulations to Austin Parker - mom just called and said he booked a ToyQuest commercial!  Yeah Austin!

Drug deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities in U.S., data show

Drug deaths now outnumber traffic fatalities in U.S., data show  (LAtimes.com)
Click on Link title and see the LA Times article on prescription drug deaths.
Features an Aliso Viejo mom, Lori Smith who's son Nolan died due to prescription drugs.  The stories uncovered in our documentary "Behind the Orange Curtain" are mind blowing.  The epidemic is not only in Orange County, California but throughout this country and does not effect a specific demographic.  It's time we all get informed and get legislation passed that will change the way our children/teens/adults have access to these deadly drugs.

Testimonial from Noah Munck's Parents
with regard to The Performer's Academy. 

Natalie, Without our introduction to Performer's Academy our kids would not be doing what they are doing now! Thank you for providing opportunities to connect with people in Hollywood, our agent is amazing and we met her through you! I wanted to let you now that Noah Munck is now a part of SAG, for his guest starring role on CW's "All of Us" which is in its 4th season, it airs on Monday Nights at 8:30pm. It is a show created, and produced by Will Smith and his wife Jada about their own life experiences in Hollywood. Noah filmed in front of 150 extra's and backgrounders last Wednesday 11/8/06, he played a football player that makes fun of the kid, "Bobby" in the show, Noah was part of the cast of the episode and was treated like a star, he had a blast! It will air in January.. Thank you for loving my kids,

Gregory and Kymbry Munck
********************************
Noah Munck's First BIG Commercial - GOT MILK.
Not only does Noah love to drink milk, we just found out he booked the SAG principal role for 2 national commercials for, "GOT MILK" that will air for 21 months. Can you believe it, we are so it excited for him. We just got the call from his agent who was so pumped, he has wardrobe today and Monday and will film next Tuesday - Saturday. Thank you for being a part of our lives!
Gregory and Kymbry Munck

*******************************

Musetta Vander's Uzuri Magazine Article

Musetta Vander's Article in Uzuri Magazine.

Musetta has had an amazing career both in front of and behind the camera.  She is a medical QiGong Master.  I personally have had her work on/with me for several exacerbating conditions with great success.  Check out her website at: www.musettavander.com and a pdf. copy of the article is on

Natalie Costa

Look for this on Musetta's Site at http://www.musettavander.com/
News Section

Max Page Books Recurring Role on Prime Suspect

Great News:

Max Page (remember him as Darth Vader during the Super Bowl?)...well he's booked a recurring role on the new hit series:   Prime Suspect for ABC.  Max's first airdate is scheduled for September 29th.

Max plays Owen, Maria Bello's boyfriend's son. 

Max Headshot - Agent Pam Fisher

Max as Darth Vader in the Super Bowl commercial. 

Samantha Valdivia - Former Office Manager of The Performer's Academy

Here is Samanatha Musa Valdivia's and Matthew Darrin Nuss singing Turing Tables - an Adele song.  Their harmonies are so beautiful.  Samantha had been a contestant on America Idol twice as well as Matthew Darrin Nuss.  Both attended Vanguard University. 

We miss her dearly hear at The Performer's Academy - but know that she is on to much greater and rewarding opportunities.  

John Carroll's Foot Locker Commercial - Issac Newton

Here's John Carroll's commercial for Footlocker commercial as

Sir Issac Newton.  Take a look - he's terrific.  He's in Jeff Celentano's Master Class as well as Randall England's Master Class

How The Performers Academy Started

How it Started

Initially we all started off working in the “business” on some level. Natalie Costa started this pursuit because her daughter was one of those “pretty little kids” and a “real character” at home. Looking at that Pepsi girl doing those commercials, she thought…”Humm, my daughter’s cuter than that kid!” (Don’t laugh all parents think this way!). So she started on a road (bumpy to say the least) to get her daughter into commercials and print. One commercial could pay for college and having had her only child at 37 – didn’t really plan on the college thing.

She went to a place that charged her $3,000 for a “portfolio” for her daughter and six months later her then 5-year-old started to lose her teeth. So before the Visa bill rolled in, Brianne looked nothing like her $3,000 portfolio. To add insult to injury, she took the scissors and chopped her bangs to her scalp.

After enough of a run-around and a never-ending Visa bill, she took a job at a franchised modeling and acting school. They had agents coming in and well – it seemed like a good idea at the time. The company had been sold three times in 3 years and at Christmas time, December 2003, the last owner decided he had had enough. He owned the franchise for a whopping six months and was saying goodbye to a million and a half dollar investment.

Not being one to pass up a good opportunity, Natalie jumped at the chance to take over the business, change the name, and do what she had wanted to do all along….which was to create a really good school, with really amazing teachers, and allow performers of all ages to have a safe, fun, productive environment to practice and develop their craft and create performance outlets and to provide an opportunity for agents to come in an scout the students and hopefully find talent they would like to represent.

One big change in the program was pricing. Never feeling comfortable with huge tuition and life-long programs, the entire pricing structure was revamped and made completely affordable. Imagine that, a place with affordable programs and really amazing teachers! Go figure! You probably spend more at Starbucks in one month than it costs to take a two-hour weekly workshop with honest-to-goodness film directosr! The second big change was the quality and background of the instructors. Only in Orange County can you work with actual film directors and working actors with very impressive credentials.

So The Performer’s Academy was born! The cast and crew here are dedicated to one thing…..great classes and affordable prices and customer service. Well, that’s three things – but we mean it. We pride ourselves on the service we provide to the students and their families – so after you enroll your child, we promise to remember you, to call you and to keep you updated on what’s going on. We’re here to hold your hand through the auditioning process, the work permits and the photo questions and to make this an enjoyable journey for you and your family.


Bios

Natalie Costa: Is formerly from New Jersey (that should be enough!) started out as a dancer. She danced from age 4 to age 21 and decided that she had enough of shoveling snow and didn’t want to marry a funeral director and headed for Malibu. She spent 7 years in Malibu and lived around LA until moving to Laguna Niguel some 20+ years ago.

She spent years in the commodities business, worked for big – billionaire real estate developers, a cranky movie star, and literally drilled her own oil wells, owned health and fitness clubs and taught aerobics. Working since age 16 – her resume reads like an Aaron Spelling pilot.

At age 37 she and her husband Joe gave birth to Brianne and that’s where the story begins. Brianne was really cute and really animated and as a newborn, didn’t have a penny to her name never mind having money saved for college. Thinking that putting her in a commercial (if it were only that easy) would pay for her first year at Harvard, the trek began.

Natalie though just because she was “cute and animated” that was enough to do the trick. No one took into consideration Brianne’s temperament (similar to that of an angry mule) or the fact that she was shy, or didn’t have an agent would be a stumbling block.

So the process began and through a series of trials and tribulations, twists, turns and bumpy roads, The Performer’s Academy was born.

Brianne is now a sassy and 18-year-old going on 45, has been represented commercial and theatrically. She’s done several print jobs and appeared in two feature films.

She now no longer has any interest in acting (go figure) but spends her time drawing, painting, and singing.


To be continued………

Nick Roux - Jane By Design

ABC picks up Jane By Design for 2012 line-up....

Great news for The Performer's Academy's Nick Roux.
Jane-by-Design is scheduled for the 2012 line up.

Nick always had that promising talent - the look and the desire to work hard and do what it takes to make it.  He studied, got his agent, AEF through our connections here and is managed by Elaine Lively -- Blake (Gossip Girls' Mother). 

Watch out for Nick. 
Congrats Nick - you deserve all the success coming your way.

He can be seen on Lemonade Mouth on Disney. 

Natalie Costa

A Dolphin Tale - Starring Cozy Zuehlsdorff

Here's an exciting update:
The Performer's Academy is excited to announce that one of their own is starring in the hit film A Dolphin Tale.

Cozy Zuehlsdorff plays Harry Connick Jr.'s daughter in the film. 
She was an amazing student here at The Performer's Academy.  The instructors, film director Jeff Celentano, writer, producer & director Randall England, film director Brent Huff and Johnny Timko all made reference to how talented she was.  She had an understanding of the process early on. 

At first her mother seemed reluctant to pursue getting agency representation - but the bug bit Cozy and once she signed with Pam Fisher, there was no stopping her.  I am sure this is just one of many success stories we will be hearing from Cozi. 

We are enormously proud of her - her first film - she's on the poster with credits....how exciting.  

Class Description Updates

New Class Descriptions - 9-3-11

Class Description

Acting for TV & Film:
Students learn the art of acting in the television and film environment. Starting with scenes/scripts from popular television show and feature films, students learn the pace, the staging, and what is required for each of the different mediums. Students learn to take their “beats”, camera angles and direction and physical requirements for each. Both require and enhance reading and reading comprehension skills as well as memorization and confidence.

Acting & Auditioning Techniques:
An audition consists of about 4 minutes no matter if it’s an audition to get agency representation or when you are on an actual casting call. You have that amount of time to grab their attention and knock the material out of the park. The talent needs to understand what to do on an audition, what to wear, where to focus, how to deliver the material, and most importantly what not to do. The talent will run though commercials, monologues, mock interviews and more.

Fundamentals of Acting

A must do for every actor! The following is covered in this class:
Basic elements of acting, stage terms, stage direction, (SL, Exiting, etc), taking direction, working as a team on stage, Theatre Games – make it fun, Begin work on Who? Theatre games and scenes emphasizing relations (Who). What they need in the scene, stakes (scenes emphasizing states), Moment Before, Environment, Breaking down a scene, History/Character Work, Fourth Wall, Putting the Basics to Work, Review! Fix, Refine and Celebrate!

Improv: (Improvisation)
Improv is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting, of making and creating, in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment and inner feelings. It’s thinking out loud and “on the spot” or “off the cuff” Spontaneous comebacks are essential for the actor/performer in auditions and meetings with agencies, agents, casting directors, producers and film directors. Some notable and genius improvisation talent – Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Saturday Night Live casts and more.

Into to Scene/Writing for TV & Film:
Students are given the opportunity to write scene(s) with classmates or individually. They get to perform the scene with fellow classmates/actors in the classroom environment. Then they get to fix, refine and celebrate their work!



Master Class Program:

Two methods offered, Meisner and Method. You must be invited in by the instructor to attend these workshops. The class contains serious actors (age is not a limiting factor) who want to be pushed to the utmost level of acting. Students need to have impeccable attendance, be on top of their material, know their lines, and be prepared for class. These two classes are conducted by industry professionals (Jeff Celentano, film director and Randall England, actor, writer, producer). These are certainly workshops to aspire to.

Monologue:

Actors will learn to speak by addressing their thoughts out loud to an audience other cast members. A monologue class is the ultimate training in public speaking. This also equates to an oral book report at school, a sales presentation or a closing argument.

Modeling/Runway/Image:
There are classes for small children and teens:
The focus is on self-esteem, confidence, poise and more. The students walk the runway, work on their posture and their runway “walk”. The teen class focuses on “what not to wear”, what’s appropriate clothing for your body time, hair, hairstyles, makeup, exercise, nutrition and more. Class periodically does “mini” photo shoots and participants are invited to bring in clothing, costumes, and outfits for this impromptu shoot. Photos are just for class use only and cannot be used or mistaken for professional photos.
On Camera Workshops:

The camera is a vital tool in acting and performing. In addition to having to learn their “lines”, the talent will have to learn to perform with the camera capturing their performances. The talent will learn such terminology and functions such as: Camera right, camera left, banana shot, cheat the scene, close up, cover shots, crane shot, cue, cutaway, dress the set, long shots, matching actions, inserts, and more.

Scene Study:

The student is given a particular scene from a movie, television show or a play. They are paired with a classmate(s) and run the lines during a brief break in the class. The instructor then has them perform the scene in front of their classmates. The teacher will critique the read and give constructive advice. The students learn, through reading comprehension the mechanics of their scene as to the Who, What, Where, When and Why.
Voice and Diction/Dialects: (Essential)

The actor’s voice is a diverse and powerful instrument and must be trained through classes to express a wider range of emotion, character and life. Voices must resonate without damaging the vocal chords. They must be clear and concise and versatile. A voice and diction class will help not only actors but also singers, musicians, debaters and public speakers. Voice classes can start as early as age 10. It can be picked up at any stage of life. This is a definite must have on your acting resume. A role may require an accent/dialect, maybe from the south, or England, Italy or any place on earth. Nailing the appropriate dialect can be a hit or miss in landing a role.
Vocal Training – Advanced (Invite only)

Advanced Vocal Class for the serious vocalists who truly want to move to the next level of singing. Heavy focus on the structure of the vocal chords, the mechanics, exercises to not injure the voice, head & chest focus, developing the ear and more. This class covers all areas of singing – from opera to pop/rock. You must be evaluated before participating in this class.

Vocal Training (Intro) and Singing:

Focus on running scales, breathing exercise, and voicercize songs. Developed by Beverly Bremers (a hit recording artist), the students will learn to match pitch and tune their ear. Students are invited to bring along their favorite karaoke CD and will work on their songs in class.

Samantha Valdivia - Former Office Mgr. of The Performer's Academy

http://youtu.be/lfbz5HFIUnU

Please go to YouTube and look up Samantha Valdivia - or use the above referenced link.

She was an American Idol contests (Hollywood Week) and has an amazing voice. 

Please listen and pass it on to your friends.

Natalie Costa
949-609-1600

Documentary, "Behind The Orange Curtain"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Natalie Costa The Performerʼs Academy 24310 Moulton Parkway #o Laguna Hills, CA 92367 Tel: 949.609.1600 Theperformersacademy@gmail.com

Orange County, California.  June 1, 2011

Behind the Orange Curtain is a documentary film that will focus on the current prescription drug abuse problem with teenagers in South Orange County. This film will raise the awareness of the problem that is causing the deaths of numerous young boys and girls. The problem is now at a epidemic level. Where are these drugs coming from and why are they so readily available in Orange County High Schools?

Natalie Costa, owner of The Performers Academy in Laguna Hills accompanied her daughter Brianne to the funeral of Mark Melkonian, who passed away from a prescription drug overdose at the age of 17. Mark, a popular student at Dana Hills High School is one of 58 youths (ages 12 - 17 years old) who in the past 2 years have died from a RX drug overdose.

While at Markʼs funeral Natalie knew something must be done to stop this tragic trend. Natalie turned to award winning film makers Brent Huff and Zac Titus to discuss with them the possibility making a documentary film.

Like most people Brent and Zac were unaware of this heartbreaking problem in Orange County and quickly got behind the project.

Behind the Orange Curtain will delve deeply into the issues of a problem where there is no easy answer. What can parents do? Where are the drugs coming from? These drugs are very expensive so where are the kids getting the money? Is this a “rich kid” problem? Are prescription drugs gateway drugs? Are doctors part of the problem? Pharmacists? Law enforcement? Peer pressure? Low self esteem?

Recently the film makers met with several Orange County parents who have lost children to prescription drug overdoses in just this past year. These parents are behind the film project and want to reach out to hopefully spare other parents the incredible suffering they are experiencing.

Natalie Costa and the film makers are hoping this feature length film will play in theaters and on television and even be use as a teaching tool in high schools and churches. Teenagers and parents alike need to become more educated about this latest epidemic in drug abuse. We hope and believe Behind the Orange Curtain will not only educate but save lives.

Talent from The Performer's Academy that Became Successful

Aiden Andrews' Recent Projects:
H&M
CSI NY
Muzzy World (Pilot)
Bon Jovi Music Video
Payless Commercials
Decathlon
Nordstrom
Guess Kids
Voiceover (short film)
The Preacher's Family

Andrew Wolf:
Parenthood
Clorox
Fruit Roll Ups
Target
Trix Yogurt
Stouffers
Continental Airlines
Lexus
Macy's
Oscar Meyer

Gabrielle Gillen
Sears (SAG)
Payless Shoes (SAG)
Amtrak

We are so very proud of their accomplishments!

Look for our very handsome Nick Roux in the upcoming Disney Hit, "Lemonaid Mouth"

Max Page's Super Bowl Commercial

Here's Max's Super Bowl add.
He's six years old - has a recurring role on The Young and The Restlesss...
he's one of our youngest most successful students.

This commerical will go national after the Super Bowl.
He had an article written about him in Soap Opera Digest.

Yeah Max, we are so proud of you!

Community - The Show

Tonite Kelly Lazarus, a performer at The Performer's Academy will have a roll on the hit show called, "Community" starring Chevy Chase.

Kelly is 12 years old and a student at The Performer's Academy located at 24310 Moulton Parkway, Suite O, Laguna Hills, CA  92637.