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.

ONE WARM COAT

ONE WARM COAT DRIVE:

The Performer's Academy is working with the One Warm Coat Drive - sponsored by Burlington Coat Factory.

We are Collecting Coats:
Children/Teens/Adults
Gently used/worn coats
No Stains, Zippers, Buttons and Fastners must work.

The Orange County Rescue Mission in Tustin, California will receive the coats from this year's drive.

The Mission in Tusting serves over 2700 meals per day.

Living here in beautiful Orange County, it's easy to overlook the fact that there are many in need of food, clothing and shelter.

Please bring your coats to:
THE PERFORMER'S ACADEMY
24310 Moulton Parkway Suite I
Laguna Hills (Woods), CA 92637
starting Saturday, October 23rd

Lets join together this holiday season and give from the heart to those of less fortunate that us.

Thank you in advance for your generosity


Natalie Costa
Owner

949-609-1600

The World of Acting Classes

As of January 1, 2010, a new law went into effect in the State of California.  The law is called AB 1319, aka The Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act of 2009.   The law is to protect you, the consumer, from unscrupulous acting/modeling/casting companies. 

Based on a letter received from The Los Angeles City Attorney's office, office of Carmen A. Trutanich and signed by Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert, Consumer Protection Section, outlines the provisions of this law.

The letter clearly indicates (and is underlined) "These laws affect a broad range of businesses, including acting schools, casting workshops, website listing services, representation services, website listing services and call-in services to name just a few."  The letter also states that "lack of knowledge" is not a defense to a ciminal violation of these laws.

On a big hand, we applaude this new legislation.  It takes down the companies that indicate your child was "one of several individuals" being considered when in reality, they were really being evaluated if their parents could afford the tuition to the acting/modeling school. 

I had to post a  $50,000 bond with the California Department of Labor.  The law was so new that no insurance/bonding carrier could determine what bond was needed.  After some time, the appropriate bond was written and we did, in fact, post it with the the appropriate department in Sacramento.

This law has several benefits.  One, a company/school cannot sell you a program that exceeds one year.  There no longer are life-time programs in which to enroll.  If you so choose, your child's photo must be removed from a website.  All you have to do is give written notice and the company must comply within ten days.

The cancellation period to cancel your contract is ten business days from the date you sign the contract.

The unfortunate problem is that many individuals doing business in Los Angeles are not aware of this law or feel that they do not need to comply.

I personally think that a $50,000 bond is rather high - as the acting classes at The Performer's Academy start at $125 per month.  The maximum dues is $325 per month for an unlimited program for a family over the age of 13. 
Needless to say, it is what it is.  I'm personally happy the law is in effect.  It creates a level playing field and insures that consumers are not going to be pitched and sold "lifetime" programs that range from $5900 to over $12,000. 

When I opened The Performer's Academy, my goal was to have small affordable monthly programs and amazing teachers.  This would allow students to pay as they go and get great classes from real industry professionals.   So far, my plan is working! 

If you have any questions, give me a call at the studio at 949-609-1600 -
or email me at ThePerformersAcademy@gmail.com - I read my emails all night long!

Holiday Performance

Hey Everyone:

Randi Driscol is ready to rev up our 2010 Holiday Perfomrance. Call the Studio at 949-609-1600 to get more information. The class is Thursday night - 6:00 for the children and 7:00-8:30 for tween/teen/adults. This is a must-do for this holiday season.