The Performers Academy

I was referred to this school by a big talent agency for my 10 yr old daughter. Our experience with them was nothing short of exceptional. We love their program and the staff there– they are true professionals in the industry who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their jobs and the Arts. It is hard to find that these days so I was delighted. Also, the tuition is reasonable, unlike some schools out there that just want to take all your money with not much to offer.
I started out completely lost and overwhelmed in the child acting business… The owner herself, and the staff gave me the guidance that my daughter and I needed with patience and professionalism.
I would highly recommend The Performer’s Academy to all my friends and any one looking for a legitimate Acting school for their kids.

My son went to a 1 week camp over the summer and LOVED it. He has acted before but it had been a while, this camp got him back into it. He was beaming everyday after camp. Pricing for camp is not cheap but it is reasonable for what you get.

Natalie, I saw your comment and had to reply. Your «instructors» did not even bother to find out why we were picking up our kids early. They did not talk to us or offer any explanation or try to persuade us to stay. Liz had a very rude and bad attitude right from day one. My kids were very excited to go to this camp, but were put off by Liz’s attitude to them. Their friend who attended this camp last year had the same miserable experience as my boys this year (thanks to Liz). My 8 year old said Liz intimidated him and I saw that first hand when she spoke to my kids. I am very disappointed that you did not try to remedy this even after we spoke to you. Your website clearly indicated that «no experience» is required, and probably you should put that in quotes like your «continental breakfast» and «snacks». I should probably demand my money back for the torture my kids and I had to endure.

My kids love it here! I really feel like they’re learning so much and having fun at the same time.

I have been working with The Performer’s Academy for over
14 years. I have photographed headshots of many of their students
who have gone off to work in the entertainment industry.
I also help their students with entrance videos to OCSA and shoot their
audition videos for those students who work.
The Performer’s Academy is a terrific acting academy and all of their
teachers are industry professional — film directors, writers, and producers.
I refer many of my clients — from kids to adults who want to act to The Performer’s Academy.

This place has a deceiving cancellation policy. I was told a «30-​day notice» cancellation but it is in fact 60 to 89 days depending on what calendar day you give notice.
I enrolled my 6-​year-​old daughter into their singing class. After one month class, my daughter was bored and did not want to take it anymore. So I gave them 30-​day notice to cancel the class by email. Then I found out I still had to pay another month and the last day would be 60 days away. They insisted I had signed the paper when I enrolled on the first day. After examining the papers, I have found that their policy is in fact 60-​day plus cancellation. The way they design their policy is very deceptive. Let me explain it details below.
1) On the first day, they ask me to pay first month and last month. Then sign a paper for auto debit with my credit card. The auto debit occurs on 15^th every month. The cancellation page states «30 day cancel notice» to the auto debit. They never mention 60-​day and tried to make you believe it is 30-​day.
2) For example, I enrolled on ⁶⁄₁₂ and pay two months till ⁸⁄₁₅. The auto debit starts on ⁷⁄₁₅.
3) On 7/​12, I decided to cancel. My auto debit will stop 30 days after my notice (i.e. ⁸⁄₁₅). But the auto debit would still occur on ⁷⁄₁₅. Since I already paid the last month, with one auto debit on ⁷⁄₁₅ I would have paid 3-​month total through ⁹⁄₁₅. That’s 63 days from my notice date on ⁷⁄₁₂.
4) Here is an example of 89-​day notice. In case I miss auto debit day on the 15^th, I give notice on ⁷⁄₁₇. My auto debit does occur on ⁷⁄₁₅ already. The next debit on ⁸⁄₁₅ is within 30 days and would also occur. The auto debit will stop on ⁹⁄₁₅. So I have paid 4-​month total and my last day would be ¹⁰⁄₁₅. So that’s 89 days from my notice.
I have taken my kid to other schools in the community but have never seen such a dishonest policy. I cannot imagine a business owner creating such policy has any integrity. We should avoid it.

We have been sadly disappointed by our experience at The Performer’s Academy. The vocal instruction was not as strong as we’ve had at other places. Our teenage daughter’s voice did not improve after over 6 months of lessons. When we decided to stop attending, they continued to charge our credit card despite our giving the required two week notice. We have engaged in a heated dispute. They wouldn’t budge which has left a very sour taste in our mouths. I would be very leery of sending your child there for lessons. I know I won’t recommend it to any of my friends.

I could go on about the quality and accessibility of the classes, and the wide range of instructional opportunities, and the engaging and professional instructors, not to mention to amazing business owner. But what I think parents MOST need to know about this place is the «feel» of it. Sitting in the lobby watching the kids run around between classes, I’m struck by how happy and together they all seem to be. They are friends and they enjoy each other’s company. My daughter was shy and scared her first day in her voice-​over/​diction class, and both the teacher AND her fellow students were encouraging and supportive. From the lobby, you can hear and see some of the classes as they are ongoing, and I’m continually impressed on how much fun the kids are having. I’m trying to think of a word to describe the environment. Dare I say «wholesome»?

My 11 year old daughter has been at the Performer’s Academy for acting classes for about 6 years. She has not only gotten an L.A. based agent but has booked several acting jobs, including the ABC show Better off Ted, a Kraft commercial and many short films. The quality and caliber of the teaching staff here is amazing as they are all working actors, directors, writers and producers that drive from Los Angeles to teach Acting. She has also seen a huge improvement in her public speaking skills and her work ethic. Natalie Costa, the owner, has created an affordable place for kids and adults to get quality acting classes and coaching. They also have dance, voice, and theater. I recommend the Performer’s Academy to anyone interested in learning the dramatic arts or crafting their skills as an actor.