THE PLAYGROUND - A Young Actors' Conservatory

We've Moved The Playground's Blog Onto Our Website

2010-11-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hi - as you can see we haven't been very active here for a while - to be honest we forgot we had this blog going and started a new one :-(

So, come check out the New Playground Blog and see what we've been talking about!

Oh, and be sure to check out the Gary Spatz Blog which he's calling "Letters to a young actor". It's got advice about getting started in the acting world that's specially created just for the under 20 crowd!

If you're looking for even more information about Gary and The Playground you can see all the latest news on Gary Spatz's "The Playground" Facebook Page we've got pictures of some of the students, links to videos, tongue twisters and more. So check it out and tell us that you "Like" us when you're there.

See you at The Playground!

New Halloween Pictures!

2009-11-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

Check out what kinds of ghosts and goblins have been lurking around The Playground this past Halloween!!!

Click here to view more spooky Halloween pictures from The Playground!

Thank You Los Angeles Family Magazine!

2009-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Check Out August 2009's Issue of Los Angeles Family Magazine!

We have been honored with a 2-page spread written by Mac Duffy that highlights Gary's former students as well as present ones. You can even see Gary's actual notes when he was evaluating future superstars like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera!

Check Out the Article here
Check Out the Article here
Check Out the Article here

Century City News

2009-07-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

AN ARTICLE WRITTEN IN THE CENTURY CITY NEWS!!!
June 2 - June 18, 2009, Page 7

Click here to read all about it...

OPEN CALL FOR THE PLAYGROUND

2009-06-30T16:58:00.001-07:00

Ashley Argota who plays “Lulu” on True Jackson VP will be signing autographed photos for all participants.

Event will be held on Sunday July 5th, between 12 noon and 3pm. This screening is completely free and for kids and teens between 6 and 18 yrs old. All participants must have a parent in attendance.

Since we will be looking for kids who want to act, each participant will be asked to do a brief on camera interview in one of our 5 studios. No experience is necessary. Simply, be yourself, and have fun, and bring a snapshot of yourself that you are willing to leave with us.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

http://garyspatzhollywood.com/opencall

TERMINATOR SALVATION MOVIE PREMIER WITH JADAGRACE!!!

2009-06-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jadagrace plays the role of "Star" in the new hit movie, "TERMINATOR SALVATION"

"Dear Gary,
Jadagrace was given 4 tickets to attend the premiere of her feature film debut, Terminator Salvation. She wanted to know if you would be interested in going with us. We both feel if it were not for you and The Playground, she definitely would not have had the confidence or the skills to do what she did on that audition.We love you Gary,Grace Gordy"

Check out Jadagrace's IMDB Profile
See "Terminator Salvation" movie trailer

Featured Testimonial from ASHLEY ARGOTA!

2009-06-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Plays the role of "Lulu" on the hit Nickelodeon series, "True Jackson, VP"

"I started acting when I was 5 years old. I can honestly say that I never really enjoyed acting classes until I started taking classes at The Playground. I never thought I could learn so much in one place! Gary, Gayla, Lee, and the rest of the teachers at The Playground are amazing. They made our classes so much fun, but I still learned so much! I took classes for about a year and a half, and in that time I gained so much confidence. I know exactly what to do when I get my scripts for the show every week. I still do the tongue twisters that I was taught (PURPLE WURPLE!) and do my script analysis for the scenes that I'm in. Honestly, I think that The Playground is a huge part of why I got my role on True Jackson, VP. Without their help, I don't think I'd be here right now! The lessons that I was taught during my time at The Playground will be with me for the rest of my life. And I'm never going to stop learning- I STILL get coaching at The Playground! I LOVE IT THERE!! :)

xoxo! ash"

Check out Ashley Argota's IMDB Profile
Ashley Argota Sings the National Anthem at the Laker Game

CONGRATS Playground Class of 2009!!!

2009-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of each and everyone of you!

Click Here To View More Pictures of The Graduation Ceremony!

Gary Interviewd on E!'s Young Hollywood: A-Zac

2009-06-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Exploring the past and present of Hollywood's hottest teen stars: Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Zac Efron, and Taylor Swift. Watch for clips of acting coach Gary Spatz throughout the program.

Featured Testimonial from the proud parent of NATE HARTLEY

2009-06-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Nate Hartley has appeared in television shows such as "Hannah Montana", "Jonas", and movies that include as "Role Models", and "Drillbit Taylor".

"Gary Spatz was one of my son's first acting coaches in Los Angeles. We moved from Ohio to pursue my son's passion of acting. Gary has been one of the keys to my son's success! He has always been the most understanding and knowledgeable resource for both Nate and myself. Gary and his outstanding staff at the Playground have always been professional, patient, and caring. We are so grateful that we met Gary when we embarked upon this journey four years ago. Gary will always hold a special place in our hearts for his steadfast encouragement and ongoing support.
Thanks again! You are the BEST!Michele Hartley (Nate's Mom)"

Check out Nart Hartley's IMDB Profile

Dylan & Cole Sprouse Mention Gary in an Interview

2009-06-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Dylan and Cole Sprouse (Suite Life of Zack and Cody) candidly talk about acting coach GARY SPATZ during an interview for TV Guide.

Gary Spatz on Extra Entertainment Television!!!

2009-06-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Correctional Note: In this piece Gary was labeled as a "talent scout" when, in fact, he was hired as a creative consultant and acting coach to help select the cast but, more importantly to nurture and maintain the ensemble of young stars with classes, etc during our long production in Orlando. Secondly, Gary Spatz told "Extra" that he was not the acting coach for Haley Joel Osment (whose character played the older brother to Johnathan Lipnicki on the Jeff Foxworthy Show). Gary Spatz was hired to be Johnathan Lipnicki's coach while Haley worked exclusively with his father.

THE PLAYGROUND: A YOUNG ACTORS' CONSERVATORY

2008-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Teaching acting classes is one of Gary’s primary passions in Life. He focuses on creating a workshop or classroom environment that allows the students to take risks and exercise their imaginations. After moving to Los Angeles, Gary studied acting with Paul Sills from 1978 to 1985, Gary was a company member of the respected American Theater Arts in Hollywood where he continued training, performing and eventually began teaching. For the fifteen years after that, Gary taught classes at The Young Actors Space.

Gary Spatz's "The Playground " A Young Actors' Conservatory is an on-camera conservatory where young actors can challenge themselves to truly stimulate their abilities. Gary and his staff of professional actors/teachers wish to nurture each student's creativity and help him or her find a way of working on-camera. They are dedicated to helping change young actors develop a personal technique for television and film. They will train the young performer in the craft of acting and educate the parents about the business.

"The Playground" is located in the heart of the Century City area of Los Angeles, adjacent to the Westfield Shopping Center. The space has been designed to create a comfort zone for the actor while simultaneously providing a professional atmosphere with studio-grade lights, cameras and monitors.

FILM PROJECTS INCLUDE:

2008-04-08T11:19:00.001-07:00

"Jurassic Park", "Spy Kids", “Boys Don’t Cry”, "October Sky", "Stuart Little", "The Believer", Planet Of The Apes", IMAX "The Magic Box", "Mighty Ducks II & III", "Honey I Shrunk the Kids", "Phantoms", "Camp Nowhere", "Honey I Blew-Up The Baby", "Forever Young", "Sleepless In Seattle", "The Brady Bunch", "M.I.III", "The Next Karate Kid", "Dutch", "Newsies", "Great Expectations", "Radio Flyer", “Murder by Numbers”, “ Lord of the Rings”, “Dickie Roberts”, “Beethoven I, II & III", “The Hunted”, "The Notebook", “The Missing” and "Million Dollar Baby".

TELEVISION PROJECTS INCLUDE:

2008-04-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

"My So Called Life", "Felicity", "Malcolm in the Middle", "Wonder Years", “That 70s Show”, "Full House", "Step By Step", "Growing Pains", "Beverly Hills 90210", "Scrubs", "City Guys", "Evening Shade", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Summerland", "Melrose Place", "The Nanny", "All That", "Recess", "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody", “Lizzie McGuire”, “Everybody Loves Raymond” and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody".

FORMER STUDENTS

2008-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Christina Aguilera, Chad Allen, Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Berkley, Jessica Biel, Michael Bower, Jenna Boyd, Thomas Wilson Brown, Amanda Bynes, Brandon Call, Aaron Carter, Sarah Chalke, J.C. Chasez, Nikki Deloach, Stephen Dorff, Hilary Duff, Luke Edwards, Ethan Embry, Lindsey Felton, Michael Fishman, Dale Godboldo, Robert Gorman, Ryan Gosling, Brian Austin Green, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nate Hartley, Rebecca Herbst, Christine Lakin, Maggie Lawson, Maggie Linderman, Jeremy Lelliott, Tony Lucca, Stephen Lungsford, Allison Mack, Kellie Martin, Christopher Masterson, Danny Masterson, Crystal McKellar, Danica McKellar, Tahj Mowry, Tamera Mowry, Tia Mowry, Ashleigh Norman, Kay Panabaker, Danielle Panabaker, Nicholas Pappone, Janel Parrish, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Lindsey Price, Cassidy Rae, Ariana Richards, Camilla Rosso, Becky Rosso, Keri Russell, Taran Noah Smith, Britney Spears, Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, Paul Sutera, Hilary Swank, Jodie Sweetin, Madylin Sweeten, Sawyer Sweeten, Sullivan Sweeten, Justin Timberlake, David Tom, Heather Tom, Nicholle Tom, Alexa Vega, Scott Whyte, Elijah Wood, Marc Worden, Ahmet Zappa

Welcome!

2008-04-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog!

It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with some of the best and brightest kids in the world of entertainment over the past 20 years as a teacher, as well as an acting coach on film and television sets. It’s a great blessing for me to support the evolution of all the young talent that has come my way and it has been very exciting process to witness. Whether my students become professional actors, writers, directors, musicians, dancers, or painters, my goal as a member is to nurture the creative source and be a positive influence.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of some of my experiences in the entertainment industry. Teaching and coaching is my passion, and I take great delight and pride in the opportunity to work with young performers whether they are ray beginners or seasoned professionals.