Gary Spatz's 'The Playground'

05/07/2008 Posted by Monica4578

There seems to be a lot of bad info on this place. I would stay clear. I'm sure they are just like all the other scam operations in town.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/02/2008 Posted by sureGary

Are you kidding me? Get real. The word is out and you can't hide behind these bogus "reviews". The B Business Bureau says this about YOU. This company advertises open call "Try Outs," with no experience necessary directed at children and teens who want to find work as television actors. If you answer an ad, you may be told outright that they will help you obtain acting or modeling employment. The catch is, they say everyone needs lessons or training to go before a camera or down a runway. This training is really what the company is selling, and their courses can obligate you for thousands of dollars. In reality, they cannot guarantee you employment, and you will not find such a guarantee in their written contract. Consumers should be aware, that despite verbal promises that may imply work in the industry is easily available, this company's classes will not gurantee employment, and the company is prevented from assisting students with procureing employment due to State Advance Fee Talent laws. California law contains certain requirements of advance-fee talent services and prohibitions against certain practices. If the company promises you auditions or employment, or if they even ask you for a fee in advance, a talent service is considered to come under the provisions of this law. Under the law, they are not allowed to charge you, for example, to provide photographs, filmstrips, audition tapes or videotapes, lessons or training. By law, you are entitled to a refund of anything you pay to an advance-fee talent agency if you do not receive the services you were led to believe would be performed. The refund is to be made within 48 hours of your request for it. Additionally, you have the right to cancel your contract, for any reason within 10 business days of the date of the contract. If you cancel, your payment is to be returned within 10 business days.

Pros: If you want to give your $ to crooks

Cons: Scam

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

05/01/2008 Posted by melodysmama

Lately, I’ve been hearing some bad news about The Playground on the internet so I decided to check it out myself. Now, I believe that someone is running a malicious campaign to ruin the reputation of the school and Gary’s Spatz. If you notice, it’s probably the same man/woman posing as different members because they all happen to sign-up on the exact same day and leave reviews around the same time as well. Not only that, but they copy and paste the same thing in different places too. That’s all they do, sign up and only leave reviews for Gary Spatz -- never any other businesses. He/she keeps saying to “Google Gary Spatz” and well well well, a listing for “Easy Background Check” comes up which is something they must have paid a lot of money to keep at the top of the Google search engine. These people are ridiculous! I just want to set the record straight – I do not, nor have I ever worked for The Playground. I actually have a child going to that school right now. Having her attend the classes has been such a life-altering event in our lives because her self-esteem and confidence has risen and she’s met so many great friends. She looks forward to the classes every weekend. I can see the passion, energy, and conviction coming from Gary Spatz when he’s around. I know this is in his heart and he’s just so personable and always there for my family. It’s just so sad to see what people are saying about him and The Playground. I don’t regret enrolling my daughter for a second.

Pros: Everything!

Cons: nothing

04/29/2008 Posted by Dominquelovesacting

Hi, Im Susan. I go to Gary Spatz the Playground. Hold up, If yall think Im 40 or somethin, Im one of the actors there. 11 years old, yep! By the way my mom let me write this. All you people who say bad things about Gary, have you guys done his classes? I didint think so. From an eleven year old girl point of view of this acting place, I consider it, the best! Ever since I was about two, people, castings, started to ask me and my sister who is also part of the playground, we were getting called to be actress. All of them were bad. One that I remember, Labeled us. Who labels kids? When I was nine, I was called for the billionth time for another acting thing. I thought it was another scam like the other ones, but I tried anyways. It turned out to be( Drum roll please)... The best place in the universe. Just because of Rockin Gary, I have an agent and proudly an official actress. My mom always tells me, " A journey with one thousand miles begins with one step!" Just because of Gary and his friends, Im on the 500,000 step. Speakin about teachers, the teachers are great. Gayla Goehl what a women. She is fantastic. I have many friends at the Playground like angelina and stephanie. Angelinagot an agent and Stephanie is getting there. So stop saying bad things of my home, its one heck of a PLAYGROUND.We from Playground are very ofended by this rude messages!Please dont do this anymore! Love you Gary Spatz and teachers! - Susan ( 11 years old )

Pros: Everything is Rockin!

Cons: None

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

04/29/2008 Posted by mariagarlitos2008

Our experience at Gary Spatz's Playground has been very rewarding in more ways than one. My daughters started training there almost two years ago. In the beginning, I did have my doubts because after visiting so many schools for child actors, I never thought we would find such an amazing environment and staff. As soon as you walk into the doors, you can feel the welcoming energy and can see the expressions of happiness on the children’s faces. I remember my youngest daughter was a shy and reserved girl. Immediately after one month of classes she began to show a side of her we have never seen before. Her personality began to shine...My older daughter has become very attached to the teachers. They have been incredibly well chosen by Gary. What can I say about Gary? There is something amazing about him when you watch him interact with the children. You can see and feel the children’s love and respect for him. I am there every week and have had the chance to observe my girls before and after they begin their class. I am a lucky mother who has had the opportunity to have my kids surrounded by such an extraordinary staff.

Pros: everything is nice

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

04/29/2008 Posted by millssllim

Yes, it totally does look like someone is purposely trying to slander The Playground! Is he obsessed? Get a life! It looks like HE'S the scammer! We were actually referred to The Playground by a trusted family friend. I cannot even tell you the magnificent changes my child has gone through since he started a couple months ago. His communication skills have improved so much and this has been such a positive experience for all of us - not just my son. We're definitely looking forward to another great year with you and your staff! Gary I support you 100%!

Pros: This positive experience for my son will last a lifetime

Cons: People who are obsessed with slandering The Playground

04/27/2008 Posted by rsmr

My daughter has gained a lot from attending classes at the playground. The staff has always been easy to talk with and get feedback. Our child loves to do this and we did some research and decided to have her go to the Playground because we wanted to help her with what she's passionate about. I have recommended the playground and will continue to do so. It is a fun and safe environment and the instructors care about teaching the kids. I hope that if anyone is interested in signing their child up for classes come and see for themselves.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/23/2008 Posted by Perry475

No one in the industry takes him serious any longer. Ever since he started his scammy business with Eric Rottman his is a complete joke around this town. What ever good he has done has all been wiped away by his greed.

Pros: none at this point

Cons: just another acting scam

04/18/2008 Posted by xx1770xx

My child went to a couple of the workshops that The Playground offers and now he has more confidence, his memory skills are improving, he's learned how to make friends, and he can express himself in ways I could not have taught him. Either way -- your child can have a real passion for acting and actually want to pursue the entertainment industry, or your child can at least have a hands-on experience of this fascinating industry and leave with memories that will last a lifetime and a nice DVD. As far as the "scam" -- there is none! There were no animals when I arrived. Gary Spatz and his staff are honest, all they want to do is nurture the creativity and confidence in every child. Thanks to Gary and staff! I always recommend The Playground to my friends and family.

Pros: Very professional environment. They use the real-deal hollywood equipment.

Cons: They'll get over their stage fright soon enough! Besides, you can practice lines together.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful