11/19/08

My Kids and I Adore The Playground

by kitkatreynolds

We?ve had and are still having a lovely experience over at Gary Spatz?s The Playground and I?m serious when I say that my kids rant and rave about it all the time. Both my kids have met classmates that are just as enthusiastic about the acting classes as they are and they look forward to the workshops every weekend. I find it so endearing that Gary Spatz himself works so closely with the children and staff and is very much into the school programs. The learning environment is impressive and provides the closest thing to actually being on stage, or being ?on set?. Their website is also a very helpful tool because you can sign-up for various classes, look at your kid?s performance video, check the calendar, and read about the staff. It?s great. In fact, I?m glad we found The Playground that I felt compelled to write about it.

08/15/08

Thank you very, very much for a truly wonderful experience

by Girlygirl93004

I had a wonderful experience at The Playground. Deciding to take acting lessons was not something we took lightly. It was completely new to us, since my daughter had never expressed an interest in acting, and it was a big commitment of time and money. I am SO glad we did it! Marissa loved every minute of it and has learned so much about herself in the process.

Many people have dreams of becoming famous actors, and of course it would be awesome if that happened for her. I was happy to give her the opportunity to try something new, but my hope was that if nothing else, she would gain the skills, confidence, and poise that one needs in life to speak in front of others. She got that and more from your program. Thank you very, very much for a truly wonderful experience. I loved that we always saw you there and that you would take the time to chat with the kids and parents.

I just don?t understand why someone would feel they?re being scammed because you dedicate so much to the kids and truly deliver what you promise ? which is a professional environment to learn acting skills. There?s no way I?d go to another acting school and there?s no way I?m going to trust anyone who says you?re a big scam ? it?s just not possible and it?s worth every penny spent.

• Pros: Gary Spatz and his whole staff of teachers
• Cons: FAKE negative reviews

07/29/08

Quality education

by UC77

Expensive? Yes. Scam? No way. The old saying 'you get what you pay for' works with Gary's school. I can honestly say that my daughter got really solid acting training from very good, professional staff members. The one angry person who keeps posting 'scam' everywhere should take a second to look up the definition of that word in a dictionary. When you get scammed you pay somebody for a product or service and get nothing in return. This is not the case at the Playground. We paid top dollar and got excellent acting training in return.

05/21/08

Great School!!

by SurferDad

"Acting classes"? "For kids?" That's what I thought when my wife first told me that she wanted to sign up our daughter at The Playground. In all honesty I'd rather have my child do some kind of athletic activity. But I have to admit that I've been very impressed with the impact the Playground classes have made on her. According to her teachers she's more confident in class, she's more expressive, and she's even been trying out for school plays which she'd never had thought of before going to the playground. I realize that the film and tv industry is really tough and that my daughter probably won't have a career but I can honestly say that she's been able to develop a more intuitive, creative side because of her classes at The Playground. Parents know that it's a bit of an investment to send your child there but I think giving your son/daughter that kind of creative training helps them immensely in their current development and future endeavors. Thanks Gary and the staff at the Playground for being so committed to helping my daughter make the most out of her experience! -John

• Pros: Friendly/Nurturing Staff, Amazing Facility
• Cons: None

04/29/08

My 2nd home and youve got to be there, its ROCKIN!

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

04/29/08

Best enviroment for kids to learn and have fun

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

04/29/08

Grove Family Approved!!!

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

04/27/08

The playground is worth it

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.

04/18/08

Whether your child is truly a star or not... it's still good for them!!!

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.