As a parent, I wanted to share my honest experience with The Playground because I know there are people who may feel skeptical at first, just like I did. We live an hour away, but I drove my daughter there every single Sunday. At first, I honestly questioned everything. I wondered if it was too expensive, if it was legitimate, and if we were making the right decision. But looking back now, I can say with my whole heart that it was one of the best decisions we ever made for our daughter. My daughter stayed with the program for two years, graduated, walked the red carpet with so much confidence, and watched her graduation film on the big screen surrounded by people who believed in her. It was emotional for me as a parent because I saw how much she had grown, not just as an actress, but as a person. We chose to continue because my daughter truly loved acting. I worked extra hard to make the tuition possible, and every sacrifice was worth it because this is where she discovered her passion and found confidence in herself. Gary Spatz and Gayla Goehl saw something special in her before anyone else did, and I will always be grateful for that. Because of the foundation she built at The Playground, she now has incredible representation with, one of the most respected agencies in Los Angeles. The Playground gave my daughter an opportunity, guidance, and belief in herself that changed the direction of her life. For our family, it was absolutely worth it. read more

See all

I was so excited to find a good acting school for my 15 yr. old granddaughter. The office and the presentation are impressive. The class program is 6 months for approximately $2500. The office person said I could sign for an additional 6 months at a savings of about $100. And also said that he'd work it out with me if by chance I don't do the second 6 months. Well, needless to say, I'm getting nothing in return for cancelling the later period of classes. He declined saying what I heard him say and then resorts to the contract verbiage of a standard 10 day cancellation policy. THE PLAYGROUND ACTING SCHOOL is not willing to be fair at all. I paid in ADVANCE for something I no longer want. New classes don't begin until next year and they will keep my money. read more

My son has been training at Gary Spatz's The Playground, and the growth we have witnessed has been nothing short of remarkable. Through improv, scene study, and commercial sessions, he has developed skills I never expected to see so quickly. His Junior Varsity class with Gayla Goehl has been a highlight, and he genuinely loves showing up every single week. What sets Gayla apart is her philosophy. She has a gift for helping each student discover their own authentic voice rather than molding them into someone else's idea of a performer. She meets every kid exactly where they are, and the confidence my son has built under her guidance carries far beyond the stage. Gayla creates a space where he feels comfortable asking questions, talking openly, and truly being himself. Her warmth makes her more than a coach. She is a trusted mentor. As a parent, knowing your child has that kind of support system is invaluable. She does not push. She inspires. Her advice has been spot-on every time, and her open-door approach makes both students and parents feel like they are truly part of a community. Highly recommend Gayla and The Playground to any parent looking for a place where their child can grow, thrive, and love the process. read more

I have to say--I love The Playground. I've always wanted to pursue acting in some form, and I'm so glad I found this place. I originally discovered it for my son and kept asking if they offered adult classes. At the time, they didn't--but recently I got an email that they finally are! I started taking classes with Gayla a few months ago, and I truly can't say enough good things. Tuesday nights have become something I genuinely look forward to every week. It's not just fun--it's therapeutic, challenging, and way more fulfilling than I ever expected. Gayla is an incredible teacher. She really pushes you, is honest in the best way, and creates such a supportive environment to grow. Easily one of the best teachers I've ever had. If you've been thinking about trying acting, just go for it. read more

We had a great experience at The Playground, thanks to Britt (our point of contact for onboarding) and Matt (the teacher our son worked with). If you understand their mission and role, it's easy to see the value they provide. First, The Playground is an acting school that teaches audition skills--skills that also apply to everyday life, such as interviews, presentations, self-confidence, and performing in front of a group. Like any other business, they charge for classes. They are not an agency and they do not guarantee your child will be cast or promise to make him/her a star. What they do is teach skills that increase your child's chances. Just as every child in little league doesn't become a professional athlete, not every child here will become a star--but they'll learn valuable tools along the way. The first reason for my 5-star review (which I rarely give) is the transparency, positivity, and parent education we received from Britt. She was incredibly helpful, communicative, transparent and patient with us. The second reason is my son's personal experience in class. He has said many times that Matt is very fun to work with, and it was his choice to continue and study for classes. The third and most important reason is flexibility: when our plans changed due to scheduling conflicts, Britt worked with us to accommodate and helped create a long-term plan that worked for our family. It is important how a business reacts, when things does not go according to the plan. At the end of the day, expectations define satisfaction. If you expect your child to be handed roles immediately and "made into a star" without time, cost, or dedication--this is not the place. But if you believe your child has potential and want them to build skills that will improve their chances (and benefit them in life overall), I highly recommend The Playground. read more

The Playground - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

When kids are having fun, the learning experience happens smoothly and successfully. A great program and curriculum where the training is top notch and fun for all. That's why it's called "The Playground"! Just show up ready to play! After all, that's all acting really is, is play, but on a professional level, with a lot of ego and money involved. Right? read more

i've been taking classes at the playground for a few months now and I honestly have to say it's one of my favorite classes I've taken in LA. It's such an all encapsulate in class, you get script analysis, improv, scene study, character, work, on camera work, and so much more. gayla is incredibly smart. Her knowledge of the industry and how to bring a scene to life is something that's very special. I'm in the young adults, advanced acting class and I can really attribute it to a lot of growth that I've seen in myself. read more

My son enjoys coming to these classes. They encourage the children with positivity and excitement. They encourage your children to do well and motivate them. It gives my son a different experience to what he would normally be experienced to. It's not to make him rich, doesn't guarantee him to be an actor, but it encourages him to experience and discover, if this is the profession that he wants to continue with. The teachers are nice. He loves coming every time. I love this place. read more

SCAM. DONT BOTHER. They string you along pretending for as long as they can but the minute you ask prices, they start to interject and change the subject lol. On top of it being a scam, and having them not pay for your parking, the staff is incredibly rude. Like if you're the one that asked to be invited and are taking up THEIR time (a really dumb tactic honestly.) read more

This business is a complete scam. My wife almost fell for it which means these guys are very good at being scam artists. I almost never give one star reviews because creating a business is not easy. But the scam is complex and manipulative. They pretend your child is auditioning but then they push you hard into signing up for their "school.". This scam is very successful because it is so complicated. They invest a lot of money into their scam. But you will regret investing your time and money with them. read more

the payment is so expensive. Like is just a acting school my kid where there but I got to take her off from this because it was too expensive and the the Brazilian teacher he was giving my child way too much papers, to read and he said to my child you need to know all of this for 1 week and it was 5 papers, how is she going to remember all of this papers, in one week this is so ridiculous and they won't help my child I have to give it a 2/10 DO NOT GO THERE!!!!!! read more

They trick you having your kid audition twice and fake that they will call you back if they get accepted and then you need to pay $2700 yourself for some classes it's not guaranteed they will get called and make $$ your just signing them up for a school it's not like they are really chosen read more

A complete SCAM you do not need to pay for a ridiculous training and false hypocrite behavior saying your kid have talented and they do not care for your talented boy o girl sadly they only want your money. If you kid got talent the apps is bringing agents and is a win, win no messy schedules dropping and picking up is a mess as you also pay for parking as there is no parking space and this supposed to be your problem. When my girl was taking the classes make her promises as she will get an agent after two years she got nothing as also for her to do a short film and when we were done of disappointments the manager told me get you girl a permit to walk dogs for a job, we know we do not need someone comment as a humiliation to say no luck here do this. Do not expend your money here. read more

Timeshare-style scam: If you receive the flyer, discard it immediately. If your child wants to start acting, look for a reputable acting class; there are plenty of schools available. Don't waste your time and your child's hopes by attending 'the special on-camera event.' The industry doesn't operate like that; it's just a sales tactic to lure you to a 'casting,' only to be bombarded with offers for expensive acting classes. read more

We moved from the Bay Area to S Cal, so I was looking for a for acting school. I was impressed by the facilities. There is a theater room with a few screens where they will record the kids in a small stage. My daughter had her first class last week and loved it! I am glad we found this school. I did read some bad reviews and how this place is being called a scam. I am not sure why those parents felt scammed. There has always been the advice about if an agent is asking for money upfront than it's a scam since agents only work on commissions when the child books a job. This is an acting school, and all acting schools have a cost unless at a part of it your public school where they offer drama classes. I also saw complaints about the cost, but I can see why it would cost more. The facilities are great. The last class, we signed it up for with a known acting school and the classes held for kids was a rented room and they dragged in equipment equipment when needed. There was a huge difference in schools and the other school was cheaper but I rather pay more for better quality! Another thing, I don't know people automatically think their kids will book just from taking classes. My daughter as been signed with an agent since she was 6 1/2 (now 9 years old). When we first started she booked nothing. It took time for her to get use to the auditions. Every kid is different and it's hard to know what a casting directors want, but you can improve your chances with acting classes. Regardless if you book or not, I see the acting classes as good life skills for the future - public speaking, confidence, memorization, etc. When we signed up, Sam asked up to set up a profile with a site they used and my daughter booked a background role right away. Maybe this doesn't happen to everyone, but what I have learned about this entertainment industry is you need a lot of patience. Some kids constantly book, and some don't. Again when we first started she booked nothing. I think it was almost a year before she booked a commercial. read more

ZERO stars! DO NOT RECOMMEND! Eric and his staff Gayla specifically are unprofessional and have the worst commutation with their instructors and students. online classes were suddenly cancelled because they were "losing money" all without notice. they do not treat their online students the same way they do their in-person students all while everyone still paying money to attend. emails were hardly ever responded to; Eric is a terrible businessperson and all just to get extra money from online students. For the last 2.5 years with nothing to show for it. no help finding anything, no show case no nothing just false promises to keep students on the hook. TOTAL WASTE! videos were submitted for a showcase that were "Lost" how do you even loose a computer file!? my 2-year-old can find it. online students were promised showcases that never happened. No refund or incentives for students who were out of state. no discount, refunds or incentives for any students who are "local" (reason for online is because student cannot attend in person due to not living near or their personal/work schedule) ZERO confirmation (still waiting on Gayla) as to if ANY online student can even be allowed to be in the showcase. online students planned to fly from out of state for a showcase but that is also out the window. why would they waste students time and money and keep charging for a program that they know was shutting down. Eric is a piece of E-fing work who thinks has a right to be upset when issues that they are causing get brought up along with Gayla who by the way is also a terrible teacher that very few people attend when she substitutes and the ones that do are because we are paying money and don't want even more to go to waste. I hope they lose more business because they definitely lost any future business with any online students who could have attended in person. will keep you posted on the showcase that is still TBD. read more

Parents, Do not fall for the recruiter's sweet talks. I am in the industry, and your child becoming a star or landing a job is not guaranteed. If your child wants to act, there are many affordable acting classes in the city. This industry takes patience. Suppose someone gives you a false hope after your child reads "one-liner" at the preliminary audition. Something is fishy. read more

The Playground - Flyer - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

BEWARE! SCAMMERS!!!! We were approached by this lady named BARBARA Saying my children are beautiful and left an invitation for us to attend for auditions on Tuesday 6-7pm... we went on Tuesday and my daughter was given a script of a Twix chocolate bar and on Friday my husband and I received a text message from " Director of admissions " SAM MEKONNEN telling us how great my daughter was and they would love to see her again on Saturday... so we go all excited because my daughter was chosen! On arrival I see children coming in others studying scripts etc. in my mind I was like hmm this is real agency! Sam comes and calls us in his office and he does this sweet talk Blah Blah! And BAM here is where the scams come he is asking for us to pay $5,000 for a 6 month contract... i immediately said this is a SCAM why should I pay $5,000 dollars knowing last barbara was the one asking for my daughter for acting! Do not believe this... i immediately told Sam no thank you I do not have the financial resources to pay. Obviously I knew all this was BS!!! Zero stars read more

After careful thought and a year spent with The Playground I've decided to sit down and write my review. Megan Q. with her review hit it spot on. Something I would write for the Playground. I'm not going to trash the Playground though. Yes, I think it was a scam now that I think about it. My son (who was probably about 6 years old), was out at the Glendale Galleria when he and his mom were approached by a lady who mentioned this and that about how cute and handsome my son looked. Before departing, she handed them the infamous "audition card" with the time, place and number. My son went, did a line and was asked to come back again. Yes, we fell for it and ended up signing some paperwork and spent about $5,000 (I think we got a discount as well) for the year. My son enjoyed going to his Saturday 1-hour class once a week. Traffic was sometimes bad coming from Northeast LA to the Westside but we did it for a year. My son enjoyed it, his self-esteem progressed, my son became super outgoing and fun and he gained a lot from the year spent out there. Confidence builder as well. Both sessions my son attended for the year were fun for my son, the teachers were great (my son had 2 ladies for the first session and another guy Nick who was super patient and nice was his teacher for the 2nd session). Kudos to the Playground to that effect. Back to the business end. That's where I kind of felt betrayed. The Playground doesn't promise anything to you, they don't promise your kid landing a job as an actor for a commercial, tv or film. The set up is big, they make you think your kid's going to be a star, there are seminars for the parents on what to do, tons of paperwork to look forward to (if you ever land a job), and even an event to show case their talent (long lines and tons of people). After a year of classes, my son totally learned something while attending class. I just don't think acting is his cup of tea. In a perfect world, after the year, my son should be able to perform and find an acting gig. Not so. So on to his next endeavor. Good luck to the other parents or new parents here at the Playground. Read up on it first. read more

Was scouted at local shopping center. They put on a show as if they see potential in your child. I showed up with a vip ticket to an alleged commercial casting call at a very nice hotel. But all it really was is a tactical way to obtain your personal information. Asked about our jobs and what we do. My child was given a script to choose from to recite. Examples are like McDonald's, or popular products being sold. They're told to recite on camera. Examples of " I love McDonald's chicken nuggets" my daughter was so quiet i couldn't even hear her and that was with the microphone they gave. After we left. Got a call that they were super interested in working with us to come to their office. Upon arrival we were immediately sold on all the movie memorabilia they had displayed and we thought "Wow, this is really happening" place looked legit. When we sat down to discuss process they went on about how my daughter will be the next mermaid star. Well after the short tour and discussion of how it works. They hit me with a 5 thousand dollar per year and enrollment / membership gimmick. I began asking if we were selected why should we pay and they went on that she needed coaching and classes in order to unlock the shy side. I then asked how their students get scouted and she said open cast calls. They do not have any affiliation to any production companies nor do they hire for the commercial or movie directly they just have "connections" or "contacts" to the casting calls, she verified that they are not affiliated with major brands or companies. However, they would like to get us in front of them to make our child money. Well at first they said that they would help get a McDonald commercials and small gigs that would pay 1000-5000 per commercial and we could make that back on the first call. My wife jumped the gun and shortly after our meeting signed. I wasn't thrilled and went to take her for the first class. They would not let me wait inside and was asked to leave my 6 year old with them alone. I felt awkward and awful agreeing and she went in class. When she came out as a young child, she was not excited about being left there. I then pulled her said we are canceling. I later learned from friends who work at local popular studios for casting calls, that they have never known or even work with this company and it sounds like they are an overpriced and glorified acting class. So please be careful, not saying that you won't make it here at this business and maybe one or two have made it to the big screen but do good research and find the least expensive way to get your child to a more reputable agency that has connections if that's the career path you want. The one thing real is they bring one or two Disney stars to the initial screening, who were students here once to help them market this scam. Probably a contract fulfillment agreement if you ask me. Out of the many students, approximately 5 have appeared on screen. There was about 30 kids when i dropped my child off for this enrollment period. Every successful story involved the same few actors which told me they don't have great success or parents eventually wake up and realize this was a waste of money. So be warned if you fall for what we thought was a great opportunity for our child's future. Sorry for the novel. read more

My son just started classes a month ago he was not a fan of some of the instructors. I called to cancel the contract and the staff said it's passed the cancellation date. I understand I wasn't able to get my refund back but the staff Britt is stating I need to continue paying the full tuition amount or else they will send me to collections and affect my credit. Since the beginning I mentioned I neeed time to process everything payment wise etc. I was told no today is the last day to enroll your son or else the offer is off the table. My son doesn't want to attend anymore, I don't see how it is fair to keep paying if he doesn't like the program. If someone has gone through a similar situation with this school please message me! Thank you at this point it's very frustrating to cont paying something my son is NOT attending!! read more

Overall great acting school! Every instructor is very nice and informative. If you're looking for a good place to learn, this could definitely be it. read more

We were approached at a festival today by a woman scout for The Playground. She approached me with a flyer asking if my daughter was a certain age and then proceeded to talk to my daughter about coming in tomorrow for an audition fully supervised by myself to be an actress like Dove Cameron, one of the biggest child actors for Disney right now. She also complimented her style and hair saying she was exactly what they were looking for. Thankfully my daughter thought she was creepy. But I feel sad for any family who falls for this only to have their hearts broken. I'm sorry but if you are offering legitimate acting classes, poaching children on the premise of them becoming a big movie star is unethical and disgusting. This is Los Angeles. Parents are willing to enroll their child in almost any extra curricular activity after school. Why feel the need to lure families in under false premises? Why feel the need to acquire new students through deception if you aren't hiding something. Please parents...wake up! Don't fall for this! read more

Here's an update: now that my daughter (who is 11 years old) has experienced other acting classes/programs.. there are so many other acting programs out there that aren't as expensive as The Playground and offer the exact same classes. So, look around. Do your research. We didn't end up staying with the manager and agent from The Playground. I found my daughters manager through Instagram- I know! INSTAGRAM! So... don't settle here. Look around and ask around! read more

Miss Kara is so amazing she puts up with the pre teen class even though we drive her crazy because we are chaotic. You guys should def give her a raise every day - america and Maddie (her only non chaotic pre teens ) read more

The Playground - Miss Kara the most awesome teacher ever!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

5 Stars !!! NOT A SCAM. Our Son went here for severely years. He had the best time of his life so far. We can say he is way more confident now and even got two agents and books a ton of acting work! Of course it takes time to be a star and yes it might be a bit pricey but you pay for what you get. What you get is an amazing experience for your child at the end of the day. read more

So many people are quick to criticize this place online because they're expecting instant stardom for their kids... and when they don't get it they complain. First of all you can't force your kids to do something they don't want to do... and this is not an Agent recruiting hotspot. This is a acting school for kids... it's a step closer to helping them do something they love.. Sure it cost money... every acting school does... If my son doesn't make it in the acting world (which of course I hope he does duh) at least I'll feel good knowing we gave it a shot... and the things my son is learning here are things he will be able to use for the rest of his life... Thanks Gary and Bill... and the entire staff at The Playground .. David Herrera read more

See all

When my parents enrolled me at The Playground, they would get more than they bargained for! The Playground not only ignited my love for acting that would last a lifetime but also significantly increased my self esteem. The playground succeeds in polishing talents and also offers an opportunity for children and teens to develop valuable skills such as public speaking. Through their education, I managed to land an agent on Rodeo Drive and even earned a role in a short film. Although I stopped acting because I chose to focus on my education, I still plan to pursue acting again in the future. Without the Playground and the mentoring of Mr. Spatz, I probably would have never discovered my love for acting. I would highly recommend! The Playground is a valuable investment in your child's talents and overall life skills. read more

I cannot comment on the "recruiting process" that several people complained about and called it a scam. We were referred to The Playground through a family friend. Her son took acting classes for a year and though the boy did not want to be a professional actor, they felt the investment was worth while when it came to the results: an increased level of joy, confidence and ability to express emotions. My own son loved the idea of acting and perhaps even becoming a professional actor. I felt that after graduating from Middle School he was ready to explore this world with confidence -- without "giving up his childhood". Given the recommendation mentioned above, I called and scheduled a meeting with Gary. From the moment we met, Gary was very honest and straight forward. He did not try to charm me, didn't tell me that my kid is the most beautiful he has ever seen, or that he was destined to be a Star. I appreciated how real our conversation was and how Gary specifically said that he cannot and will not promise anything. Fast forward 2 years. My boy is now 16 and a half. His classes and his teachers (like Lee who is brilliant) at The Playground have been amazing. Gary has been there personally over the weekends, going from studio to studio, giving feedback and sharing his insights with the students. Will my child ever win an Oscar in his life? Who knows... As a Mom who is somewhat skeptical about this business, I know chances are very slim. But here is the reality: my son has become even more dedicated to becoming a professional actor. He is a teenager who instead of being on social media non-stop, playing video games or taking on some self-destructive behavior, he is learning a craft he is passionate about. He loves to go to his acting class, learns his lines, practices the plays. I know his teachers as well as Gary do their best to teach him and encourage him. Watching the little videos they take of their performance, I can definitely see the improvement. Recently they had the teenage showcase where Gary invites highly reputable managers and agents. We got a call-back from a few of them that are interested in representing my son. A couple of the managers I already spoke with have their clients in commercials, TV shows and films on a regular basis. Will my son be one of them? I hope so -- but I'm not holding my breath. What I know for sure is this: there are no guarantees and Gary never gave us one. Yet here we are just a step away from my son becoming a working actor. Still, I'm not the kind of Mom who is daydreaming about her son winning an Academy Award. Yet I know that if that ever happens, he will be thanking Gary and The Playground for starting him out and supporting him along this path. read more

Wonderful and in depth acting program for kids. They grow as actors, with confidence and talent. We tried a number of other programs before finding the playground, most offered little more than improv, musicals or scene work. But here they really dive in and explore beats, intention, range of voice, motion, subtext, conflict and the kids grew in complexity. read more

The Playground is a state of the art acting class for kids and teenagers. My son really enjoys every single Saturday he attends to the Playground. Gary Spatz is passionated about what he does and he really cares so much about his students. read more

It's a SCAM!!!!! Their recruiter meet as at the Northridge mall and invited for a "try out" so my kid can try her acting skills. She also said that it's going to be a fun experience as there are going to be Disney stars. Long story short; it's a lie. They make you believe that you have the most talented child, but their mission was to make you to sign the agreement to pay $5000-6000 for acting classes for a six months, once a week. Honestly, I understand that everything is money. Maybe the are very good at teaching acting classes, but they were not honest and they chose a to lie and play with our children's emotions. I think a very successful acting school, as they were claiming, should not be looking for students in such a sneaky way. Because of this, I don't trust you. You do your business by playing our children's emotions and feelings. Not every parent can afford those classes and it is hard to explain it to our little ones. read more

In a nutshell - your child will love The Playground. The teachers are highly qualified, enthusiastic, and love kids. Everyone on staff there is active in the entertainment industry. Gary is around a lot and visits the classes regularly. He works hard to make sure the kids are comfortable and happy, and is happy to provide advice and reassurance to parents anytime. Yes, it is expensive. You are getting great value for your money. All fees are up front and you won't be asked for additional money for this or that like most other kids' activities. You won't have to buy equipment/costumes or do fundraising. Kids are occasionally asked to bring props from home - if you spend money on them, that's your choice. They are an acting conservatory, not an agency, as stated clearly on their website. Any one who attends an audition under another assumption has not done enough research. The location and parking aren't the easiest, which is a bit of a downside, but not enough to stop us from signing our child up for a second year. This is the one activity we don't get an argument from our child about going to! read more

Hello, this is ____ from The Playground, I've got some great news!, you are one of the few kids that have been selected to come back for a second and final interview. (at this point they may or may not mention the fact that there is ALLOT of your money involved. THE SECOND INTERVIEW- TIME TO BREAK YOUR CHILDS HART You and your family are in a small office plastered with photos of child stars, and the real fun begins. The sales rep with beginning to flatter your child and go on about how great they are and what a great look they have. Your child is so excited and about to burst, then the other shoe drops. Oh, but little Johnny needs training. "You cant possibly think you can get into this business without training? Everybody needs classes." The cost can be between $3000 to $6000. You will then most likely ask if you can go home and think about it. (most people would). They have this covered. "Well, if you're not serious and don't want the spot, someone else will." (the takeaway). Of course, this is a tactic and if you say no your child is devastated and thinks you have just kept them from being the next big star. Explain to them this place is not real and you will find one that is. Tell them they are too talented to go with the first place that wants them. NOT SO FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PLAYGROUND They accept and call everyone. To prove this point, go to the phony audition with another family and don't tell them you are together. You will both get the same call about how special you are. They hold these additions every weekend and are very well known for churning hundreds of students a month. If they were so reputable and so many agents were in fact referring their children and clients to them, then why would they have to rely on stalking children in malls. They would have a waiting list and a line out the door. Think about it. The teachers are also out-of-work actors that rely on this scam to pay the rent. If they were truly successful, you don't think they would be doing this to pay the bills, do you? The cost of classes here are so way overpriced. Now they will tell you the "you get what you pay for" or "we don't charge much more than other classes and our classes are the best. Do yourself and most importantly your child a favor. Go home, research and call around. They will most likely say that all the bad posts and reviews are from people that never attended the classes or it is one of their competitors trying to discredit them. The bottom line is this. This company preys on children and the uninformed. They are very good at what they do, if they weren't they would not still be in business. Find a company that has a legit business model and truly cares about your child. read more

Honestly, shame on Mr.Spatz and the people at the Playground. I was first approached in 2013 by a woman in Costco - she stopped my mom and I, asking how old I was. When my mom told her, she was shocked at how old I really was (12 at the time though I probably could pass for 7 or 8 lol), and she began to rave at how I was "gorgeous" and "adorable" before asking if I had ever acted before. She then handed my mom a leaflet, saying there was open auditions at a hotel here in Simi, and as someone who's dream is to act, I was bursting with excitement. My mom and I went, and they gave everyone a line ("My name is ___ and I had the best time at Disneyland!). They then have you meet with the recruiters, who say they will call you back for an audition if they like you, getting your child excited. Plot twist: there is no second audition. We drove all the way to LA, only to find out it was an acting school. The man, named David, explained to my mom how things work, and it's simple. Basically, you pay $5000 to them, and your child gives up every Sunday for 6 months while they do the acting school, and here's the fun part - they have agents come in after 6 months, and if they like you, they take you. If they don't, your money is wasted and your child is heartbroken. After my mom and I talked about it, I decided I didn't want to do this - not only did it sound sketchy, I could not find positive reviews online, nor did my mom's boyfriend (who previously worked in the acting field) ever hear of Mr.Spatz throughout his career. We called back saying I had declined, and never spoke to them again until just a month ago my mom and I were shopping in Target when I was approached by a lady who did the same thing as the other one ("Oh you're so beautiful, have you thought of acting? Come on down!"). I went, and it was the same thing. My mom flat out told the guy that I did not want to take a chance on something that wasn't certain, especially when I could not afford it. He was INCREDIBLY RUDE and pushy, first saying that I could pay it off with money if I landed a job, and then he had the nerve to say that I could use the money my deceased father had left me to pay for it - that money is for my education and medical, no way in hell was that happening. He eventually got really offended when my mom declined once more, saying I had no chance anywhere else. Pathetic right? It's sad that in order to get attention, they have to feed your child false compliments to make them feel good, then get offended if you aren't interested/can't afford the ridiculous prices/etc. If your child is interested in acting or modeling, please take them somewhere legit and far away from the Playground. read more

Best thing we ever did was giving our son the opportunity to take acting classes here after being approached by a recruiter. After taking classes for a year he not only gained self confidence but was given an opportunity to get a great agent and agency. He has been in 2 commercials so far and loves acting. This place is not a scam. It offers kids the tools to gain self confidence and acting if that is what they want to pursue. It does not guarantee an agent/manager but it does give them an opportunity. Thank you Gary and all your amazing staff read more

BEWARE BEWARE!!!! SCAM!!! They lure parents and innocent kids by making you think they're looking for new talent for commercial and tell you to come for the audition. Then they lure you back by making you believe you're going in for the second audition for the part!!!THERE'S NO PART. They never tell you during the first meeting, the audition or the second audition that the only part your innocent child was auditioning was the part of becoming a student at their very expensive school/ Scam. SHAME ON GARY SPATZ and this HOAX. I am reporting this to The Better Business Bureau and The Consumer Affairs. I pray no other child or parent will fall into this Trap. read more

Curious... if this place is "legit", then why lie? Why lure people under a false pretense? Why not send people out into the world with their flyers to promote an acting class for children? Why use deception and false hope for children to join a ridiculously expensive class that you can find anywhere? Just because someone has credentials, doesn't mean they have virtue. Use logic, use math. I imagine the percentage of the children who actually get work who join are the same percentage of children who get work regardless of the class. I wonder what all these professionals really think about their faces being used for the playgrounds financial gain. If kids enjoy it, great! If they get something out of it, great! But why lie and tell people it's an audition? Could it be because if you inflate their hope, they will be more vulnerable and thus, more open to manipulation? The moment I walked in, I knew. The building was very nice, but the suite was dirty and the interior was poorly done. It actually looked like a front. The drama rooms were small and in need of a steam clean. It's hard to describe, it's more like the vibe. It felt seedy. I just don't think reputable places look this run down for the amount of money asked per person. It's a shame that they insult people's intelligence, waste our time while we rearrange our schedules and then try to get you to purchase false hope for children who ask, "why didn't I read my lines for the audition?". Not to mention how Diana blatantly talks badly about other children, because they only pick "the best" (aka your child). Disgraceful, despicable and a hard pass! From my heart to yours, look elsewhere for your beautiful children! Good luck! read more

About 6 months ago i decided i would take my very persistent 8 year old seriously and look into classes. Wile learning the ins and outs, i joined a few groups for parents and industry connections. That's how i found out about the Playground. I provided my contact info and some of my daughter's background. The Director of Admissions (Russ) reached out at the scheduled time to chat. We spoke on the phone for well over a half hour about the program. He was honest, easy and pleasant to speak with and was very forthcoming regarding details of the program. We scheduled a tour and drove from San Diego to LA this weekend.....the experience was AMAZING! As soon as you walk into the building (after the temperature checkpoint) you walk right into a facility filled with great vibes and contagious energy. Children of all ages and races are visibly happy to be there and the instructors energy confirms their commitment to these children. The staff engage with these kiddos like no other, the director was skipping around with my daughter, breaking her out of her shell. They really took the time to get to know us as a family and our daughter, everything was very casual and professional from beginning to end. The audition process was smooth, fair and professional. We were encouraged to come to the school in casual attire. At first i was going to disregard the recommendation of attire because we are frequent LA visitors and i love to dress up as we walk the city, but that's not what we were there to do... We all showed up in sweats and sneakers- my daughter's hair was all over the place, she had about 5 stains on her shirt (from the drive) and paint stain on her pants. She went in exactly how we told her to, simply being herself. She went in, read her script and then was directed to do some exercises and received positive feedback and suggestions. Once the audition was over we talked business and i walked out feeling 100 percent confident about our decision to enroll at the conservatory. By the time we left we were all overwhelmed with how positive the experience was from every aspect, to include my husband, who had a great time speaking with Russ. My daughter's confidence was already through the roof! I think the worst thing any parent can do, is throw their child/ren into unfamiliar territory without doing their research. Walking into this with unrealistic expectations does nothing for the child. It amazes me how many parents are willing to walk their children into a building or sign them up for an audition and claim scam all over the internet when they are not accepted, or when they are presented with tuition packages that exceed your budget or expectations. THIS IS NOT A TALENT AGENCY and they are very honest and up front about that.. Do children go straight to college? Do they get accepted to a competitive team just because they tried out? Of course NOT! Therefore, you should not put your child in any environment with unrealistic expectations. No, you aren't going to walk in, audition and be the next Hollywood break out star and honestly, as parents you shouldn't want that for your child. You should want to armor your children with knowledge and put them in learning environments that will teach them the fundamentals of the craft they are wanting to learn. Yes you're going to pay money, but that should be expected.... It's business and you're seeking a service. The packages are fair and if you're anything like me; you're willing to pay more for the best- we all have different preferences and requirements when it comes to "the best", this is where you as a parent should decide what would be the best environment for your child. Of course you can get classes elsewhere and for cheaper, of course there's acting classes here in SD, but will the overall experience be the same? Absolutely not. This was a family decision and commitment so, if this ends up being something she wants to continue to pursue as she gets older, i feel better knowing as a parent i have provided her the opportunity to be in the same environment as the distinguished professionals in the industry. MY BEST RECCOMMENDATION TO PARENTS: Is to truly do your research. You need to look beyond Google and really dig. Just about everything you need to know to make an educated decision is on the internet, you just need to search for it. Cross reference IMBD profiles, ask questions, talk to other parents. DIG! Even if we were not able to proceed with the Playground, for whatever reason; the tour, meeting the staff and my daughters audition was well worth the drive and she will probably never forget that day. I think what i loved the most about our tour and overall experience is how truly humble and kind everyone was. We walked out with nothing but a positive experience and a happy, confident 8 year old! We are looking forward to all the life skills she will gain during this journey! read more

Accosted by a woman from this organization in Target and told my minor child had a great look and energy and would be great in film and television. I know that, my child is amazing. But am I going to take the flyer or go to the phony "audition"? Heck no. I am beyond annoyed that this is how they sell their acting classes: deceit, and manipulating the emotions of kids. Fortunately my kid knew from the tone with which I responded to the woman that something about her was off and there was no kid heartbreak to deal with later. The woman quickly realized that I was not a good mark and continued to pretend to shop somewhere else away from me. Another mom in the store told me she once went to the "audition" with her two kids and they told her into the process that they were auditioning for acting classes and what the cost was. I knew it was a scam to get kids signed up for classes but the price floored me. $3500? Crazy. This is the sleaziest way to get people to turn over money. It's modern day snake oil. You think you're getting something of great value. You're not. A few months of acting classes that cost thousands of dollars? No way. To parents who have done this and are trying to convince themselves it is great because their child is building self esteem and gaining useful skills: stop fooling yourself. The cost per class is astronomical. If you want a self esteem boost, there are tons (literally hundreds) of classes and activities in Los Angeles that average out to $10-$50 per class hour. Dance, singing, musical instrument instruction, public speaking, sports, scouts, art... If acting is your child's particular interest, there are even reputable acting classes. You're not fooling me by telling me how great this is, you're only fooling yourself (and maybe unsuspecting people who read your Yelp review). To the parents who know their child is a star and want to get the process started: SAG-AFTRA has a list of agencies that represent children. Get that list and get to calling. Ask if they have open calls. Ask what their process is. Take a "headshot" yourself or get them done - they're pretty cheap now. Agencies also have experience with acting classes and will often tell you which are good. You can even look at open casting calls on Backstage for background actors if you just want your kid to get a taste of the process. To fellow victims of child manipulation in stores and malls: let's rise up against this nuisance and turn the tables. Ask flat out "OK lady how much?" and make sure the conversation is loud enough for fellow moms and dads in surrounding aisles to hear. read more