Here are some of the great letters that we’ve gotten from our students – we thought we’d share them with you…
Dear Gary and Gayla,
I have decided that I need more time to mentally rest up and prepare for my upcoming role, so I will not be coming to class next week. I wanted to thank you guys for the immense amount of helpful and effective training I have received at The Playground! I absolutely LOVED coming each Sunday to do what I love and be taught by each of you!! I have received the tools at the conservatory that have made me an all around more confident and experienced actress and performer! 
I’ll truly miss taking class at The Playground and am very thankful for the opportunities given to me there to sharpen my acting skills and ultimately help me make my dreams come true by booking a re-occuring role on an upcoming TV series!!!!
I love you guys! I will definitely come in and say hi very soon!
Thanks again,
Shauna
As a parent there have been many forks in the road and times I have thought this is crazy, this acting stuff. I had no idea if Maika was even talented and she was sacrificing more and more time to it. I was not sure if it was healthy or would ever go anywhere. AND I was driving her everywhere plus working full time (we live in Santa Barbara). When it came to the end of her class I had thought we would back way off the acting and focus more on dance or whatever in Santa Barbara. But that night when she won the BEST ACTRESS AWARD I couldn’t tell her no. I truly was in shock (as was she). I thought coming from you, Gary Spatz, she won best actress?? So honestly that revived my energy to help my daughter follow her dream. Without you, she would not be filming a movie right now. And really I shouldn’t emphasize the award so much because it was the classes and the feedback she got from the teachers that were invaluable. So a big thank you Gary (and awesome staff)!
I am so happy that things are going well for you. When Maika finishes filming we will come down and see you!
Dixie Buckley
(Mother of Maika Monroe, who is currently starring in a film opposite Zac Efron.)
Hi Gary,
We really want to thank you for your teaching Jillian at the Playground. Because of the Playground, Jillian got an agent (Kathy Keeley from Jana Luker) and has had six jobs this year alone! This weekend, she worked on a short film, and the director, Chris Krebsbach, gave her so many complements about how well she was able to act and take direction. She was impressed that Jillian understood so much of the terminology of the industry and told us she could tell Jillian had received excellent teaching. Chris really gave us great feedback about Jillian and we gave all the credit to you and the Playground. We cannot thank you enough for your help. Jillian loves acting and it has truly given her a direction in life. We can only hope one day Kassie will have the same opportunity to study at the Playground.
Denyse and Tim say "thanks" for teaching Jillian.
Take care, and hopefully our paths will cross again if Jillian ever gets a feature film or a job on as a series regular.
Thank you.
Denyse and Tim Nation
Camille says "thanks" for being accepted into the pre-teen class.
Dear Mr. Spatz,
I just wanted to thank you so much for choosing me to be in your pre-teen beginner class. I am looking forward to working with you on Sundays. Even ask my parents. I hope you enjoy teaching me and the rest of hte class what you ave to do in order to become an actor, or actress. Again I’m so excited to have so much fun at the PLAYGROUND.
Sincerely,
Camille
Janel Parrish autographed publicity photo
To Gary,
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!
I (heart) U!
Janel
Autographed Business Card from Christing Aguilera
Spatz,
You’re the best
Love
Christina Aguilera
Britney Speas Autographed Note
Dear Spatz,
You’ve made this year so much fun for me. I can’t thank you enough!
Love
Britney
Shirt Autographed by Hilary Swank
You’re the best Gar!
Thanks For Everything!!!
Hilary Swank
Personal Note from Kay Panabaker
Dear Gary,
I wanted to thank you for your great coaching. Everything I booked – ER, Angel, Port Charles all, I was coached by you. Thanks for being a buddy for me and giving me confidence.
Love Kay
Autographed Publicity Photo from Tia and Tamarra Mowrey
Gary you’re number #1. Thanks for everything. You’re a wonderful person. Thanks again. God Bless.
(Tia Mowrey)
Gary, You’re the best, thanks for everything (Peachy Weachy)
(Tamera Mowrey)
Ryan Newman Autographed Publicity Photo
To Gayla,
You are the best acting coach in the whole world.
Love
Ryan Newman
A Letter from Juliette
Dear Gary,
Thank you so much for everything! You are so much fun! and you taught me so much! Hope to keep seeing you!
Thanks!
Juliette…
Autographed Promo Card from Nate Hartley
Gary,
Thx 4 helping me skate through this business… HA HA
Nate Hartley
A thank you letter from Claire
Dear Gary,
I just want to say thank you so much for the great 2 years I have had in the Playground. You have taught me sop much, and given my knowledge I will bring forever. Thank you again, I will miss you and the Playground very much,
Love Claire
Letter from "The Rosso Girls"
Dear Gary,
Thank you so much for being our teacher. We think you’re the best! We have felt so comfortalbe with you because you’re always so encouraging and positive. We really wanted to be actresses before we met you, but now, even more!!
Love from the Rosso Girls
Letter from Katherine
Gary,
My two years at The Playground have been amazine. Thank you for creating an environment where we can feel safe to take risks and grow as actors. I’m grateful for the skills I’ve learned and memories I take away. The Playground will always be special to me.
Always,
Katherine
