/ welcome
Founded in 1998, Performing Arts Studio West (PASW) provides hands-on individualized training, career management, and on-location support for performers with intellectual disabilities working in film, television and commercials. Our year round training program gives each performer the chance to explore their creativity, test their courage, show their determination and build their self-esteem. PASW is a non-profit affiliated arts program funded by the State of California Department of Developmental Services through the Regional Centers of the Greater Los Angeles Area.
/ talent management
CASTING SUBMISSIONS
The PASW Director of Talent researches and submits clients for both disability specific and non-traditional roles for union and non-union projects, including film, television, music videos and commercials.
INDUSTRY LIAISON
PASW works with SAG-AFTRA, casting directors, producers, and directors to promote and increase hiring of performers with disabilities for entertainment industry projects.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
PASW Talent Managers develop head shots and resumes for clients who desire to work professionally. They consult with clients to put together the right look for each role. Acting instructors teach audition and on-set protocol.
/ project development
MULTIMEDIA ALTERNATIVE ART PROJECT
PASW is now focusing on a uniquely creative endeavor, reconstructing classic childhood nursery rhymes into dark, alternative art styles both thought provoking, and sometimes disturbing. This innovative multimedia project will include a full-color coffee table art book, art installation, and high-concept animated music video. This project will feature work composed entirely by PASW artists, actors, performers, and musicians, as well as entertainment industry celebrities.
/ industry guests
Celebrity and other industry guests that share the experience of working and speaking with our talented actors include: Jon Voight, Sean Penn, Charlize Theron, Edward James Olmos, CCH Pounder, Esai Morales, Hill Harper, Bryan Cranston, Debra Wilson, Kurt Yaeger, Nic Novicki, Mindy Sterling, directors Michael Lembeck, Alan Mayle, and Jessie Nelson, jazz musician Stanley Jordan, cinematographer Walt Lloyd, audio engineer, mixer, and editor Jesse Dodd, among many others.
/ support us
Performing Arts Studio West is a door of hope for adults with disabilities. Our year-round training program gives each performer the chance to explore their creativity, test their courage, show their determination and build their self-esteem. Your donation to support our programs is greatly needed.
/ fiscal sponsor
/ community resources
COVID-19 updates
Office of the Governor of California
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
California Department of Developmental Services
Local Regional Centers
COVID-19 updates also available on some sites
Westside Regional Center
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
Harbor Regional Center
North Los Angeles County Regional Center
South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
Regional Center of Orange County
Disability Arts Organizations
National Arts and Disability Center
Industry Resources
SAG-AFTRA
Actors Equity Association
Directors Guild of America
Dramatists Guild
Writers Guild of America
Internet Movie Data Base
Film Schools
American Film Institute
Cal State University Long Beach
Department of Film and Electronic Arts
Los Angeles Film School
Loyola Marymount University
School of Film and Television
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
USC School of Cinematic Arts
New York Film Academy
Television Networks
Film Festivals
*indicates festivals that have featured films
starring or co-starring PASW actors
Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge*
Focus on Ability USA
First Glance Film Festival Los Angeles*
Hamptons International Film Festival*
LA Shorts International Film Festival
Manhattan Film Festival*
New Hope Film Festival*
Palm Springs International Film Festival*
Perspectives Film Festival*
Reel Abilities Film Festival Los Angeles*
Sedona International Film Festival*
Sundance Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival*
Worldfest Houston
Disability Publications
Ability Magazine
Music Schools
Los Angeles College of Music
Ground Breaking Films
Featuring Actors with Disabilities
Starring PASW actor, Jacob Lince
Nathan’s Kingdom Official Site
Co-starring PASW actor, Isaac Leyva
Starring PASW actor, Isaac Leyva
/ COVID-19 updates
Office of the Governor of California
County of Los Angeles Public Health
Local Regional Centers
COVID-19 updates available on some sites
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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