Performers with Disabilities Education and Mgmt.

Performing Arts Studio West (PASW) was founded in 1998 by Director John Paizis. This one of a kind conservatory style program and production facility provides hands-on individualized training, career management, and on-location support for performers with developmental and intellectual disabilities working in the entertainment industry. Our year round training program, employment opportunities, and original productions give 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 in part by the State of California Department of Developmental Services.

PASW participants have appeared in over two thousand roles in films, television shows, commercials, theater productions, multimedia events, music videos, and new media productions. Our performers have had the honor of working with Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winning artists. Performing Arts Studio West also hosts David Zimmerman’s  Meet The Biz series.  Meet The Biz is dedicated to developing educational opportunities and accessible resources for actors – with and without disabilities – through workshops that connect them with entertainment industry professionals willing to share their knowledge and advice. 

They currently have a 55" monitor (the enclosed picture) that they use in their training room which holds about 100 disabled students, wheelchairs and all.  It is very difficult for them to see the monitor.  I am raising money to buy them an 85" monitor which will be easily seen by all.

To learn more about Performing Arts Studio West, please visit their website, www.pastudiowest.com.  They can also be found on Facebook @ Performing Arts Studio West. Tax deductible donations can be made to PASW through their fiscal sponsor From The Heart Productions www.fromtheheartproductions.com