What Others Are Saying: Peers
Marg Haynes offers her actors some of the best advise and practical training opportunities available for talent who are looking for exposure to the US film and television market. She has an honest, blisteringly straightforward, no nonsense, tell it like it is sensibility that doesn’t sugar coat the realities of pursuing a profession in the industry. I find that refreshing in an industry where that attitude can often be the exception rather than the norm. As a casting director I’m pretty good at “reading” people and Marg Haynes is the real deal.
Paul Weber – In-house Head of Casting MGM Studios
Marg Haynes put together an incredible group of talented young actors for our 2010 Young Actors Space/AIPA pilot season seminar. The talent she brought from Australia was not only a joy to work with but more specifically energetic, down to earth, smart, and committed to their craft, undeniably due to Marg's influence.
As Director of Talent Development, Marg's eye for talent was instrumental in helping to make this such a successful workshop. Marg is passionate about her work and her actors. Marg Haynes is an inspiration and her energy is infectious. I would be thrilled to work with Marg again any time.
Patrick Day - Director, Young Actors Space, Los Angeles California
I have taught several master classes for Marg Haynes and the Australian Institute for Performing Arts and have found the groups to be of an extraordinarily high caliber. It is clear that they are dedicated young professionals, with talent and training and the kind of enthusiasm and understanding to succeed in a challenging business.
Marg's organization of the groups makes my working with them not only a pleasure but a great experience for both the actors and myself as instructor. I cannot speak highly enough for the work she has done on behalf of young actors seeking a presence both at home and here in the United States.
Jane Jenkins - Casting Director
Surrogates, Angels & Demons, Frost/Nixon, The Bucket List, Transformers, The Holiday, The Da Vinci Code, Poseidon, Rumour Has It…, Cinderella Man, Something’s Gotta Give, A Beautiful Mind, Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, How the Grinch Stole, Christmas, The Perfect Storm, Bicentenial Man.
Marg Haynes has given actors the single greatest opportunity to present themselves to the cream of the crop of Hollywood Casting Directors. I have been honored to be a part of the groups that have seen actors from Australia, South Africa and other parts of the world. Her (masterclasses) have allowed us to discover new talent. Talent that have secured top agents, managers and most importantly working in this beloved industry.
Not only has Marg handled all her talent development projects with kindness and care, she has also done it with honor and integrity. There should be more people like Marg – the industry needs it.
Matthew Barry - Casting Director
My Sister’s Keeper, Good Luck Chuck, Alpha Dog, The Notebook, Freddy vs Jason, Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, Tom Cats, The Family Man, Con Air.
The day I met Marg was the day I gained access to an entirely new pool of wonderful performers. She has an amazing eye for talent and has maintained her high standards when introducing newcomers to the American market. But most of all, her passion and the incredible energy she puts towards promoting the futures of her students is unsurpassed, and I always welcome working with her.”
Brianna Barcus - Vice President, Clear Talent Group
I've been a guest speaker for the Australian Institute for Performing Arts and it's always a pleasure to speak with the classes.
The students ask great questions and I have a wonderful time showing them the business side of casting in the USA. I'm always impressed with the diverse program that Marg Hayes puts together for the actors.I think it's one of the best I've seen; they really deliver an honest program.
Gary Marsh - President, Breakdown Services.
My name is Lisa Beach, and I am a Casting Director in Los Angeles. Some of my work includes WEDDING CRASHERS, WALK THE LINE, 3:10 TO YUMA, and the SCREAM trilogy, among others. It is my honour to write this recommendation for Marg Haynes .
Over the past 18 months, Marg has given me the opportunity to see just how extraordinary her abilities are in working with actors of great promise. With the utmost professionalism, discipline, and passion, Marg has built a solid reputation within our industry, and has introduced a wide range of amazing talent to the Los Angeles film and television community.
She has become the “go-to” person in Australia to whom many of us turn when we are seeking that perfect person to fit a specific role. It is of great hope to all of us that she can continue her work here in the United States, so that we can further explore all the possibilities that she has to offer. Ethical to a fault, diligent, brilliant, and with an expert eye, there is none better than Marg Haynes in her field.
LISA BEACH – Casting Director, Los Angeles California
Having spent much time in many classrooms held by acting coaches in Los Angeles, I must say that Marg’s was filled with fine young talent, worthy of carrying leading roles in film and television. I was truly amazed at how well trained they are without having spent any time in Los Angeles, and how much they knew about the business in general. I signed one of her students just based on her promise that the client would deliver the goods in an audition, and the client tested on her first audition!! I’ll always trust what Marg says from that day on.
Todd Justice – Justice & Ponder Management, Los Angeles
Marg Haynes creates a wonderful opportunity for Australian talent to learn from top tier Hollywood casting directors, agents and managers. I always find Marg well organized, professional and the students she works with to be highly motivated and enthusiastic”.
Marc Hirschfeld – Casting Director
Marg Haynes has created a space that allows young actors to grow their skills in a safe, caring, protected environment that allows them to grow, take chances and shine. Whether their just getting started or on their way to building a career in the profession, there is room for everyone to work hard, take chances and grow.
Marg and her team have worked tirelessly to let the talent shine in her program. I was both surprised and delighted on a daily basis-these young performers are encouraged to "put it out there" and were so willing to take risks and direction. With Marg's oversight, these young actors have been given an amazing opportunity to step up to the plate and do the work.
Working with her students was both inspiring and rewarding.Seth Yankelwitz – Casting Director, Bestrop & Yanklewitz Casting
Going the Distance, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, All About Steve, The Hangover, The Unborn, Four Christmases, Drillbit Taylor, Meet Dave, Fool's Gold, The Invisible, Blades of Glory, Norbit, The Break-Up
Marg continues to play an important role within the Australian Acting scene. Her constant energy and thirst for new projects is inspiring to me as an agent knowing she is constantly searching the globe for new opportunities for our young Australian Talent. Her commitment to high standard teaching staff at AIPA has rewarded me with discovering some of the best youth talent at her studios. I have found Marg to be Honest and direct with a dry sense of humor which is a breath of fresh air in this industry.
Sonya Maturano – RANDOM Management, Australia
I wanted to say a few words about the work of Marg Haynes and The Australian Institute for Performing Arts. I had the pleasure of offering my Becoming a Successful Actor and Commercial Model Workshop at two of her events. It was amazing to see the incredible group of industry professionals who were connected with her event.
Ms. Haynes, works tirelessly at making sure that all of the talent attending her events are seen and learn from some of the most well respected people in the acting and commercial print world. I look forward at helping the talent that she finds, get started and have success in our wonderful industry Marg is really incredible and caring person. It is my pleasure to recommend her to anyone and everyone
Aaron Marcus - America's Premier Acting/Commercial Modeling Career Coach
Marg Haynes is a wonderful person to have on your side. She knows the industry inside out and provides perfect training for any young actor wanting to establish a career in Australia or the USA.
I recommend the AIPA courses to all my actors and will always sign an actor if they have been trained or recommended by Marg. She is caring and nurturing to all who are as focused as she. She offers a level of professionalism mixed with sincerity and loyalty that is not seen enough in our industry. Thankyou, Marg.
Sarah Trick – Director Matrics Management
It was a privilege to attend the Australian Screen Tests in January. As the Casting Director for Mattel World Wide Shows, I am charged with finding new talent with a high degree of training and ability, and it was the perfect venue.
I was very impressed with the way it was organized, and with the high level of those who auditioned. I have nothing but the highest praise for Marg Haynes and her staff, and look forward to attending the next one. Sincerely,
Lesley Collis – Casting Director Mattel World Side Shows
When I met Marg Haynes in 2008, I knew I was dealing with someone working at the level I would want to support. When she showed me the list of casting directors she was assembling for the group of actors she would be bringing to Los Angeles in 2009, I was not only impressed, but greatly humbled that she would include me among their ranks. These are my mentors! These are the casting LEGENDS from whom I learned how to DO this job! These were the people I interviewed for my first book, "Casting Qs," years ago! I was so honored to be counted among them. This is a special group and it takes an actor-friendly industry pro who wants to demystify the process of what we do to really be a good fit for the amazing, hungry for info, READY actors that Marg exposes us to. Marg does not want CDs who are otherwise motivated. She's managed to find the teacher in all of us. It's inspiring!
Should you choose to invest your time, energy, and money into AIPA--which, if Marg has encouraged that, I can only assume means you are not only talented but READY to be seen in Los Angeles, because she doesn't invite over people who are not BOTH--I can only recommend that you get excited about it. Because it's an amazing opportunity and the actors who take advantage of it are getting in front of casting directors, agents, and managers who do not otherwise "scout" in Los Angeles. The industry folks who give AIPA actors their full attention during this program are providing a HUGE advantage, as it can take YEARS for actors to get invited into the room for a pre-read with some of the *assistants* that work under these execs, otherwise.
I obviously have a lot to say about AIPA and Marg Haynes. I've been inspired by the actors I've met through AIPA and I am proud to be one of Marg's (dare I say) favorite instructors. At my core, I am a teacher, so it is a sublime pleasure to get to help peel back some of the layers of this beast we call Los Angeles for actors who are ready to ROCK. Australian actors do quite well, here. They tend to have a depth of craft and passion for the WORK that we don't often see. Once actors get a sense of how the business operates, here (which these AIPA events cover, very well) the lovely talented Aussies tend to book more consistently than our local actors.
I for one am THRILLED that Marg has personally added to the level of talent we get to have in our lovely Hollywood. :) And she's a dear friend. That came about because she's the real deal.
Bonnie Gillespie – Casting Director, Los Angeles
The Mikado Project, Teenage Dirtbag, Another Harvest Moon, Broken Windows,
Queen of Cactus Cove.
What Others Are Saying: Success Stories
I have known Marg Haynes since I began training with her at 11 years of age. Marg was the first person, other than my parents that truly recognized and encouraged my ability as a performer. She tirelessly helped me discover the potential I had and always encouraged me to dig deeper. Marg is a tough tutor, but she gets the results and has touched 1000’s of lives of young performers across Australia and now north America. Marg has been a great mentor and has guided me to become a better person and actor as my career has moved forward. I have remained very close with Marg and have great respect for her as a person. I watch in awe of the groundbreaking ventures and opportunities she offers to students around the world. I totally believe in what she is doing and would recommend working with Marg to any actor or performer who truly wants to make it. (Just be ready to work your butt off).
Christopher Egan – Actor
Home & Away, Letters to Juliet, KINGS, Eragon, Virgin Territory, Letters to Juliet
I auditioned and was accepted to participate in the Professional Actors Workshop Series in May 2009 along with 22 other actors. We met with many amazing casting directors who are actively casting films and television shows all around the world, and LA in particular. I had an amazing experience and from the tour, which Marg single handedly organised. We learned from the very best in the industry, all of whom spoke so highly of Marg.
As these professionals work with Marg and trust her judgement, it opens up a whole new way of pursuing the LA dream. I am living proof. A casting director I met as part of PAWS introduced me to a manager, who on Marg’s recommendation signed me. On my first LA audition for a new television series I got a series regular role - which got me my O1 visa and I am now living in LA. I started acting at KICK Performance Group in Sydney, Australia when I was thirteen. I have gained world class training there.
Marg has always been supportive of me and is a really great teacher. She always made class fun but ensured that we were also above other actors in our age range in skill, making us all professionally ready. Now six years later, at eighteen years of age, I'm pursuing my acting career in LA. This is all thanks to the opportunities that Marg and AIPA have provided me.”
Danielle Macdonald – Actress HUGE
I wanted to thank you for everything you taught me whilst I was training at AIPA from 2006 to 2008. The opportunities that were provided at AIPA and the Actors Company at KICK Performance Group were pivotal for my growth as an actor.
As a performer in the Talent Development Programme I was guided in the best possible way. I learnt how to treat acting as a career; as a business. I found that you gave me the tools and the know how to venture out and be a confident working actor. The training opportunities that AIPA promised were surely delivered.
The Screen Actors tour to Los Angeles in 2007 and 2008 were exceedingly beneficial. The methods of acting such as Stanislavski and Stella Adler were just a small token of what I took back to Australia with me. Although these are universal methods, the Screen Intensive, organized by AIPA, helped put these methods into practice.
I now use these as standard preparation for any performance. The learning experience through AIPA and the Talent Development Programme was an excellent stepping-stone for my career.
Hayley McCarthy – Actress
Marg Haynes has being instrumental in the success I've had so far as an actor in the USA. Through Marg and PAWS I have been able to work with 25 of the leading casting directors in Los Angeles. US managers and agents have told me that this has fast tracked my career by years.
Aiming to give us the best opportunity, Marg went further to set up an open class and invited agents and managers. Many of the actors received serious interest and I was fortunate to receive several offers to choose from. Marg has been there every step of the way including being there for me to turn to in deciding between managers.
Further to this Marg works endlessly to find auditions for her actors worldwide. I have been fortunate enough to audition in both Australia and USA.
The guidance and support Marg has provided me has been limitless. Having worked so closely with her it is hard to miss her amazing passion to develop and promote up and coming actorsRussell Jeffrey– Actor
I moved to LA this year on an 01 visa and was blessed enough to have met Marg before my move. I am so grateful to Marg for all she has done in making my move a success, her continued hard work and support of my career.
I have attended two workshops with AIPA, one in November in Sydney and one in May in Los Angeles. Through these workshops I have met many of the top Casting directors and was given an intensive introduction into the LA market.
Since moving to Los Angeles I am so aware that getting in front of the calibre and amount of brilliant people I have met is no easy feat. Marg's ability to fast track careers is due to her excellent reputation and dedication to bringing talented industry ready Australians to the US market.
Since the May workshop, I have secured numerous offers of representation due to referrals from Casting Directors and from Marg herself. She has continued to work hard in getting me established here in the American market and I can always rely on her for her guidance. I am excited about what the future holds for me and I have Marg to thank for that.
Stef Dawson – Actress
Marg Haynes is a true genius of the performance industry in both Los Angeles and Sydney. She's worked extremely hard to get a lot of kids the opportunities that most can only dream about. I was one of those kids.
My experiences with Marg have not only taught me how to become a more powerful actor, but how to operate and succeed in an artistically oriented business.
Through Marg, I have made important US contacts that I would otherwise have never made, I've recieved the interest of numerous casting professionals in Los Angeles, and most importantly,
I now have a confidence in myself that will always be there thanks to her.
George Sheppard – Actor
My name is Sam Cotton and I attended the two AIPA courses with Marg Haynes over the past two years. Marg Haynes was able to put me in front of Hollywood's most noted casting directors and also organize generals and meetings with the top or the range managers and agents.
I lost count of how many meetings and generals Marg sent me to, but it has created a definite shortcut in my career. Through Marg I have also formed relationships with countless casting directors who are helping with my 0-1 Visa process - Jeff Gelber (Head of Feature Casting at Universal Pictures) and Risa Bramon Garcia (Casting Director credits include - Speed, Natural Born Killers and Twister) are two people who I continue to keep in close contact with .
Marg Haynes is an absolute pleasure to work with - she doesn't stop working and her ability to fast track an actors career is something that is truly impressive. I signed with one of Hollywoods top managers in Erik Kritzer, I am now on call back for Saturday Night Live and have consistent auditions for American projects and it is all due to Marg Haynes.
Sam Cotton – Actor
What Others Are Saying: Parents & Participants
As a parent I want my children to be guided and be the best they can in a very competitive industry. My family and others travel from afar, as with many their instinct is that Marg and the training at AIPA is something extra special and to be valued. Marg is extremely passionate about providing the highest quality training, the best opportunities for all and has the highest reputation and contacts in the business internationally.
Marg is highly professional, trustworthy, reliable, motivated, hardworking and passionate, but more importantly when working with children is the most caring, supportive mentor who shows loyalty that is second to none above and beyond her call of duty.
My three children have all been guided by Marg and as a result working towards their careers in an industry that they could only have dreamed of. I couldn’t recommend a better place or person for children to go to get the best training there is, to be challenged and to have fun. Marg is in her own right a truly amazing inspirational person, whom my family fully admire, trust and respect.
Michelle Horner, mother of Adam (18), Yasmin (16) and Kiera (13) - (AIPA Students)
I first met Marg last year when my daughter attended the LA Casting Director Workshops at AIPA. They were highly organized and Marg and her staff were dedicated to providing a well-organized fantastic service “with a smile”. Nothing was too much trouble.
Recently I dropped in to see Marg on a recent visit to Sydney to enquire about this years Workshops, and one hour later my little black book was brimming with “priceless information and contacts” which will open up amazing opportunities for Freya when she goes to LA.
Marg gave of her time freely and never hurried me out even though she was inundated with work. I find this rare in an Industry which very much doesn’t give you the time of day unless you are a big star. Marg is passionate about what she does, a dedicated hard worker, fostering young Australian talent and helping them make a step onto the Global “Stage”.
Thanks so very much and see you in November again.
Coppelia Tingley - Perth, Western Australia
Marg, thanks so much for all the help you have given me and the fantastic LA Casting Director workshops you held. These have led to me keeping in regular communication with four of the directors (well known in the industry) and some offering to introduce me to people when I am in LA. Without you this would not have been possible. Can’t wait till this years workshops roll on November!
Freya Tingley – Perth