Mission Statement

Agent Bios

Peter da Costa

Founder/ Agency Director (Toronto)
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Melissa Panton

Partner/Agency Director, Film/ TV (Vancouver)
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Stephen Greig

Principal Agent – Theatre/ Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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Frank da Costa

Principal Agent – Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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Cat MacFarlane

Principal Agent – Theatre/ Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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Shannon Teat

Principal Agent – Commercial/ Theatre/ Dance (Vancouver)
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Toronto Talent

With almost 25 years experience, representing some of Canada’s finest actors, singers, voice artists, dancers and choreographers, da Costa Talent continues it’s tradition of professional, effective representation – promoting and nurturing some of Canada’s brightest talents.

da Costa Talent clients’ film and television credits range from independent films to episodic television and notable feature films. Most recently, clients can be seen in lead, supporting and guest star roles on Z-o-m-b-i-e-s (Disney), The Umbrella Academy (Netflix), The Next Step (Family Channel / BBC / Universal Kids), Letterkenny (Crave / Hulu), Ghostwriters (Apple TV), Utopia Falls (Hulu / CBC Gem), The Flash (CW), Wedding Planners (Citytv), Max and Shred (Nickelodeon), A Majestic Christmas (Hallmark), CBC Kids, Corn & Peg (Nelvana), Channel Zero (Syfy), The Swap (Disney), Annedroids (Amazon), Work It (Netflix), My Perfect Landing (Family Channel), The Doozers (Hulu), Backstage (DHX / Disney), Ponysitters Club (Netflix), Magic School Bus Rides Again (Netflix), Degrassi: Next Class (DHX / Netflix), Shadowhunters (Disney-ABC), Neverknock (Syfy), Mommy’s Little Angel (Lifetime), TVO Kids, American Girl (Universal Pictures), to name a few.

We also boast a diverse roster of award winning world-class choreographers creating works in virtually all styles of movement for film and television, commercials, music videos, motion capture and live stage shows. Acclaimed projects include, Shape of Water (Oscar Winner for Best Picture), The Weekend, Kelly Clarkson, Handmaid’s TaleThe Expanse, Salt-N-Pepa Miniseries, Assassin’s Creed Syndication (Motion Capture), The Next Step, MTV Video Awards, Much Music Video Awards, Soul Train Awards, So You Think You Can Dance (US, Canada, UK, Vietnam), to name a few.

Our clients also have a great deal of success in the commercial industry, appearing in numerous spots both national and international as well as several highly successful ongoing campaigns. Clients have appeared in all of the major theatres across Canada, as well as internationally on Broadway, in London’s West End, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, famous theme parks in the U.S., Tokyo and Abu Dhabi, and in the world’s largest cruise ships.

Vancouver Talent

Launched on July 1, 2011, the Vancouver branch generated an immediate buzz, attracting some of the best talent on the west coast. Continuing the tradition of its Toronto parent company, da Costa Talent in Vancouver provides professional, effective representation for actors, dancers, singers, choreographers and voice artists in all areas of the entertainment industry.

da Costa Talent clients’ film and television credits range from independent films to episodic television and notable feature films. Most recently, clients can be seen in lead roles on Chad (TBS), The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix), The Main Event (Netflix), Predator, The Midnight Man, Rogue, Loudermilk, Supergirl (CW), The Next Step (Family), Backstage (Disney), Center Stage, You Me Her (eOne), Snowpiercer (TNT), Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce (UCP) and The Game of Love, to name a few.

Our clients also have a great deal of success in the commercial industry, appearing in numerous spots both national and international as well as several highly successful ongoing campaigns. Clients have appeared in all of the major theatres across Canada, as well as internationally on Broadway, in London’s West End, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, famous theme parks in the U.S., Tokyo and Abu Dhabi, and in the world’s largest cruise ships. We also boast a diverse roster of award winning world-class choreographers creating works in virtually all styles of movement for film and television, motion capture and live stage shows.

History

Peter ventured into the entertainment industry in the mid 1990’s with a partnership in Urban Dance Arts Entertainment, a company formed primarily to service the corporate world with live dance shows. In his role as Production Coordinator, he was introduced to many exceptional performers and intriguing personalities. From very early on, he was privileged to have the mentorship of one of Canada’s leading corporate entertainment booking agents, Elwood “Woody” Saracuse. Being surrounded by talented unrepresented dancers, Peter recognized that there was a void in the industry. Soon after, in December of 1998, he established an agency dedicated to the representation of dancers for all areas of the entertainment industry.

His reputation grew and he quickly attracted some of Canada’s leading talents, many of whom remain from that first year of existence, with the agency to this day. He would like to acknowledge those clients (below) for their loyalty and thank all clients throughout the years for their significant contribution to the growth and success of the agency.

Special thanks to: Ted Banfalvi, Carla Bennett, Shawn Byfield, Roberto Campanella, Wayne Catania, Vanessa Cobham, Steve Cota, Chantelle Leonardo, Louis Paquette, George Randolph, Martin Samuel, Kiera Sangster, Sherisse Springer and Mike Tracz.

Significant changes to the agency occurred in 2001 with the name change to da Costa Talent Management and the relocation to our present day offices. That year the agency was extremely fortunate to have Stephen Greig join on. Together, Peter and Stephen revamped the focus and direction of the agency from a heavy dance based clientele to a much more diverse triple threat client base.

In March 2005 the agency was accepted into TAMAC reaffirming their reputation in the industry.

In 2007, with the assistance of Melissa Panton, the agency expanded to include a select group of gifted children and teens.

In 2010, the agency created a new division to service Dance Competitions, Festivals and Studios, giving them access to our elite roster of dance professionals to hire as both adjudicators and guest instructors.

2011 was a monumental year with the expansion of a new office in Vancouver headed up by Melissa Panton.

In 2013, Andrea Marino joined the Vancouver branch as Melissa’s assistant and later her mat leave cover.

In 2014, Frank da Costa joins the Toronto office to head the Film/Television/Commercial department.

In 2015, Shannon Teat joins the agency to work alongside Melissa on the West Coast.

In 2017, launch of a new voice over division headed up by Frank da Costa to add to his existing Film/TV/Commercial portfolio.

In 2019, Cat MacFarlane joins the Toronto office as their newest agent. Starting with her own roster for Theatre/Film/TV/Commercial.

In 2022, Andrew “Pyro” Chung joins the Toronto office as their newest agent. Starting with his own roster for Film/TV/Commercial/Dance/Influencers.

Today the agency handles some of Canada’s most outstanding actors, singers, dancers and world-class choreographers for all areas of the entertainment industry.