Peter started his first company at the age of 19 while studying Business Management at Ryerson University. Five years later he sold his stake and searched for his next opportunity. Not long after, he accepted an offer to work in the arts. The rest as they say is history.

Born in Lisbon, he immigrated to Canada at the age of four. His work ethic was a direct result of witnessing his parent’s struggle and sacrifice to provide opportunities for their three sons. Being the middle child meant that he would naturally become a mediator. Couple that, with his innate sense of entrepreneurship, the agent hat would inevitably fit very nicely.

Working to build the agency’s status and reputation has been his labour of love. The huge satisfaction of seeing clients achieve their dreams is what makes it worth every necessary ounce of time and energy. Feeling like Batman in need of a Robin, Peter recruited Stephen to join his efforts in 2002. This was a brilliant move; one that every client of the agency has benefited from greatly. In 2006, the addition of Melissa (Batgirl), fist brought new growth and energy to the agency with the development of a youth division and later helped launch da Costa Vancouver in July of 2011.

Peter would like to recognize the love and support of his amazing family, especially Katharine his wife, who left the business at the peek of her own flourishing dance career to become a school teacher, and in doing so, established the stability necessary to start their family. Peter currently lives in the Swansea area of Toronto with his wife Katharine, his daughter Grace, who was born in November 2005 and his son Nathan, born July 2009.

A performing professional since the age of 15, Stephen began his career with the National Tap Dance Company of Canada, performing with them for 10 years throughout Canada, The U.S. and around the World in such venues as The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, The Hong Kong Coliseum and The Kennedy Centre, the latter in a gala tribute to President Ronald Reagan.

After leaving the company, Stephen began a freelance career that saw him perform in more corporate industrial shows than he can count, several feature films, commercials and musicals. A close association with Diversified Productions allowed him to expand his skills to include choreography (including The Opening Ceremonies for the 1992 Olympic Track & Field Trials in New Orleans), stage management and even as a road manager for a Canadian Armed Forces Tour to The North Pole.

In 1994, Stephen was hired to be The Head of Dance for Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance Program. Over the next seven years, he managed to juggle his performing career with his teaching and also to choreograph more than 20 shows for Theatre Sheridan. Outside work offered him the chance to add director to his resume with several successful shows for the Ganaraska Summer Theatre.

In 2001, Stephen was offered the opportunity to see the business from another side, so he left Sheridan College to join da Costa Talent Management. In between (and during shows), Stephen found the time to study business at the University of Toronto, and this job was a chance to use some of those skills. Assuming the role of Robin to Peter’s Batman, a steep learning curve ensued. His ability to memorize literally everyone’s phone number, take point on projects, and hold down the fort while Peter is “on assignment”, have made him a fixed asset on da Costa’s Balance Sheet. He continues to scout talent for the agency, build bridges with theatres across the country, as well as working on the day to day business projects. Dealing with actors and casting directors is much like mediating the U.N. – hard…rewarding…and a ton of fun. He is currently single, resides in L.A. and was named People’s Sexiest man Alive in 2006. No, wait…that was George Clooney…I live in Toronto.

He still teaches dance part-time, and in the last few years has added competitive ballroom dancer to his list of accomplishments.

A Vancouver native, Melissa Panton has been dancing since the age of three. Her professional career includes numerous film and television credits, live stage, major sports league dance teams, adjudication and choreography. In 2002, she moved to Toronto to pursue new avenues in the entertainment industry. She became a client at da Costa Talent, and the very next day booked her first gig – she’s that good! While building credits as both a choreographer and performer, she began studying Arts Administration at Humber College, and gathering experience in production, casting, business and stage management.

When da Costa Talent decided to create a Youth Division, Melissa became a huge resource. She was immersed in the urban dance scene, and was instrumental in recruiting talented youngsters who were great dancers, but also had potential in singing and acting. While her passion then lay in building her reputation as a choreographer – she was equally committed to nurturing the Youth Division at da Costa Talent…and soon took over the role of Batgirl at the agency.

In 2010, Melissa decided to return home to the land of ocean and mountains… And her new fiance! A new chapter of da Costa Talent was born, making the agency bi-coastal and allowing clients to pursue opportunities in both Toronto and Vancouver. Melissa now assumes the role of principal agent for da Costa Talent Vancouver and is excited for the newest chapter in her career.

Melissa hopes one day to relocate to Texas, where her hair will be less noticeable.