A first-generation Canadian, Peter was born in Lisbon, Portugal and immigrated to Canada at the age of four. Witnessing his parent’s struggle and sacrifice provided the foundation for a work ethic that propels him to achieve his goals, whatever the endeavour. In addition, the relationship he built with Elwood “Woody” Saracuse, mentor and one of Canada’s leading corporate entertainment booking agents, helped set the stage for Peter’s industry success.

Peter started his first company at age nineteen while studying Business Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). In the mid-1990s, he sold his shares and ventured into the entertainment industry, partnering with Urban Dance Arts Entertainment. As Production Coordinator of live dance shows for the corporate market, Peter was introduced to many exceptional performers, many of whom were unrepresented. Recognizing the gap in the market, Peter established da Costa Talent Management in 1998, an agency dedicated to representing dancers in all areas of the entertainment industry. Over the years, his reputation and roster grew and he quickly attracted some of Canada’s leading talents, many of whom remain from that first year.

A born entrepreneur, Peter is constantly seeking new ventures that capitalize on his extensive industry experience, particularly in creating and producing. In 2011, he co-founded Show Choir Canada. In 2015, he won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series for the TVO documentary Unsung: Behind the Glee, which chronicles the national and international phenomenon of the Show Choir Canada National Championships.

In 2016, Peter co-founded Podium Concert Productions with producing partner and music director Mark Camilleri. Together, they produce in-concert adaptations of award-winning musicals such as The Secret Garden, NINE, and Broadway Nights with Brooke Lynn Hytes, all to rave reviews.

Peter is a voting member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television and is currently developing a new television series that he is excited about. More details to come.

“For the last 25 years and counting, I am most proud of the positive changes and impact we continue to make in the industry as we facilitate client goals and dreams alongside my dedicated team, who work harder and care more about their clients than anyone in the business.”

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 Agency Director for da Costa Talent Vancouver and is excited for the newest chapter in her career.

After leaving the company, Stephen began a freelance career that saw him perform in corporate industrial shows (more than he can count), several feature films, commercials, and musicals. An association with the Diversified Productions allowed him to purse choreography (1992 Olympic Opening Ceremonies for Track & Field Trials, New Orleans), stage management, and as a Road Manager for the Canadian Armed Forces Tour to the North Pole.

In 1994, Stephen was hired as Head of Dance for Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Performance Program. Over the next seven years, he balanced his performing career with teaching and choreographing more than twenty shows for Theatre Sheridan. Outside work offered Stephen the chance to add director to his resume, directing several successful shows for the Ganaraska Summer Theatre.

Stephen was presented the opportunity to see the entertainment industry from a business perspective and joined da Costa Talent Management in 2001, leaving Sheridan College. In between, and during, shows, Stephen studied Business at the University of Toronto, giving him the chance to apply his skills.

Stephen’s ability to memorize everyone’s phone number, take point on projects, and take over while Peter was on assignment, made him a fixed asset on da Costa’s balance sheet. He continues to scout talent for the agency, network with theatres across the country, and work on the day-to-day operations of the agency. Stephen continues to teach dance part-time and in the last few years add competitive ballroom dancing to his list of accomplishments.

“Dealing with actors and casting directors is much like mediating the United Nations: hard, rewarding, and a ton of fun. I’m currently single, live in L.A., and was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2006. No wait, that’s George Clooney: I live in Toronto.”

Since joining da Costa Talent in 2014, he has enabled the agency to develop a new strategic business model, building upon its legacy of representing top dance and “Triple Threat” talent to expand the acting roster in Film, TV & Voice. In particular, he has been instrumental in successful launching the agency’s new voice division with almost immediate results in several series lead bookings as well as more than doubling the agency’s Film/TV bookings in only his first year leading that division.

His passion for recruiting and mentoring young talent extends to his personal life, where he serves as Club Head Coach at the King City United Soccer Club, responsible for player and coaching technical development with his National B-level Coaching licence. Born in Portugal and raised in Toronto, Frank holds an Arts Degree from York University.

“Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.” – The Optimist Creed

Cat started her career as a performer in Toronto where she quickly discovered her passion for the art of production. Cat became a professional Stage Manager for various companies in Toronto until she was hired by Stage West Mississauga as Production Stage Manager where she stayed for 14 seasons, casting and producing over 68 musicals and plays in her tenure. In that time, she developed key relationships with top Directors, choreographers and guest Artistic Directors from across Canada. In working with such a wide variety of artists, Cat developed a sharp eye for scouting quality talent at various stages of development. Her communication skills, positive demeanour and professionalism made her one of the most sought-after Stage Managers in Canadian Theatre. In order to hone her skills in key aspects of the entertainment industry, Cat worked as an Artistic Administrator for the City of St. Catharines and a Production Assistant with the City of Brampton. To further develop her skills, Cat has been a producer for concert and sports entertainments events including the 2015 North American Indigenous games opening and closing events, concert performances with Falls view Casino and Scotiabank arena, Niagara Falls and more.

Since 2019, Cat has had the great fortune to join the best agency in Canada and has brought her connections and passion to all of her clients. She has thrived working with talent both in the beginning of their careers as well as established Canadian artists. Booking credits have ranged from Feature Films, Series, to Mirvish and US National Tours. Cat works strategically with each client closely to navigate and help artists grow their resumes and careers. She is always on the lookout for the best of the best.

“It is literally true that you can succeed quickest by helping others to succeed.” – Napoleon Hill

Shannon grew up in Vancouver, where her love for the arts compelled her to seek training in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, and musical theatre, as well as singing and acting. Her performance credits include commercials, television shows, motion pictures, as well as motion capture for video games. Following her performance career, she choreographed for studios and workshops across Canada, and adjudicated regionally and nationally. She has been awarded rehearsal director positions for dance and theatre companies, and lead casting and audition tours for various projects.

Following her performance career, she has worn many hats in the arts choreographing for studios and workshops across Canada, and adjudicating regionally and nationally. Her work ethic, approachability and professionalism has led her to be a natural selection to be awarded rehearsal director positions for dance and theatre companies, and lead casting and audition tours for various projects. She will now use her management, organization, strong networking and people development skills to advance the careers of her actors, singers, dancers and choreographers.

Shannon is excited to represent such a talented roster. Her wonderful, fresh energy and supportive nature is a perfect fit to our team.

The move from artist to agent was a natural evolution that leveraged his extensive experience mentoring and training dancers, and capitalized on his decades-long commitment to helping other passionate and talented artists build their careers.

Pyro began his dance career in the year 2000. After winning multiple freestyle competition titles around North America, he decided to focus his talents on the film and television industry. He has worked on many sets over the years, including Disney Zombies (Disney Plus), Sneakerella (Disney Plus), The Next Step (Family Channel, CBBC), Christmas Chronicles 2 (Netflix), Work It (Netflix), Full Out (Netflix), Disney Spin (Disney Plus), among others.

Pyro has worked closely with a number of successful content creators, such as Lilly Singh and Humble the Poet.

Auditioning, competing, and building his brand throughout the industry, including embracing the content creator’s lifestyle, Pyro has always resorted back to a passion of reaching out to people who have expressed interested in similar art forms and training them. Mentoring students since 2007, Pyro has traveled all around the globe sharing his knowledge and training dancers, and even co-founding the “Footnotes Street Dance Academy Training Camp”.

Having a passion for sharing knowledge and mentoring since he was a teenager, Pyro prides himself in seeing students he once mentored branch out and become community leaders themselves. He looks forward to continuing to foster this passion, now for his clients as an agent.