
Agent Bios
Peter da Costa
Founder/ Agency Director (Toronto)
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Peter da Costa built his career not just seizing but creating opportunities. It is that mix of insight and ambition that compelled him to establish da Costa Talent Management and build it over 25 years into a leading industry player. With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, da Costa Talent Management enjoys a cross-country presence that benefits the agency’s roster of award-winning, triple-threat talent.
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.”
Melissa Panton
Agency Director, Film/ TV (Vancouver)
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A Vancouver native, Melissa Panton began performing at 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 actor, 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 Agency Director for da Costa Talent Vancouver and is excited for the newest chapter in her career.
Stephen Greig
Principal Agent – Theatre/ Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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A performing professional since the age of 15, Stephen Greig started his career with the National Tap Dance Company of Canada. He performed with the company for over ten years through Canada, the U.S., and around the world. Notable venues include The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, The Hong Kong Coliseum, and The Kennedy Centre. The latter in a gala tribute to Former President Ronald Regan.
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.”
Frank da Costa
Principal Agent – Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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As Principal Agent in the Toronto office, Frank da Costa represents the interests of da Costa Talent Management’s diverse Film, TV and Voice roster, pro-actively working to secure opportunities and negotiate favourable terms and conditions of contracts on behalf of his clients. To this end, he leverages decades of experience in building growth in multi-million dollar corporations, including 20 years of experience developing NovaJet Aviation Group into a leader in the VIP aviation industry, leading it to a position as one of the first ARG/US Platinum-rated companies in Canada.
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 MacFarlane
Principal Agent – Theatre/ Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Voice (Toronto)
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Catriona McFarlane has over 25 years of experience in a wide variety of live entertainment. She is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and attained her master’s degree in Theatre from the University of Toronto.
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 Teat
Principal Agent – Commercial/ Theatre/ Dance (Vancouver)
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Shannon Teat officially joined the da Costa Talent team in July 2015 and uses her management, organization, strong networking and people development skills to advance the careers of the agency’s actors, singers, dancers and choreographers. She possesses not only extensive experience on both sides of the table but also a passion for musical theatre and an in-depth perspective on the dance industry.
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.
Andrew “Pyro” Chung
Principal Agent – Dance/ Film/ TV/ Commercial/ Influencers (Toronto)
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Having forged a career of international renown over two decades as a performer, choreographer, and creative director, Andrew “Pyro” Chung joined da Costa Talent in 2022 to help launch the agency’s newest division representing Social Media Content Creators as well as build his own roster of multi-talented artists.
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.
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 Tale, The 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.