John Paizis, founder and director of the Performing Arts Studio West, is a man of many talents and a significant performance history. He was the lead singer in Kid Twist and World Affairs. He was an actor who studied in New York with Sandy Meisner. He was a dancer. He was a voice over artist. And, with all this he had a strong sense of what teaching could do, so in 1980 he moved to Los Angeles for a simultaneous career as a classroom instructor for autistic adults.
When that closed 17 years later and he found himself unemployed at the age of 44, John was in what turned out to be a rather enviable position. He could design his own, and as it turns out limitless, career that took into account myriad talents, generosity and generous sense of well being for everyone. Listen to John talk about the steps he took to found PASW, which has become an acting school, casting agency and performing center all in one that is geared to adults with disabilities.
It seems that miracles come about when talent, diligence and commitment are bound together with love and respect. His love letter? He answered that very quickly. He plans one that is equal parts tribute, love and history.
