Reviews

Julian Huerta

I can’t stress enough how great of an introduction this is for anybody wanting to do stunts. I can’t even explain how good of a mentor Banzai Vitale is to all his students. Having so much patience to break every single detail down and wanting all of his students to succeed is so reassuring. I learned SO much during those 3 weeks and absolutely had the time of my life. Even learning set etiquette which I had no idea about was so informative. Banzai is an amazing guidance for anybody new joining this industry, anybody that’s taken the academy is so fortunate to have him as a mentor. Even with his 30+ years of stunt performing and coordinating he still is willing to show us the ropes and foundation to stunts to all new comers. It takes so much heart to do that and I find that so inspiring. Banzai is definitely the Yoda of stunts. The journey doesn’t stop when you finish the academy, banzai will always be there to help you grow no matter what!! thank you so much Banzai!

Connor Holt

A Hands On and immersive experience! SPA offers exceptional training from wrecks to high falls to fight choreography and more! You'll go to bed sore but wake reinvigorated to do it all again. Banzai and his team are some of the most knowledgable, engaging, and kindest people I ever had the fortune of meeting. A truly rewarding and unforgettable experience! Highly recommend!

Yocelin Estrada

It's hard to put into words how amazing and incredibly rewarding it was to be trained by Banzai Vitale. His kindness and passion for his students and the stunt industry is true. He doesn't mess around! From the very first day of the course you're already learning so much! There is so much technicality and detail into every single move that you do, it really is crucial to have a stunt veteran like Banzai watch you master your skills from every step of the way. One thing that he kept reminding his students was how everyone grows within their own pace. There were so many moments during my time at SPA that were really challenging and emotional, but Banzai was always there for you to get back up and try again and he will be there for you much after the course is complete. Banzai's knowledge, wisdom, incredible skills and kindness will stick with you forever, no matter where you end up going in your career. I'm very glad to have taken this course and I highly recommend it!

Brittani O’Connell

As an actor, I was looking into was to add stunts into my arsenal of skills and came across SPA on a Google search for stunt training programs. From the moment I spoke to Banzai on our first phone call I knew this program was not only going to challenge me but that I would feel supported every step of the way. With his decades of skills and knowledge and genuine care for each of his student’s well-being, Banzai knows how to create an environment conducive of success for all that show up and put in the work. Because of my training at SPA, I have booked jobs that I wouldn’t have otherwise and I have a group of friends that are still cheering each other on to this day. And one of the BEST and most VALUABLE parts of this whole thing is that Banzai doesn’t disappear after you complete the program. I’ve been able to call him over a year later for insight and advice on this work. I will ALWAYS recommend SPA! So grateful for this program!

Tobias Icasatti

Hello aspiring stunt people/actors. My name is Tobias Icasatti. You can check out my imdb to see some jobs I have been on. Those jobs youll find, I was able to get by having taken this course. The picture attached is me working as Will\'s Stunt Double on Stranger Things! Not only do you learn an insane amount in 3 weeks but the classroom time that Banzai uses to share insight about the stunt industry is worth the entire price of the course alone. This is the best way Ive found to start a stunt career, you will not be disappointed. People normally only leave reviews if they are bad, but as you can see, this course is so good, people had to let you know!! I strongly urge you to take this course and I hope to see you around on set!

Unanimous

Great school with great instruction. You are pushed to your limit and examined well for any potential safety mistakes and/or hazards. It’s a great foundation and very informative.

Caitlin Hulsey

Joining the Stunt Performers Academy was literally the best decision of my life. Every day after class I called my mom and told her I had just had the greatest day ever, which was a shock for both of us because leading up to the session I attended, I was freaking out. I didn’t really have any experience in stunts and I was afraid the program would move too quickly for me and that I wouldn’t be able to make it through. I was worried that if there was something I couldn’t do, I would be told that this wasn’t the place for me or that I wasn’t cut out for stunts. Looking back, I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to chill out, because this was not the case in the slightest. Anytime I had trouble with something or needed a little more instruction than others, Banzai was there to help me until I understood and he never made me feel incompetent for not getting a skill right away. He and his assistant Courtney were some of the nicest, most supportive people I have ever met, and I can't thank them enough for everything they did for me. Because of them, I learned so many epic skills and did so many incredible things I never imagined I would have the ability to do. Not to mention I also had the most amazing group of people in my session with me, and I had the best time experiencing everything with all of them. So basically in conclusion, every day I spent at Stunt Performers Academy was the new most fantastic day of my life, and I have Banzai to thank for it all.

Bri Calliandra

I've never been through anything like Stunt Performers Academy in my whole 23, almost 24 years of life. In fact, before October of 2019, I was never interested in stunts, period. I would watch action movies in theaters, but never had a true appreciation for them until my boyfriend brought me to watch a session at SPA on Fire Safety day. After seeing the hard work and dedication these stunt performers were putting into their craft, I was in awe. It was unbelievable. I had found my appreciation for stuntmen and women. I went through session #13 of SPA. Which is wild because when I met my boyfriend, I thought he was absolutely insane for choosing the career that he had, as a stuntman. But I found myself in the same line of crazy the following February. And from Session #13, I’ve learned so much. Fighting technique, high falls, fire safety (I literally watched my boyfriend get his entire body lit on FIRE), wire work, I’ve gotten tackled, kicked and punched all over my entire body, jumped from a lift 30 feet up in the air into an airbag (and listen, 30 feet don’t sound too high until you’re 30 feet up about to jump), I’ve learned how to flip my body in ways I didn’t even know was possible for me, learned fighting with movie weaponry, I’ve gotten thrown into walls, the floor, people. In February, there was no stopping. You got your butt back up or you didn’t deserve to be there. Banzai is INCREDIBLE. If you're looking for a serious career as a stuntman/stuntwoman in the industry, 10/10 would recommend SPA. Your confidence, your technique, and your bad-assery will skyrocket through the roof. Thank you, Banzai.

LJ LaVecchia

When I decided that I wanted to get into stunts I started to research schools all across the US. Although there were many options, it seemed as though SPA was the best fit for me... and boy was it! From day one of the class I knew I had made the right decision both by getting into stunts and by choosing SPA as my way in! Banzai has created a program that teaches you the ins and outs of stunt work, techniques, the history of the industry, how to network, what to expect at throughout your career as a stunt person, how to behave on set, the list goes on and on. Banzai knows how to prepare you both physically and mentally to succeed in this industry and he does it by focusing on your strengths and helping you overcome you fears and weaknesses by creating a very supportive and positive environment. SPA and Banzai launched me into my career faster than I ever thought possible. Banzai helped me land my first stunt doubling job before the course was even over!!! With out Banzai and SPA I am sure this would have taken months or even years! It's truly amazing how committed Banzai is to the success of every one of his students, even after the course is over. I am constantly reaching out to Banzai with stunt and industry questions and he ALWAYS responds right away and is incredibly helpful. I can't thank Banzai and SPA enough! If anyone is looking to get into stunts, SPA is 100% the way to go.

Dana Fay

I live on the east coast and was already hired as a stun performer doubling Jessica Beil or the series The Sinner before I went to SPA... I had training and took workshops but nothing I have ever done or honestly could possibly do in NY can compare to the curriculum and the Dedication and Compassion I received by Banzai!!!🙏🙏🙏 He is patient with everyone on their own individuality and their fears and and strengths!!! He is thorough and you Learn the in and outs from the physical to the education of the stunt world... He breaks it down to a science so that EVERYONE and his STUDENTS can SUCCEED!!!! I am so thankful I invested in SPA and I wish I lived closer because all Alumni become part of a community to train for free... and he lets you readership your skills!!!! This does NOT happen anywhere else!!!! I have never learned so much in so little time!!!! I have had a life long fear of fire and had a severe injury and never in a million years would I think I’d mentally and physically beat it!!! Thank you Banzai for believing in me and well I got LIT up!!!! The best thing I could of done!!! I’m free, no fear now just freedom to take any job the industry offers me!!! Invest in yourself and in SPA you WONT regret it!!! Good luck to all!!!🙏💪🏻🙌🏻⭐️🎬

Ben Sanchez

My journey with stunts started literally from the bottom. 0 connections. Didn’t know anyone, didn’t know where to train and hardly anything about the industry. I came into SPA feeling a bit skeptical. But overall it’s one of the best decisions I made in my career. Banzai was more then a great coach/ instructor. Banzai is now a good friend/mentor of mine. Always there for me if I have any questions regarding anything. SPA was the start of my solid foundation into the stunt world. I am proud of how far I have come since taking my session. Wouldn’t have been as confident if it wasn’t for the people at SPA. Thank you banzai and thank you SPA family.

Kara McDonald

Joining Stunt Performers Academy is like getting a cheat code into the stunt industry. Whether you are brand new or looking to amp up your game, SPA is the best program out there! The skills and coaching Banzai provides are priceless and so vital to your success. Not only will you acquire a solid foundation and understanding of the industry, but you will meet amazing people along the way. I walked in with no stunt experience and left feeling like a pro. The best part is I now know where to take my training outside of SPA, and Banzai is always there to help and guide me when I need him. It has changed the course of my life entirely!

Sage Hoffee

It is hard to explain the Banzai Vitales Stunt Performers Academy because it is so amazing and so much more than just doing really cool and fun stuff. It changed my life for the better and gave me a clue as to what I was getting myself into.Even though I took the course over a year ago it still plays a major role in my life. It is not a one and done situation where you pay your money, do your time, and then go out into the Hollywood circus never to hear from Banzai again. It is a mentor ship. He explained this to me before I got to my first day of class but I didn’t really understand until after I had finished the course. I see or hear from Banzai at least once every two weeks. The actual course is amazing you get to do all of the fun things you would expect: high falls, fights, parkour, wire work, fire safety ect. However the real magic of the course is learning about the community you are getting yourself into. He shows you the colorful history of stunts that got us to where we are today, which instills in you an appreciation for the values, sacrifices, and innovations the ‘Old Timers’ made. As well as gives you a perspective of how the new generation of stunt performers has taken that knowledge and really “ran with it” creating more complicated action sequences while also upping the ante on staying safe. The course is intense and not for just any body (just like the stunt business). To get through it your mental game needs to be on high. Banzai asks you to stay focused, calm and remember your abilities. He uses his Jedi mind tricks to remind you that “You are what you believe you are.” While also asking you to check your ego at the door. He is not just in the business of teaching people how to hit the ground. He is in the business of of teaching people how to be well rounded and someone that coordinators want to work with. He is the Yoda of stunts.

Ben Antoine

The Stunt Performers Academy (SPA) was just the program I needed to boost my career in stunt performing. I was aware that I had the physique and extensive athletic background to do well in the industry; however, the methods and skills taught by Banzai were vital and truly invaluable. SPA provides the crucial building blocks necessary to enter into the stunt game. From wire work, to high falls, to fight choreography, to gun and fire safety, to stunt etiquette, to understanding stunt contracts, SPA was very holistic and thorough. And for this, I am grateful that I was able to partake in such a complete program. I would certainly recommend this stunt intensive program to anyone looking to seriously pursue a career in stunt performing. Banzai, thank you so much for your guidance, patience and instruction.

Rissy Dollins

The Stunt Performer\'s Academy has been the absolute best move for my career I could have ever made. Whether you come from a background of acting, athletics, acrobatics, stunts, extra work or 100% no experience - this program is so flexible and tailored to each student to be challenging and progressive according to their unique strengths and abilities. Banzai exudes professionalism with a down to earth vibe that is priceless when it comes to tackling the foundations of stunt work. Each day was a welcoming, safe and fun experience. At the same time - this program is not for the weak or faint of heart. It will push your physical and mental limits beyond what you could imagine and through it, learn things about yourself that will help you grow in this industry. The resources you will have available to you are top notch and of a caliber that is not available anywhere else. Only four days after the Academy concluded, I found myself on my first working set where I met one of the industry\'s top coordinators and the momentum has only continued to move forward. If you are lucky enough to get into the Academy, stay on your toes because on set, they\'re - \"Never waiting on stunts!\"

Glenn McCuen

I couldn't be more thankful for having met Banzai. He not only taught me everything I needed to know about the stunt world but he continues to guide me along my path and is always there when I need him. His passion for stunts and attention to detail is inspiring to say the least. He gave us a safe place to learn and grow, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the SPA family. Thanks, Banzai, for being not only a great teacher, but a great friend.

Allie Anderson

I was referred to Banzai by another stuntman I know and was told that if I wanted to know everything I needed to know about, not only the training but also about the business of it all, that Banzai\'s Stunt Performers Academy was where I needed to go. After being in the program I can confidently say it was the best advice I\'ve received. Working with Banzai gave me the knowledge of seeing where my strengths and weakness lie as a stuntwoman and how to go about either keeping up the training or how to train a different way if the original way was not working for me. Being in this course, you also get to train with other stunt performers and stunt choreographers who are actively working which gives you the benefit of hearing stories of trial and error and also gives you a connection with the people you\'re going to need to know to get into this business. The best part of the course though, for me, was even though I have gone through it, I am still invited back for any training I feel I still need to work on. I still have Banzai\'s guidance and I can absolutely say I feel I am on the right path to doing stunts.

Lainie Pahos

I enjoyed every second of my SPA course! The moment the course starts you are thrown head first into the world of stunt performing. Not only do you learn the physical skills required for the job but you learn about the history of stunts to give you a greater understanding and respect for it as well as the tools to help you show your professionalism and to help you hustle and get work in the industry. Banzai is an amazing teacher with so much information to share and has the patience of a saint! I came in with very little experience and was guided every step on the way. I was ecstatic at what I could achieve within three weeks! SPA is also a community of stunt performers. We work and train together both within the course but also outside of it to help each other advance our skills. I am thrilled by what I got out of this course and what I continue to receive from being a part of the SPA community.

Courtney Morrill

The knowledge that I gained at Stunt Performers Academy simply cannot be measured. Banzai Vitale not only teaches his students to succeed, he wants them to succeed and provides them with the foundation to succeed- the knowledge,skills set, and the extreme importance of set etiquette. He provides individuals with the skills to do well in the stunt industry. Banzai genuinely cares about the industry and his students, he is extremely patient and encouraging, providing a safe place to learn and grow. Banzai teaches his students precise and effective techniques while installing good habits that will not only make for a job well done but will keep you safe while executing a job. Banzai also challenges you to always strive towards becoming a better performer, for he is very aware of individual strengths and weaknesses and will help you expand upon your strengths and conquer your weaknesses. From fundamentals to hands on practice, the knowledge that you gain at Stunt Performers Academy is irreplaceable. Stunt Performers Academy is much more than a knowledge infused three week course, it is an outlet of continuous support, valuable knowledge, and constant growth. Banzai teaches so much- right down to the little details. Details that make a huge difference, from always keeping balance while stunt fighting to the correct body position for safe high falls, to camera angles and depth perception- and that is only a fraction of what you’ll learn at Stunt Performers Academy. He takes his knowledge and personal experience from his 30+ years of stunt performing and stunt coordinating and graciously provides incoming and new stunt performers with that knowledge and foundation. Going to Stunt Performers Academy was one of the best choices that I have made. I am honored to have been mentored by someone with such exceptional skills and talent! Learning (and continuously learning) from Banzai has been one of the greatest privileges I have ever had. No matter your skill set, whether you have had experience in stunt training elsewhere or are completely new to stuntwork- Stunt Performers Academy is the place to be! The place to further expand a passion and develop a thorough understanding and ability to replicate skills expected of new stunt performers, all while gaining respect for the stunt industry. Stunt Performers Academy is the place to learn and Banzai is the person to learn from. I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m beyond grateful for all that I learned and all I continue to learn because of Stunt Performers Academy.

Jodi Sheets

I had an amazing time going through SPA! Banzai was very at helping me adapt to the moves and he made me feel confident in my own abilities. Thank you again I highly recommend this be your start or even another building block for this industry!!

Brandin Elmore

Banzai is hands down the best instructor I've ever had the privilege to learn from. His step by step approach to Stunts allows you to learn how to do the stunts asked of you amd be safe in the process. He is a wealth of knowledge and has connections in every aspect of stunts. Always incredibly patient and willing to take all the time he needs to help you understand. He truly cares for his students. It's an honor to not only have learned from Banzai but to be able to continuously learn from him. It doesn't stop once you complete the course. You are forever his student. Thank you for everything brother!

Tiana Webberley

I thought I knew a decent amount about stunts coming into this program but I definitely learned SO MUCH from this academy! What I learned in this academy has helped me a lot with getting work. Banzai is an awesome teacher and has a ton of wisdom about the stunt industry. He really cares and pays close attention to each person’s skills / levels in order to help each individual grow to their fullest potential. Banzai also continues to be an amazing and helpful source/reference even after I completed the academy as well, always quick to answer any more questions I continue to have while getting going in this industry. It has been a privilege learning from him. I highly recommend this course to anyone who might be interested in stunts!