Acting Out Celebrates Five Years

Anna Hazard and Anna Nasstrom October 2008, Acting Out celebrated its fifth anniversary. Founded by Anna Hazard and Andrea Nasstrom, they are the originator of musical dress-up. Two moms' who were inspired by their children's love for dancing in their dress-up. Acting Out has won over 14 national toy awards, including three Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum awards. Additionally, they have been featured on The View, Today Show, Good Morning America and Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

All the skirts and dresses in the Acting Out line feature music. Enormous amounts of research have gone into developing a superior quality music device. Among the music offerings are Hokey Pokey, Can Can, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Blue Danube and You Are My Sunshine. Music device is hidden within an interior front pocket. Press on for music and it continues with motion. Additionally, Acting Out products include finished waistbands that provide itch free comfort and allow for easy dressing. Batteries are always included and are easily replaceable.

This is our story:
Acting Out began five years ago as an "ah ha" idea while watching our "princess" girls dancing around in their dress-up. Why not add music to the skirts? Anna ever the dreamer and idea person forged ahead with turning the dream into reality. At the time, Andrea was winding down her career as the Director of New Business for a musical instrument company. While commuting to work, Anna would call to discuss her idea of the day. Valuing Andrea's opinion, Anna knew that Andrea would be truthful about each invention and when Andrea loved the musical dress-up idea it was "game on". Anna was extremely persistent in asking Andrea to be her partner. She knew without Andrea this idea could only go so far. Well one month later, Andrea gave into Anna's persuasion and came on as a full partner and has never looked back.

Turning the idea into reality involved sourcing manufacturers in China. Andrea will never forget the day; Anna wrote that $15,000 check against her personal line of credit for the first order. We had never met our skirt manufacturer. He was sourced over the Internet and all communication was via email and one phone conversation. This was a huge amount of money for her and her family but it sealed the deal of our commitment of turning this from an "expensive hobby into a profitable business".

When Acting Out began Anna was working part-time as a hairdresser. It was tricky business, maintaining a career, being a mom and starting a business. We have made many mistakes along the way. One of the reasons our partnership works is we both buoy each other up when one person may be down. We never dwell on the mistakes and do our best to learn from them (and hopefully not repeat them) and most of all have fun!!!!

We put in crazy hours. Anna's the morning person and Andrea's the night owl. We are very different personalities. Anna's the "free thinker", creative and shoot for the stars. Andrea is more of the business person; level headed and "devils advocate". We respect each other's personalities and know we could not have gone this far if it wasn't for each other's unique personalities.

Andrea and Anna are both NJ natives and residents. Andrea resides in Ocean Township NJ and Anna in Wall Twp. Andrea has two daughters Haley (11) and Anja (7). Anna has three children Max (10), Carolyn (8) and Ava (5).

In the beginning, we sold our products through craft shows and out of the back of the car. By December of that year (after only two months of business) we were in 100 accounts. Today we are in almost 1,000 stores, six countries and major retailers such as Target online, Costco.com, QVC, Toys r Us online, Hearthsong, Highlights, Young Explorers, Toys to Grow On and Sensational Beginnings.

Among our achievements:

Guest hosts on HSN and QVC
Featured on The View - Mom Inventors
Today Show
Good Morning America & GMA weekend edition
Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year Finalist 2005
Recipient 14 national toy awards including finalist in
Family Fun Toy of the Year and three "Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum awards

Acting Out Musical Dress-Up is Pleased to Announce
Three New FREE Online How-to Dance Videos

Learn to dance the Macarena, Hokey Pokey and Chicken Dance from the comfort of your home. Log onto our new video section and view are easy to follow lessons. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy these lively dance steps!

Acting Out Wins Awards

Acting Out is pleased to announce that our Musical Dress-up has been awarded the following toy awards: Creative Child Magazine, Seal of Excellence 2004; Family Fun, Toy of the Year; Creative Child Magazine, Top Toy of the Year Award 2005; Creative Child Magazine: Top Toy of the Year Award 2006; Dr Toy Smart Play/Smart Toy Award; iParenting Media, Hot Award Winner; iParenting Media, Winner Award.

Acting Out started selling the first Musical Dress-Up Skirts and Light-Up Boas in October 2003. Now, after two and a half years of listening to our customers and garnering experience based on their needs, partners Andrea Nasstrom and Anna Hazard are thrilled to be acknowledged among their peers and child development specialists.

We Were on TV: Good Morning America and The Today Show

The Nutcracker Skirt, Swan Lake Skirt and Swan Lake Dress were featured on the Today Show. They were featured because all three items are Oppenheim Toy Portfolio winners

The Nutcracker Dress was featured on Good Morning America and Good Morning America. The Nutcracker Dress was featured because it was a Family Fun Toy of the Year Finalist 2005.

Click here to see our video!

Acting Out™ Wins Three Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Awards

Acting Out is proud to announce that the three products submitted for review to the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio have been selected for the Gold seal. Stephanie Oppenheim said “They are all very special!” Our Swan Lake dress, Swan Lake skirt and Nutcracker skirt have superior music in the skirt. Every little girl can bring the ballet home.

Since Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Nutcracker music has been added to our musical selection we have been working day and night to fill the orders. We listen to our customers and in doing so we now have award winning products.

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is the only independent guide to children’s media. Co-founded in 1989 by child development experts Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Awards are given to outstanding new products that enhance the play lives of children. The Oppenheims are both Contributors to NBC’s Today Show. More information about the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio can be found at www.toyportfolio.com

Musical Nutcracker Dress Up Wins Creative Child Magazine Awards

Acting Out is proud to announce that their Musical Nutcracker Dress-Up has been chosen by Creative Child Magazine for two prestigious awards. The musical Nutcracker Dress received the 2005 Toy of the Year. The Musical Nutcracker Skirt received the 2005 Preferred Choice Toy Award in the creative dress up category.

Acting Out has captured the magic of the holiday season with their new musical Nutcracker dress and musical Nutcracker skirt. The well known Nutcracker music by Tchaikovsky is hidden in an interior pocket of the absolutely adorable skirt and dress.

The ballet begins once the music device is manually activated and continues with motion.

Acting out has a line of musical dress up. The adorable dress up is lined for hours of itch free play. Batteries are included. Fits most 3-6 year old little girls.

Musical Nutcracker Dress Was Selected As
Finalist for the 2005 Family Fun Magazine Toy Of The Year Award

Acting Out is proud to announce that their Musical Nutcracker Dress-Up is a finalist in the prestigious Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year Award in the 3-4 year old category.

Acting Out has added Tchiakovsky’s Nutcracker music to their classic line of musical dress up. Pretend/Dress up play has now been brought to a whole new level. Little girls can now dance around the house creating their own version of the Nutcracker ballet.

The well known Nutcracker music can be enjoyed from a high quality music device. The device is hidden in an interior pocket of the waistband.The ballet begins once the music device is manually activated and continues with motion The award winning musical dress is deep pink with a marabou neckline and shimmering sequin scattered on the skirt. This magical dress is lined for hours of itch free dancing. Fits most 3-6 year olds.