Deb Aquila began her career after graduating from NYU’s TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS and the STELLA ADLER CONSERVATORY. Deborah concentrated her studies on script analysis with Ms. Adler and advanced scene study techniques, in addition to her academic studies in history and psychology at NYU. Before moving to Los Angeles to cast “THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION” Ms. Aquila had completed casting on over 18 films in New York, most notably, “sex, lies and videotape”, “LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN” and “ZEBRAHEAD”.

In 1993, she was named Senior Vice-President of Features Casting for Paramount Pictures. After departing Paramount in 1999, Ms. Aquila returned to the independent casting world and began to resume her teaching career. She started “Adler in LA” with Ron Burrus, the master teacher who was one of her mentors at the ADLER CONSERVATORY. When that program was firmly established, Ms. Aquila taught Script Analysis for LARRY MOSS until forming the Aquila Morong Studio.

Deborah is thrilled to announce the opening of her new studio, The Aquila Studio, (TAS) set to open in early 2019. The curriculum will continue to emphasize scene study exploration based on text analysis with a specific concentration on imagery and “mindfulness for the actor.”

In addition to her continued casting work, Ms. Aquila enjoys a full schedule of teaching and private coaching.

Ms. Aquila has been recognized 15 times by the Casting Society of America, for their Artios Award. In 2011, she won the Artios Award for Outstanding Casting for the comedy feature, “RED”, in 2012 for “MY WEEK WITH MARILYN”, and in 2017 for “LA LA LAND.”

Ms. Aquila has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencessince 1994.

In 2003, she was recognized by the Hollywood community with the HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

She is the proud Mom of two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Katrina.