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Question: I Need Help John Robert Powers!?
ok so i am meeting with john robert powers on saturday and i have been searching the internet for things and all i got was it is a scam!. i no i should belive it but i dont because my ffriend went and it was awesome and she has stared in three commercials!. can someone please help me find answer and if you dont thnik i should go tell me why and give me avvidence!!!!!!

please and thank you

~Nicole~Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Take it from me!. I used to work there!.

John Robert Powers is NOT a scam, by the definition of the word "scam!." The word "scam" means "fraudulent business or scheme!." JRP is in the business of training!. They are NOT an agency!. They sell classes and photoshoots!.

However, that doesn't mean that they are the best way to get into the modeling or acting industry!. Their classes ARE overpriced!. JRP sells "dreams" much like McDonald's sells "happiness!." Eat a "Happy Meal" and play on the playground - that's how they get you to eat their crappy food!. JRP uses exciting commercials and radio ads to get kids excited about the possibility of being on a top kid's show on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon!. Not to say that JRP students don't get work, but when JRP says they have a highly selective criteria for admitting students into their academy, that usually means "if you got the money, come on in!." At least in the experience I had at the academy I worked at!. Some kids they turned away because they were too shy or didn't seem like they wanted to be there!. But some kids were picked regardless of talent or lack thereof!.

Here is the thing!. John Robert Powers used to be THE guy back when he was alive!. He did teach models how to walk and talk and take care of themselves!. His models did end up successful!. That was back then when he was alive!. He believed in grooming men and women in poise and etiquette!. John Robert Powers USED to be an agency!. Not anymore!. They are strictly academies!. John Robert Powers' name and images of models/celebrities HE himself trained are used to make parents feel better about spending thousands of dollars!. His family sold the franchise rights to someone by the name of Ron Patterson!. The Powers' family no longer holds the rights to the schools and from what I hear, make no money off of it!.

Yes, there are kids who have ended up with moderate success like your friend!. One of my friends went to JRP years ago and became part of a pop group that toured with N'Sync!. And for many people who are not within 4 to 6 hours from Los Angeles or New York, this is an opportunity to be seen by the agents they bring from those areas!. However, by training at JRP (or anywhere else for that matter), it doesn't mean that you will be a success!. No two careers in the industry are exactly the same because no two people are the same!. Your friend's success is not an indication of what you will experience!. It depends on what YOU look like, what YOU bring to the table, and how much talent and drive YOU have!. And that is true for ANY job, not just acting, singing, or modeling!. Just because your friend got some work doesn't mean you will!. It also doesn't mean you won't be more successful, because you just might!. It all depends!.

It is true!. If you are asked UP FRONT to pay an agent to represent you, then that is unethical and frowned upon in the industry!.

JRP is not an agency!. They sell classes WAY overpriced!. It is not a scam but it is definitely not the best deal for your buck!. If you want the same training, start asking around local community theatres or look for children's theatres in your area!. Ask if they know acting teachers or kids' acting classes!. Research the background of anyone who will be teaching you!. Do they have a degree!? If not, is their life and work experience in the industry impressive enough!? Have they taught before!? Where did they teach!?

If you still want to train with JRP, ask about the refund policy just in case you are not happy with the training!. Get it in writing and make sure you read it before you sign!. also, do as much research as you can about the industry!. Showbusiness is TOUGH on your soul and rejection is commonplace!. Go to www!.backstage!.com and read all you can!.

I worked at JRP because on paper, it is an awesome thing!. They train you to be an actor and then they provide auditions with agents!. If it were just that, then fine!. What I hated about working there is YES there are high pressure sales tactics involved and the cost of their classes is ridiculous!. For that amount of money, I would expect a small enrollment per class but they tried to cram as many kids into a class as possible!. What can anyone learn in one hour when there are 15 kids crammed into a classroom!? The "talent scouts" I worked with knew NOTHING about the industry and were paid on commission - they are just salespeople by another name!. I was one of the few who actually had a degree in Drama and worked as an actor for years!. I didn't sell much because I was not selling the way they trained me to sell!. I did not sell happiness!. I gave away the truth!. I know how hard the industry is and it's NOT easy!. It's entirely subjective!. Do your research before you go in, and ask questions!. If you are not happy with the answers they give you, then go somewhere else!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I totally agree with the above post!. You already knew the answer!.

One thing about JPR, is that their classes are legit, the teacher there are legit!. But they charge TRIPLE the amount that you would have to pay at a REAL acting school!. JPR takes EVERYONE who attended their audition!. Doesn't matter if the person has the potential or not!. Because it stated on their contact, that everyone's result may vary!. They cannot gaurantee you booking commercials and other jobs!.

If you want to be an actress, you should look for any acting schools/studios around your area, and go from there!.

If you want to be a model - the best way to learn about modeling is to watch America's Next Top Model (I'm not kidding!) - I'm an Actor based in New York and done some Modeling on the side!. What you see on ANTM, is exactly what you get in real life!. I would still recommand to take at least 1 acting technique and 1 movement class from an Acting studio!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

You already know the answer!. You did your research and found out they're a scam!. Are you just hoping you'll find someone on here to tell you otherwise!? Because anyone who has anything positive to say about these people either works with them or has been suckered by their extremely clever schemes!.

You need to stay away from these people!. Your friend likely would have still been able to land those commericials without any help from JRP!.Www@QuestionHome@Com