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Question: John robert powers classes!. worth it!?
i am looking to get into modelling and acting!. so i went to the john robert powers audition!. i brought two of my friends with me, i called today and i was the only one on their list of people they accepted and my friends weren't!. they woman said i was very pretty but a bit shy so i would have to take self-development courses for like $1200 and then after that i could take the modelling class but that would cost $3000!. do u think this will help me!. i've heard this is a scam but one lady at the audition told me she did it for her daughters and they got jobs eventually but they had to pay a lot first!. so should i do it or not!? i don't have that much money, but if i worked for a while maybe i could come up with it!. also if this isnt worth it, can someone suggest a better real agency i could try out for (somewhere in MD) or something i could fill out on the internet!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Take it from me!. I used to work at JRP!.
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 went to JRP and loved it!. I met a lot of new people and took some really great classes!. I auditioned for agents who helped me understand what I need to work on!. For me, the $2000 I payed for classes were well worth it, and my family could afford to spend this kind of money!. Will it be worth it for you!? Can you afford to spend this kind of money!? If you answered no to any of those questions, reconsider!. There are plenty of other classes you can take that are less money!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Why would you want to work your butt off to just get scammed!? Don't do it!. Yes, some people get jobs, but you have to be really talented, and it's not because of these classes!. Go to Google and type in JRP scams and a ton will come up!.
I can't tell you real agencies because they vary from state to state, try your phonebook or Google!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
JRP is a scam, period!.!.!.!. there are more post here on them and the BS they sell!.
You don't need classes to become a model, how to walk, how to talk
BS!.!.!.!.save your money!. get good head shots and start by doing the local stuff and get the experience!. No matter what you look like if you do the work you will pick up an agent!.
You should never have to pay an agency to represent you, and there are no up front fees!.
JRPs is no guarantee of work!.!.!. unfortunately they sell a want to be short cut !.!.!.there aren't any!.
Please save your money
http://www!.imdb!.com/name/nm1962531/
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About John Robert Powers- I have heard mixed reviews!. Some think it is just a waste of money and that you don't actually get anything out of it!. But I have a best friend who took modeling and acting classes there when she was younger and really enjoyed it and she's a great actress who's also into pageantry and does really well!. I've heard that it really helps with confidence and self esteem!. The classes are very expensive but they have a lot of experience in the modeling and acting business and they really know what they are doing!.
Good luck- hope I helped! Www@QuestionHome@Com