John Robert Powers Modeling
School
To Whom It May Concern:
My 15-year-old daughter recently auditioned for IMTA
(International Modeling and Talent Competitions). The
auditions were held at John Robert Powers of Atlanta.
We opted not to pay the $4,795, which included 30 hours
of training, various services to prepare her for the
convention, and hotel and airline fees.
We did, however, speak to a representative from John
Robert Powers about classes. Several program level packages
were shared with us.
One in particular was a Level Three Program which offers
three 10-week workshops which include life skills, acting,
and TV classes. Self-esteem, etiquette, job interview
voice, and diction, and other areas were also mentioned.
The class program sounded good, but, of course, the
money issue is my concern. If we pursue this, I would
be required to pay the full amount of $2,900 up front
by check or cash.
I was given the option of credit card payment with a
5 or 10% discount. I could also pay half up front and
the balance in 30 days, or I could work out a payment
plan at 20% interest.
It was made clear that there are no guarantees, but
they CLAIM about 80% of their students are placed with
agencies or get jobs.
My daughter has a true desire to act; I have a true
desire to help her and am willing to do so, provided
I am not being taken advantage of.
Can you offer some guidance or suggestions on how to
go about getting her started in an acting career or gaining
experience or getting training in the field?
How do we get to know the right people? What resources
can I tap into? Where do I turn?
I have already had negative experiences with Barbizon
and John Casablancas Modeling (from my own personal endeavors).
I appreciate any input you can give.
Thank you,
P.G.
P.,
You can get five-week acting classes for $300. It makes
more sense to start at this reasonable rate to avoid
getting ripped off and to find out how much your daughter
wants to act, and how much she grows from the training.
Is it in her? Kids need to learn what vocational passion
is within them. They need to discover what they are good
at.
As a parent you can take it one step at a time, not
over-commiting to something in which they can lose interest.
If a small inexpensive class results in her maintained
and growing interest in acting, as well as skill development,
then you can approach a local talent agency, which does
not charge thousands of dollars for training, and does
not try to sell you anything.
Here's another approach: today find a reputable local
talent agency which you would like to represent your
daughter in the future, and ask them what training she
needs and where she could get acting lessons at a reasonable
rate.
Let the reputable agency be the one to say what training
is needed, if any, and who are the good instructors,
what are competitive rates. These people are not in the
obvious conflict of interest as JRP.
It is always best to start with the agency, not a school.
You are much more likely to get an honest, unbiased,
professional opinion from industry experts —and
much less likely to become a scam victim.
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