What are the opinions of the John Robert Powers school?

Answer 1

From contributors: * Okay, so this Saturday I auditioned with John Robert Powers. I do not find this a fraud at all. You guys, they ARE NOT promising any work. It is an Academy, and yes, it does cost a lot, but if you were at the presentation, it is all worth it. Kim even said she asked her mother if she ever regretted putting money into her career, and her mom said no because when kids her age where experimenting with drugs her daughter was singing. Yes, this is an Academy and yes you have to pay for classes. I am very happy I was one of the chosen and am very happy I get to work with these wonderful people. Do not say it is a scam, and that they got your hopes up for work. IT IS AN ACADEMY. A SCHOOL. NOT AN AGENCY. * These people are LIARS! A true acting school would be up front about the services they offer. Instead, a JRP employee cold calls you and leads you to believe you're going to an actual audition. It's the classic bait and switch tactic. * Unfortunately people get the wrong impression and think because someone cant guarantee you work, its a scam. JRP is a school. And each one is individually operated. Several successful kids have come out of there,so they are doing something right. Check out Chris Brochu on You tube! I doubt he would support his own school if he thought it was a fraud * I am also a casting director in L.A. and have spoken at many JRP events in the past, know multiple JRP employees and am very familiar with their company, it's classes and it's business practices. And I also dislike JRP and am embarrassed that I was ever associated with them. And I disagree with the person above...NOBODY can guarantee you work, not even a talent agent, manager, or casting director, as not one of us are in charge of who gets the job. The client is - ad agency, film studio, network, etc. And the fact that all JRPs are individually operated is a bad thing, as their prices and quality control is not regulated. In fact some JRPs charge $5000, some charge $500, for the EXACT same classes. AND, some location will offer different different families, different prices, based on their income. Rich families pay $5000, lower income families pay $500, for the exact same class. And THAT is why it is a scam, if they were just teaching classes for $100/month like every other legit acting class in Hollywood, I would have no problem with them at all. And THESE inexpensive classes turn out tons of successful working kids, not just 1 in 5000 (JPR). AND JRP pays talent scouts (on a per headcount basis) to go out and solicit kid's parents to show up at a JRP open call. Then they tell EVERY SINGLE parent that their kid has a lot of potential, blah, blah, and classes will cost $5000, dad says he can't afford it, and they leave, a few weeks later, JRP calls up dad and offers him a deal, half price $2500, dad still says no, and a few weeks later they call and lower the price again!! This continues to occur until the price is right or the phone solicitor reaches their bottom price. THIS IS WHY I dislike JRP! And sure a few successful kids have come out of JRP, why? JRP is out there pillaging the entire country of child talent, paying casting director and agents to watch them. SURE there is bound to be a few gems in there, and those kids get lucky. And lastly, Chris Brochu was paid to do that endorsement. I asked his agent. And actually, if you ask ANY kid how their experience was and they will all say it was positive. THEN go and ask their parent how they felt about how much they paid for it.

BOTTOM LINE: Overpriced and shade business practices.

== == * I am a student there. Nobody what anyone tells you it is not a fraud, many others say it is and its not I have had auditions with Nickelodeon and MGM. One bad thing is that it does cost 1000.00. it is really worth it they offer you about 5 major auditions and about a year of classes. Bottom line.. IT HELPS YOU OUT IF YOU WANT TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS * ACTUALLY, JRP is a HUGE scam. I am a casting director in L.A. CA and have cast over 1500 projects. And i am continuously shocked at the amount of people, especially children, that move to Hollywood and have been taken advantage of by this ruthless company. NOBODY needs to spend thousands of dollars for acting classes. And the whole reason that you get these "auditions" is that they actually PAY casting directors thousands of dollars to "fake audition" you. It is the biggest scam in the business. I dislike JRP http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/119/ripoff0119080.htm * If you really want to act, you'd be better off taking classes at a community college near you for about 20 dollars a unit. They are just as good and you'll actually be acting and learning skills. Other than that, contact REPUTABLE agencies with your headshots and resumes. And always research any and all agents/casting directors before working with them. * Some people are only out there to manipulate you and take your money! BEWARE! * In a nut shell it is not any good. They ask you to "audition", but it is all a crock, as they actually will take anyone and everyone that is willing to pay, sorry to burst your bubble. They do not turn down ANYONE with the cash.

* I have been a casting director in L.A. for the past 12 yrs and many of us really look down on John Robert Powers. It is expensive, unnecessary and really takes advantage of families. They have a payment model based on the person's income and is not the same price for everyone, one family may pay $500, while another will pay $1500, for they exact same package. THAT is shady and immoral, I agree with the person above who suggests a community college or even community theater. Or even places like BB's kids (kid's acting class in L.A.). Don't waste your money on a company that is ruthlessly taking advance of people's dreams.