Complaint Review: John Robert Powers Acting School

Little boys and girls often dream of being a star.  Some just love performing.  And those little boys and girls grow up to be big people who still want to be stars.  It is this desire that often leads people right into the hands of unscrupulous opportunists like these that prey on people's dreams and lure them into a scam.  They are left with nothing but an empty wallet, disillusionment and broken dreams.

Acting, like any profession, requires that you know your craft.  There are numerous reputable teachers in Orlando that you can choose from.  Better yet, you can go from one to the next, adding to your actor's toolbox while discarding what doesn't work for you personally.  No reputable program is going to ask you to commit to long term classes over a prolonged period.  If they happen to offer multiple classes over the long term, you take each one as it comes, and pay when appropriate if they are holding up their end of the bargain (i.e. giving you good quality instruction).  Most extended programs in LA and NY charge a nominal monthly fee that fits within most actors' meager budgets.

In Orlando, thankfully, there are several outstanding programs for a fraction of the cost of these types of "actor mills."  And for that fraction, you receive quality, solid instruction based in reality and not some pie in the sky too good to be true promise of immediate acting work.  The business doesn't work that way except in incredibly rare instances.

As a former talent agent, I can say that seeing JRP on a resume just made me feel sorry for those who had been victimized by these people.  It's been an ongoing problem in our industry for as long as it has existed.  So, do your homework!  Check for online reports.  Talk to people who have studied with your potential teachers.  Find out where they studied and what their background is.  Check with the BBB for any complaints on file.  Most of all, trust your instincts.  If something doesn't feel right to you, you're probably on to something.  If they won't answer your questions clearly and precisely on the spot, you are probably looking at someone who is trying to seperate you from your money.  An agent, casting director or the like should NEVER ask you for money.  They get paid when you do.  Period.

And as far as this being a school, well, it is--a very expensive school.  And one, from everything that I've heard and seen over the years, that offers very little in return for your investment.  Go get some quality training with someone who loves what they do and who wants to give their students the tools they need to succeed in this business.  There are so many people out there just trying to make a buck.  Don't fall for it!  You've got much more important things to do with your money!

So, while some folks may have some success with this company, most do not.  Most are disappointed.  And this is not because "people hear what they want to hear," it's because of a highly developed and very cunning marketing strategy combined with psychological manipulation in relationship to people's dreams.  The fact that their course fees are not listed on their website tells me all I need to know.  Be careful...it's a jungle out there!

Little boys and girls often dream of being a star.  Some just love performing.  And those little boys and girls grow up to be big people who still want to be stars.  It is this desire that often leads people right into the hands of unscrupulous opportunists like these that prey on people's dreams and lure them into a scam.  They are left with nothing but an empty wallet, disillusionment and broken dreams.

Acting, like any profession, requires that you know your craft.  There are numerous reputable teachers in Orlando that you can choose from.  Better yet, you can go from one to the next, adding to your actor's toolbox while discarding what doesn't work for you personally.  No reputable program is going to ask you to commit to long term classes over a prolonged period.  If they happen to offer multiple classes over the long term, you take each one as it comes, and pay when appropriate if they are holding up their end of the bargain (i.e. giving you good quality instruction).  Most extended programs in LA and NY charge a nominal monthly fee that fits within most actors' meager budgets.

In Orlando, thankfully, there are several outstanding programs for a fraction of the cost of these types of "actor mills."  And for that fraction, you receive quality, solid instruction based in reality and not some pie in the sky too good to be true promise of immediate acting work.  The business doesn't work that way except in incredibly rare instances.

As a former talent agent, I can say that seeing JRP on a resume just made me feel sorry for those who had been victimized by these people.  It's been an ongoing problem in our industry for as long as it has existed.  So, do your homework!  Check for online reports.  Talk to people who have studied with your potential teachers.  Find out where they studied and what their background is.  Check with the BBB for any complaints on file.  Most of all, trust your instincts.  If something doesn't feel right to you, you're probably on to something.  If they won't answer your questions clearly and precisely on the spot, you are probably looking at someone who is trying to get your money out of your pocket and into theirs.  An agent, casting director or the like should NEVER ask you for money.  They get paid when you do.  Period.

And as far as this being a school, well, it is--a very expensive school.  And one, from everything that I've heard and seen over the years, that offers very little in return for your investment.  Go get some quality training with someone who loves what they do.  There are so many people out there just trying to make a buck.  Don't fall for it!  You've got much more important things to do with your money!

Little boys and girls often dream of being a star.  Some just love performing.  And those little boys and girls grow up to be big people who still want to be stars.  It is this desire that often leads people right into the hands of unscrupulous opportunists like these that prey on people's dreams and lure them into a scam.  They are left with nothing but an empty wallet and broken dreams.

Acting, like any profession, requires that you know your craft.  There are numerous reputable teachers in Orlando that you can choose from.  Better yet, you can go from one to the next, adding to your actor's toolbox while discarding what doesn't work for you personally.  No reputable program is going to ask you to commit to long term classes over a prolonged period.  If they happen to offer multiple classes over the long term, you take each one as it comes, and pay when appropriate if they are holding up their end of the bargain (i.e. giving you good quality instruction).  Most extended programs in LA and NY charge a nominal monthly fee that fit within most actors' meager budgets.

In Orlando, thankfully, there are several stellar programs for a fraction of the cost of these types of "actor mills."  And for that fraction, you receive quality, solid instruction based in reality and not some pie in the sky too good to be true promise of immediate acting work.  The business doesn't work that way except in very rare instances.

As a former talent agent, I can say that seeing JRP on a resume just made me feel sorry for those who had been victimized by these people.  It's been an ongoing problem in our industry for as long as it has existed.  So, do your homework!  Check for online reports.  Talk to people who have studied with your potential teachers.  find out where they studied and what their background is.  Check with the BBB for any complaints on file.  Most of all, trust your instincts.  If something doesn't feel right to you, you're probably on to something.  If they won't answer your questions clearly and precisely on the spot, you are probably looking at someone who is trying to get your money out of your pocket and into theirs.  An agent, casting director or the like should NEVER ask you for money.  They get paid when you do.  Period.

And as far as this being a school, well, it is--a very expensive school.  And one that offers very little in return for your investment.  Go get some quality training with someone who loves what they do.  There are so many people out there just trying to make a buck.  Don't fall for it!  You've got much more important things to do with your money!

Thanks for responding George.


AM I BAD

I was not told that you were a school, I only guessed, after reading this web site. I was told that my daughter would do a short audition on camera and if the Casting Directors, (whom she told me about) wanted to call her back they would, and if they didn't - she might waqnt to take some classes. That's why I guessed it was a school. I am sorry I referred to you as a scam. That would not be the appropriate name. I did compliment your marketing techniques, but as a consumer I would want more information, such as what you stated in your rebuttal. I am glad you posted the true information so that parents can now decide if they want to attend the intial audition at your school. If I lived in Orlando, I would sign my daughter up. Because I do believe classes will lead to more exposure.

The radio ad does not explain things in detail. Parents need to adsk more questions when they call, an then things will be clear!

Reading Tina's Complaint, it IS incorrect. If you listen to the commercial it never says that Harriet or Joey are casting for 9 shows. That is completely false. When you call in you are told you will be pre-screened for these people and for John Robert Powers the School for Performing Arts.

If you think that casting directors are going to place you on multimillion dollar shows or movies without "tv and film experience" and without talent and training, think again. These casting directors come to our school to find well trained talent to cast for shows and movies. I understand not everyone can afford to takes workshops to further your opportunities.

To say we are a scam is absurd! If you have TV and Film experience with a professional headshot and updated resume, you will get pushed through to see these women. If you need training we will require it before seeing these casting directors. Plain and Simple.

Obviously, this woman was told we were a school after she called in, she choose not to drive 2 hours to attend. I ask you how is this a scam?