Complaint Review: John Robert Powers

I was driving and heard the advertisement on the radio, 1070 NEWS Radio. I didn't even think twice about a possibility of it being a SCAM, 1070 News Radio only lets legit businesses to advertise.

The ad: JPR was looking for kids between ages of 12 and 17 to be in commercials or modeling and acting professions ... they were auditioning on Sunday March 16th, 2008. We were supposed to be there at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm interview and audition in front of an agent.

We got there at 2:30, there was already a line there. All age groups, all ethnic backgrounds, and from the looks of people there, not all financially well off (or at least that's what it appeared to me).

They gave us an application with a commercial line for "m&m"s for my daughter to memorize. Then, they took all of us to a room and a woman by the name of Gloria started talking. She talked about all the famous people that got started with JPR and pretty much got their fame through JPR. She talked about how long JPR has been in business (over 80 years or so).

Then, she told us that we will be called individually to do an interview with one of the reps like "Gloria" and "Paul". After the interview, we were to go to the room next door to do the audition in front of the camera and the agent. After the audition, we were to go home and call back the next morning at the time given. They said only 12 people out of some 200 or 300 will be called back. I believe they said 12 of each sex group or something to that nature.

They also said that when we call back, they will either say no we don't want you, or yes we do want you. However, the YES, only meant to come back for a second interview. And, at the second interview only 4 out of 12 will be signed up.

We called back the next morning (Monday 17th) at 11am. Gloria said that YES, we want your daughter to come back for a second interview. She asked if I could be at their office before 7pm. I made an appointment with her for 5pm and the last thing she said, was if we like you we will say it right then and there. "Make sure to bring your credit card", that was pretty much how she ended the conversation.

I picked up my daughter from school and headed to LA, we got there at 5pm. A few people were there waiting. We met with Paul this time (first interview was with Gloria). Paul asked my daughter to repeat the same m&m line. Then, asked her to do an "improv". Then asked her a few questions to hear her say how much she wants to be an actress. How much she wants to be like Miley Cyrus (which was a name they used at the beginning when they had all of us in the room, asking "who has heard about Hannah Montana?" and in a way they made us feel that this is where Hannah Montana had started too).

Once Paul finished his questions and kind of got my daughter all excited. He praised her and made her feel like she is a movie star already (kind of). He then turned to me and that's when I started grilling him with questions.

They had a 10-week program and a 20-week program and so forth. He kept on pushing the higher, more expensive programs. I asked him why not the 10 week program. He said, well with that, my daughter is just going to learn the basics and will most likely not get any auditions. However, with the 20 week program at $1950 she will get to get audition calls.

I asked him, So basically, she has to take lessons no matter what". He said yes. I said why should I drive her all the way here from Orange County, and not go to a local school? If it's just a matter of taking classes, she should be able to take them anywhere. I said, "Once my daughter gets more training, then we'll come to you". He said that once a kid signs up with one school he/she won't be able to transfer to another. He kind of said that it wasn't even legal to do so.

He also said that since their location is much closer to Hollywood, they get more calls for auditions that a school in Orange County. All this time I'm thinking to myself that they want my daughter, and they keep talking about signing her up. But I guess that only meant signing up so that we PAY to get my daughter take lessons with JRP.

Paul, again, made me feel that if I don't sign up right then and there, that my daughter will lose her chance. he said, Once they sign up the number of kids they need, that my daughter might have to wait till the next audition, which could be 6 months or a year from now.

I asked "so I can't even go home and talk to my husband about it and get his advice?" He said, well we asked you to come here prepared. I told him that I still needed to talk to my husband and thanked him and left. He was very disappointed; I could see that in his face. From the warm friendly hello and handshakes, to a good bye where I had to reach out and offer to shake his hand.

He REALLY tried to close the deal at that moment. He didn't want me to leave without giving him my credit card. I should also mention that I asked him about the classes. He said, the classes are held on the weekends. We can go either on a Saturday or a Sunday. The classes were mostly 4 hours and sometimes up to 6 hours.

We left the office and before we even got to my car, my daughter started crying and blaming me for not signing her up. That she lost an opportunity of a lifetime because of me. She was crushed. All the way back, she cried and blamed me. I kept on explaining to her, that if they wanted her bad enough, they would have given me a day or so to talk it over. But NO, Paul wanted to close the deal right then and there. He knew he didn't close the sale, he might lose it all together.

I talked to my husband and he said "well 2000 dollars is not a lot of money for 20 classes." He said that even if nothing happens, she will learn how to talk and act and have more self confidence. I agreed and called the "agency" back. I talked to Paul and told him that my husband has approved, and we want the 20 week program. He said he will fax the contract and credit card info sheet.

The "contract", only has 20 classes with one hour lessons. Actually 50 minutes because the kids need to be picked up 10 minutes early. Also on top of the contract, it's written, "This agreement is entered into on this date by and between Angel Kiss Entertainment, Inc. doing business as John Robert Powers."

Before I faxed the signed contract with my credit card info, I thought I should check and see if there are other schools locally. I googled John Robert Powers and I got some very disturbing articles.
I am so glad I did the check before giving them my credit card info, but I have to say, I was VERY, VERY close a few times. Even at their office, I felt guilty for not giving them money and signing my daughter up.
I gave a copy of one of the articles to my daughter, and she realized that this is a possible SCAM.

I just feel sorry for all those poor (financially) parents, that just like me, want their children to pursue their dream, and then, fall into a scam like this.

I wonder if JPR (the one on Wilshire) actually has classes!. I wonder how long they've been in that building! I wonder how many success stories started at that location! I wonder if JPR is legit! I wonder if anybody has heard about Angel Kiss Entertainment, Inc.
At first it sounded too good to be true, and it kind of ended the same way, TOO GOOD TO BE TRU.

Niki
San Clemente, California
U.S.A.