Complaint Review: The Playground A Young Actors Conservatory

Fraudulent Practices

My goal is to warn new parents to this awful scam. We went through the whole process with this company including spending thousands and going to classes. I know the SCAM!

Ok, here is the deal with this company.
You are out with your family and are approached by a women, she tells you what a cute kid you have and begs you to come to an audition or tryout. You attend, and the whole process is designed to get your child's hopes up. They line the walls with photos of teen stars and autographs. Your child is excited and on the drive home you can only hope you get a call back. (don't worry, everyone will get a call back if they think you have money) The next day or two you will indeed receive a call. They think your child is great! But, you will need to fork over $3000-$5000 per child for their "wonderful" acting classes to prepare" her or him for the big time". Sound familiar to anyone?

Here is what I have found out about this company and its operators.

This group has been at this for many years in several states. They change company names, leave town and close the doors when there becomes too much heat or the law is on their trail. There is now so much bad press and an investigation by the authorities that it would not surprise me if they were planning an exit strategy for "The Playground" as I write this.

Google Eric Rotman, Gary Spatz and previous company names. O'brien Rottman Studios (shut down in Dallas, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles) and Artist Promotion and Marketing. The list goes on.

The bottom line is if you have been contacted by this group do not fall for the scam. You do not need to spend thousands of dollars to get started. There are tons of great acting classes out there for a lot less money. And are just as good if not better. (our teacher was nice enough but not that good) Go online and check out "Backstage" a wonderful recourse for teens wanting to get started. Also, check out "BizParentz" a non-profit site run by parents that have kids in the business.

I hope this helpful to some one and will inform people about this compnay. I can put up with a lot in this world but, taking advantage of children is not cool, and this company has to be stopped!

Brad
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.