Complaint Review: John Robert Powers - Colorado Springs Colorado

My son has been going to JRP for awhile now, and we have had absolutely nothing but positive experiences with the company in Colorado Springs. I know various JRP locations around the U.S. have "scam" problems with promising stardom, etc., but that has not been our experience with JRP in CS. Right from the begining, we were well aware of that attending JRP is for learning and experience, not a promise to be a star. Nor is that what we are after with our child. Our child attends classes there simply because acting is what he is interested in. I'm sorry to hear about you not receiving your photoshoot. You state in your report that you started w/them 4 years ago, however you also say that you put your name on the list for photos just 4 months ago and have not heard from them. I'm not sure if that was a typo, but possibly you waited too many years?? JRP in CS has never promised my son fame or fortune, but has instead shown him how to take the steps to get where he wants to be w/his interest, while providing excellent doors for him along the way. Thank you JRP!

Linda, sorry for your negative experience. We have owned the JRP now for only three years, but will do all we can to make sure you get satification. Are you still coming for the auditions, which are offered for a lifetime? Let us know if we can help. John

The fact that you honestly think that you don't need 20 weeks of training to be an actor both frightens me and amuses me. If, in your right mind, you think anyone can just go out, audition and be famous, without any prior actor training, you are fooling only yourself. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many other individuals both living and dead, it takes years and years to study your craft to even be considered a legitimate actor. How dare you mock the profession of acting! This is a life where, you are always out of work, always auditioning (maybe up to 20 times a day), constantly networking with other actors, agents, directors, set designers, etc... This is not the life of one who thinks everything is going to be handed to them. You are spoiled in thinking that this glamourous lifestyle is going to be brought to your door after taking 20 weeks of training. I have spent over ten years honing my craft and every new day is a learning experience. Acting takes dedication CONSTANT dedication. One day a week at JRP is not enough. 4 hours a day is not enough. If your child doesnt want to work, then your child will get no where in this business. The professional world of acting does not come to you (although you DO get the chance to meet with several people in the business as a client here). As an instructor, I do not get to interact with the casting directors here as a conflict of interest. I would kill to get an audition with them, and these students are handed this opportunity. You need to learn about this lifestyle of professional entertainment before you start bashing the people that are in it. They know more than you do about how the entertainment industry works, and unfortunately, it takes your trust. I am truly sorry that you've had a bad experience with JRP. I know you are not the only one! All I can say is if you truly want your child to be a success in this industry, you get yourself the know-how by doing your research. Acting is not a hobby. It is a life. If its not in your blood, then I suggest looking for other activities to get involved in.

First you ask: Why would anyone want to research your crappy company? I answer: Because before you sign ANY contract, you need to know who you're dealing with. When I was looking for representation myself for an AGENT, I did my research. I wanted to know specific things so I wasn't wasting my time. I know you want the best for your children, and God Bless you for that. But if I was getting involved with anything that involved payment, I would hold off until I've read through the details. Say for instance, you want your child to attend Summer Camp, and it costs $5,000, wouldn't you want to know what activities are going on at this camp? Wouldn't you want to know who the counselors are? Wouldn't you like to know more about the history of the place and its reputation before you go signing an agreement with them? I believe you asked if I was a professional actor as well.. My answer: Yes, I am. I've been acting professionally for over ten years. I have both a bachelors degree and a Master's Degree in Acting. I've peformed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington Shakespeare Company (for several productions), Tecumseh outdoor Drama, and many film and commercial credits as well. I am NOT a movie star. I am an actor. I love teaching these children. They all have promise, and they all have a talent for the craft in some degree. Many of my students have gone on to perform in professional work. Many HAVE NOT! Thats the nature of the business. I understand that you are angry, but its because you don't know how tricky this business can be. The great thing about JRP is you're getting the training thats necessary for professional work, and you're getting the opportunity to be seen by casting directors, talent agents, and managers. And yes, they are all reputable agents. Like I said before, do your research on these people. We do NOT scam anyone. As per your photo shoot, as I said, each JRP is different. We do not include a headhot fee in our tuition. We do provide a photographer, but he is paid by the client with his own fee. We charge tuition costs, period. If you wish to attend I-POP, thats an additional fee not regulated by JRP, but by I-POP itself. I said before that I am proud to teach here, and Im proud of each and every one of my students for having the determination to TRY. I explain to ALL MY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES that WE do not make movie stars. We prepare these students for the professional world of acting/modeling. BECOMING A MOVIE STAR IS NEVER A GURANTEE AND SHOULD NEVER BE THE REASON TO GET INTO THIS BUSINESS IN THE FIRST PLACE. If you love acting and want to make a career of it, there is a lot to learn. Marketing yourself is one thing. You have to know yourself and what you want. Do you want to join the union? If so, which one? There are pro's and con's to joining the unions. You have to know how to work with contracts, how to build and design a resume, coverletter, and appropriate headshot, you have to know agent protocol, you have to learn acting techniques : Stanislavski, Meisner, Adler, Restoration, Brechtian, Kabuki, Noh, Suzuki, learn the Alexander technique, the Chubbuck technique, etc..... Acting is both a business and an art. It takes both sides of the brain, and therefore as actors, we must be vigilant on all our actions, and the actions of those around us. If you're out to make a quick buck, try Keno.

Nick, honestly...why do you want people to do research on your crappy company? Do you want people to know that you're a buncha scammers who give peoples' hopes up and take their money? Tell me, Nick: are you a professional actor? Do you have the right to be teaching these kids about acting? Answer me this, Nick: why haven't I receieved my photo shoot, even though it was stated in the contract that you're so passionate about? Why haven't other people recieved their photo shoots? How do you respond, Nick, when the truth is that you don't even need 20 weeks of lame-a*s training to become a model or actor? And I'll end by saying this, Nick: I hope you're getting paid a ton to "stand up" for John Robert Powers.

Well, JRP is a franchise, so all jrp locations act differently. One thing that MUST be addressed is that JRP is NOT AN AGENCY!!! JRP is an acting and modeling academy where students learn the craft of acting and modeling. You should never pay an agent (unless they are taking their 20 or so percent of your earnings from a job they booked). JRP accepts your tuition fees, period. You do need training for the professional world of acting. NO ONE just gets famous overnight. As a parent dropping a large amount of money for their childs education, you should be smart enough to research before you SIGN ANYTHING! If you sign a contract with JRP, you better READ IT FIRST! I am proud of teaching my students, and yes, not all get professional work. Do not blame the instructors for not getting "famous". This profession takes time, dedication, and amazing talent to get anywhere. If it were that easy to get high paid work, we'd all be actors! I just ask that you think, and do your research before you sign any contracts with ANYONE! And remember that only YOU will make yourself famous, no one else.

Word to the wise from someone with a kid in the acting business! Regardless of what type of agency (modeling, acting, print)>>>>NEVER pay them money; that is what should sound an alarm that this is a scam! A true agent ONLY makes money once they get you or your kid a gig. Too much to go in to detail here but don't pay! JRP is one of the most common stories we hear about. Classes cost money and it takes time (as in years) to make it.