About a year ago, I signed up my 12 yr old daughter for supplemental acting classes at JRP after she landed the lead in a community theater production. We chose JRP because they had a curriculum that was geared for performing in the arts (singing, dancing, improv, acting, etc.) Since they offered more than our community was offering at that time, we chose a 60 week program which cost about $2800, and consisted of five 12 week sessions in a variety of classes. Within a week, there were auditions with a noted Hollywood agent. It was suggested that she audition so that she could get exposure, and learn how to handle rejection, since it is such a competitive business. As 'luck' would have it, she was signed with the agent. I was a bit skeptical because what are the chances of landing an agent right away? She barely had any training, and she was not aspiring to be a star! We paid a few hundred dollars for some head shots, which were absolutely beautiful. Way better than any standard school pics. As of yet she hasn't been sent out on a single audition and it's been 6 months.
On the other side of the coin is my son. He crashed a couple of his sister's classes to kill a little time. The acting teacher gave him a few words of encouragement, so he decided to give it a try. He was signed up for one 12 week acting class at a 'reduced' cost of $1,000 (family discount?)with liberal attendance to other classes as well. Within a couple of days he was signed with the same agent, and has been going to Hollywood almost weekly on numerous auditions for Disney pilots, movies, national commercials, and the list goes on. With him, it is just a matter of time. He is getting exposure with casting agents, producers and others in the business. He was recently at IMTA LA and landed a $10,000 scholarship to the NY Film Academy, and was also accepted into the NY Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. He received call backs with other agents, but chose not to jump ship because his agent was doing his part of the job by getting him out there.
What I can say about JRP is that they don't make any promises. When it comes to raw talent, either it is there or it isn't, and no amount of 'school' is going to change it. That is the sad thing. JRP absolutely DOES NOT promise stardom. Yet every weekend I see lines of people waiting to 'audition' to get into the school. Most of the time it is the eager parents pimping their kids, and the kids don't have a clue as to what is going on.
A piece of advice: do the math and decide if the price is right for you. I considered the cost of assorted weekend workshops, voice and dance classes, availability, and so on and it was actually a wash. Face it, there will be charges incurred in any extracurricular activities you or your children engage in. We weren't seeking fame or fortune, just activities to keep the kids busy and directed in a positive way. Some people find it in Boy Scouts, little league and soccer. Those, by the way can also run up some hefty charges, when uniforms, equipment, and traveling are considered.
Now for the kicker: Our JRP suddenly closed its doors because they were 'restructuring' their schedule. That was about a month ago, and my daughter still has 18 classes to go on her contract, owing us $972. My son's deal has been fulfilled. It's a good thing we didn't sign up for the lifetime program or any long term contracts. A year was long enough. But as I said, this was just something to keep her busy and to give her added confidence in her community theater venue.
Will we get it back? Questionable. The owner lives 500 miles away. Sure we can travel to another school to fulfill the remainder of our contract but that isn't very practical. I'll keep you posted.
so i have a audition for JRP tommorow...and the email said it was at 11 ..today they call me back and say that its now changed for 9:30 a.m...and i call back a few mins later to ask about a few other questions, and the guy says that the agents got bussy ,and cant make it ,so its now rescheduled for next saterday...would anyone happend to go thruw the same thing ? or any comments about it ?
My daughter was signed with JRP in May 2008. We are out of Portland Oregon. So far we have been very fortuniate. Our Director Micheal has been so wonderful.I could not afford to get the money up right away for my daughter,but he has allowed her to participate in the classes anyway. She even had a showcase just yesterday. Next weekend we have a talent scout comming from L.A. and even though we have not payed her touition she is still getting to audition. I feel very lucky to be at JRP here, but I will be more cautious and carefull after reading the complaints. I hope everyone can have there situations taken care of.
4. Written by Dustin Grilli-13 Years Old, on 05-06-2008 01:30
Well, I just got a call from JRP today, it is June 4th 2008. I don't know how old this article is so I just decided to add that. The JRP they want me to visit is in Illinois, where I live. I cannot make the casting call which is this sunday, and they told me "I would be on the top of their list" I'm not sure what to think. I have gotten the opporotunity from a career day at school, a person that goes mother works their. So we wrote stuff on a card and they called. I will go to the next audition I am offered and I will tell you all what happens.
I got a call from there so i went in. They told me i need to change my hair and everything. Then after all the they gave me this booklet a with prices for classes and said i need to take some. The cheapest class was was 5,500 dollar for 12 weeks. But the worst part was they told everything the exact same thing as they told me. THey were like to pretty much everyone you need to change you hair & they had their natural color, and take our classes. its like okay are you actually hair to tell us the truth or lie to us to get our money?
JRP is in Santa Maria CA, offereing the classes and making it sound like they can make you successful. They are charging $2000. I am afraid that they are going to close and run like they did in other places. This city is small compared to Vegas. Y would they want to make things right here?
Well that *** about the reno location. i hope everything works out. I know the Vegas school is still open. Call em and see if they can honor the classes that you didn't get. It isn't owned by Kim Flowers.
Well, some water has gone under the bridge and I am here to update on the Reno JRP situation. As it stands, Nevada Casting IS NOT honoring the outstanding contracts that Kim Flowers had claimed they would. She hurt and ripped off a lot of people. What equally bothers me is that she hurt the people who were working at the facility. I have learned that she was not paying the 941 income tax deductions on their paychecks, and that their paychecks were bouncing like tennis balls!
Those who were roped into long term contracts back in Nov/Dec should be seeking counsel. If I am not mistaken, many are gathering to file a class action lawsuit. The atty retained is Jeff Ohlson 555 Center St. Reno NV.
The biggest suggestion I can offer is for those of you who still have unfulfilled classes hanging out there, contact your teachers! I have, and the remaining stuff on my daughter's contract will be fulfilled privately. I am saddened at what has transpired, and I am concerned about what this has done to the reputations of the teachers. It needs to be understood that they too were ripped off.
Again, those of you who were engaged in long term deals, and those who just signed on, file a report with the BBB, the Nevada Atty General, the Reno District Atty, the Las Vegas District Atty, call and harass Kim Flowers Talent Development Agency, write to the Las Vegas Review Journal and get the word out there on Ms. Flowers' home turf that she is a fraud. Call the Vegas chamber of commerce and let them know. Ironically, she was recently honored as businesswoman of the year. Bad Karma is a ***. It is time to let the karma fall where it will.
Good Luck to you all ~ I'll be checking in and cheering everyone on.
I just got in today but they want me to pay $770 just to start my class. I can't start until I pay. I don't know what to do,Be cause you should have to pay for stuff like this nothing free. I just don't think it should be that much. what should I do.
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so i have a audition for JRP tommorow...and the email said it was at 11 ..today they call me back and say that its now changed for 9:30 a.m...and i call back a few mins later to ask about a few other questions, and the guy says that the agents got bussy ,and cant make it ,so its now rescheduled for next saterday...would anyone happend to go thruw the same thing ? or any comments about it ?