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.
1. Written by nathaly cisneros, on 15-03-2009 14:35
wow! i just read all these comments on JRP and not even an hour ago i got a call back from yesterdaes audition. it seems very weird that they would ask for money just like that the next day...idk is it a scandal..? i would hate it if my parents would get scamed like that with so much money. thanx 4 da warnings!
3. Written by mother of 7 year old, on 30-10-2008 10:48
Well here in Indianapolis my little girl had been called to come a do a audition for JRP. How i see it if they really want to work with some one then we should not have to pay for classes they should offer them for free since they are calling us. I don't know how they got her name or my number. So i feel like if it is for real then we should only have to take them were they need to go and not have to spend any money. The people that are calling us make *** of money off people that hey get into movies dancing or etc. Right or Wrong. Plus i don't want to put her thought a lot and nothing happens. I don't want to see her hurt
4. Written by mother of 7 year old, on 30-10-2008 10:47
Well here in Indianapolis my little girl had been called to come a do a audition for JRP. How i see it if they really want to work with some one then we should not have to pay for classes they should offer them for free since they are calling us. I don't know how they got her name or my number. So i feel like if it is for real then we should only have to take them were they need to go and not have to spend any money. The people that are calling us make *** of money off people that hey get into movies dancing or etc. Right or Wrong. Plus i don't want to put her thought a lot and nothing happens. I don't want to see her hurt
5. Written by JRP MINNEAPOLIS, on 02-10-2008 14:52
They are not all the same. We run a very up front Academy. We do tell people in the open audition that we are a development center that will help them get the coaching and tools necessary to succeed in the competitive market if they are not agency management ready.
Do they have monologues and commercials prepared? Have they done any work in the business, Commercials, Print Work??? Do they have a headshot or comp cards???
If the answer is no then they need coaching and guidance to get into this business. It is very competitive business….
This is like any other job would you expect to be a doctor without going to school?? or a lawyer??? Most kids cant just pick up a guitar and play, they need lessons. This is no different thay need acting lessons. Kids came make alot of $$$ in this business but that is the wrong reason to get in to this. This should be something that the kids want to do and is a passion or they will not succeed. You need to look up your specific JRP and then even then it may not be all the truth.
Mpls had a not so good rep before the NEW owner came in July 2007. Now it is GREAT and the kids here get alot of work and are very happy. You can check out our my space page and see the kids and their comments. johnrobertpowersmpls
Our kids work with one of the local agents and are getting work from clients that include
6. Written by Former Employee, on 30-09-2008 16:05
I am urging all the parents to BEWARE! I worked the company, and I am telling you flat-out... IT IS A SCAM.
Be very suspicious of people defending JRP on this site because most of them are employees attempting to save the dying reputation of the school.
All of you parents are here for a reason, you want to know honestly if this company is for real. All I have to say is, look at the feedback they have received. They have swindled hard-working parents out of cash by guilting them into it for their "child's best interest."
I learned the hard way. SAVE THAT MONEY FOR YOUR KIDS COLLEGE! Don't let these scammers get your money, because if you do.... then I have a diamond-mine in the Congo, and I would love to share the money with you if you just give me your bank info.
Does this affect the life time students from 8 years ago? Can we be part of the lawsuit? I was told I could always go to any JRP with out paying anything additional...I did use the Pasadina and Reno classes a few times through out the year, however I would end up helping teach the classes so I went less and less...They were not really into sending the older students out for auditions.
I have boldly signed up for JRP in DC despite all of the warnings not to. If I don't go anywhere I'm okay with it, but my Dad was kind enough to pay $5900 for me to attend for one year. I don't want him to be disappointed or in despair. I have my first casting tomorrow [I haven't had any classes] and I don't have a good headshot. I don't know what to do but I pray that this doesn't fold through. I am truly sorry for all of you that have suffered because of such a weak company. I hope that all ends well for the right people.
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 ?
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