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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.
 Comments (54) |  |
| 1. Written by AnonymousQueen, on 06-02-2010 14:29 Yes I Agree I also signed up for the John Robert Powers Agency in NewYork. It has done absoluetly anything for me. my grandma paid $1,900 for me.The whole thing was a scam i would like to have my money back but i cant. the whole thing was unbelievable and i refuse to continue in that experience. |
| 2. Written by Steven Manning, on 04-02-2010 20:41 Anon, there is only one professon where beauty will get you a free ride ... and acting/modeling isn't it. There are may beautiful people who want to get into the industry ... you see them at every audition and every casting. Its not enough. You want to have a CHANCE at success? You are going to have to work your butt off not just with auditions and "go sees" but also with classes and study ... because you can bet that your competition has!! |
| 3. Written by i am the anonymous person.., on 04-02-2010 18:08 if anyone knows or has any suggestions on how i shoul start my career please suggest it to me at my e-mail i can tell you i don't need any make up or touch ups.. it's all natural baby. |
| 4. Written by anonymous, on 04-02-2010 18:05 yes it's true.. if your beautiful no one will ask for money atleast they shouldn't. i was asked for money by JRP but then they offered me a scholarship. many people who have seen me says i should be on tv with a face like mine.. so i tried JRP, but then a lady who saw me told me thats not the way to go. she said if your beautiful you just need someone to see you and work with you. she is now working with me as i speak... |
| 5. Written by msChandre', on 29-01-2010 00:06 Just pray and wait prior to accepting any contract. Be smart and research--that's what the internet is for...SML... thank God! |
| 6. Written by msChandre, on 29-01-2010 00:00 I worked for JRP and I must say...Wow, sorry if they scammed you, but that isn't always the case (if ever). At the JRP that I worked at in California... we shared with the youth and their parents that we were the training facility to teach children the skills to attend an audition. JRP that I worked at never promised fame--while I was at work. They promised improved skills like...doing the catwalk, poise, speaking, interviewing, singing, makeup, etc.... The problem is that many people HEAR only the words they want to hear and leave out the words such as work, persistence, luck, opportunity, etc... Don't give up on JRP there are some legit locations for sure because I worked at one. Now.... the money aspect....that wasn't my avenue. Sorry, I can't comment on that in any way but in regards to my children... they got what I paid for. I didn't need to have a balance repaid though. Hopefully, you will be heard and get a refund of your funds. |
| 7. Written by msChandre, on 29-01-2010 00:00 I worked for JRP and I must say...Wow, sorry if they scammed you, but that isn't always the case (if ever). At the JRP that I worked at in California... we shared with the youth and their parents that we were the training facility to teach children the skills to attend an audition. JRP that I worked at never promised fame--while I was at work. They promised improved skills like...doing the catwalk, poise, speaking, interviewing, singing, makeup, etc.... The problem is that many people HEAR only the words they want to hear and leave out the words such as work, persistence, luck, opportunity, etc... Don't give up on JRP there are some legit locations for sure because I worked at one. Now.... the money aspect....that wasn't my avenue. Sorry, I can't comment on that in any way but in regards to my children... they got what I paid for. I didn't need to have a balance repaid though. Hopefully, you will be heard and get a refund of your funds. |
| 8. Written by JRP Houston is great, on 26-01-2010 18:36 I love the JRP in Houston! Its soooo much fun =) |
| 9. Written by JRP in Houston rules!, on 26-01-2010 18:32 I love JRP Houston! I did a commercial for Best Buy already. The classes are great, and if you work hard you can get real acting jobs. I am so excited! If you are in Houston, def go to JRP!  |
| 10. Written by megan, on 16-12-2009 19:44 Alrightso people that have written on this should not be saying all of this bs. Okay they scammed you, that does not mean that every jrp agency is a scam. You should have been a littttle bit smarter instead of just randomly giving them money because they said your little kid TALENTED.some of these jrp agencies are legit, and those small little ones you went to were not. Not every person that goes to jrp isn't gonna become the next miley cyrus. But you have a chance to, and they get you auditions. Some places are real and some are. If you actually do your research before writing all of this, you would figure out that all of the people they said they found are real!!! Like brenda song. Go on youtube and search jrp. You will find real stufff. I'm sorry you were scammed. Its just like men, just because one guy breaks your heart doesn't mean every single one is going to!!!! |
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