I went to an "Open Call" at John Robert Powres in Denver Colorado. This is where they hook you and mislead you into believing that they are a Talent Agency. They use the classical hardsell with one thing in mind. To get as much of your hard earned money as they can get up front. If they fail to do so initially, they will get you to sign a contract to make payments on the remainder.
I was told many things about the school that were not true. I was told that there was a great demand for men in my age group. That I would have many opportunities every week to audition for major production companies. I was even told on my second callback from them, that they had already mentioned me to several visiting agents who were interested in meeting with me as soon as I started the classes that they offered.
I decided to only sign up for one class a at time and see how it went. I did not want to attend any classes. I was just looking for representation because I had my fill of acting courses when I attended College. This would not do, according to them. I would need to take these classes because unlike college they offered up to date industry standards. If I did not take their classes I would not be represented by them. (As if they were a talent agency like they claim) The class was at a cost of 825.00 for 10 sessions of 2 hours each. Being that I had College credit in Theatrical studies I came in with a good working knowlage of what I could expect, or rather what I should expect. I could not believe what transpired at my first class.
First off the ages of the students in the classroom ranged from 10 years old to 40. The instructor (If you want to call her that) spent more than half of the class playing disiplinarian to the immature students. On the first class we were studying Dialects. I took a Dialect class in College and it consisted of an indepth reagonal study that included professional dialect tapes. At JRP the instructor put on the movie, "BraveHeart" picked out a scene where Mel Gibson was saying something in his thick scottich accent and then had the student take turn mimicking what they heard.
People, I could go on for hour with what I know about JRP. Just let me say that Tthey wanted over 1000 dollars for professional headshots, I got them for 100 looking elsewhere.in the 4 months that I was associated with them I attended 2 auditions, only because they were the only 2 available for me to attend. Did I happen to mention that they told me I would have numerous oppertunities every week? Oh wait a minute, there were a couple of other oppertunities, but they failed to update their website with this info like they said they would. So I missed out on that too.
You need to know that I am not a disgruntled student who does not have any talent. I am NOT writing this just to get back at them. I took it upon myself to find other oppertunities outside of JRP.in the last 3 months I have worked on a movie set with a well known director who has had several projects released on a major televition network. I appear in his newest release. I also worked behing the scenes in many different aspects. I have secured emplyment working on a major televition commercial. I am currently scheduled to start shooting a movie this summer in which I have a major part. These are all things that I have done without ant envolvement whatsoever from JRP.
Knowing that most actor live by a very small means in order to get by, I cannot sit by and do nothing when an organisation like John Robert Powers trys their best to fleese them of any and all money that they may have. They are EVIL oppertunists who's only goal is to make as much money as they can at the expense of the ignorant consumer.
I wish that I could provide some kind of link that a person could use to speak with me personally before they make the same mistake that I did. There are so many more things that I have not mentioned in this report concerning JRP. Perhaps complaint.com could contact me and something can be worked out.
Daniel
Thornton, Colorado
U.S.A.
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