Are modeling schools/talent development classes (like Barbizon) worth the expense for someone just starting in

Question

modeling or acting? (teen or young adult.)

Answer 1

absolutely NOT. If you are going to be represented by an agency of any kind, there should be no payment or fees (monthly or startup). A legit agency's initial job is to bring YOU work and then make a profit of your earnings. Im a dancer/model and I was recently in the same situation. I ended up paying about $500 just for initial startups for a talent group... REDICULOUS. But, it happens to a lot of us. My advice, do your reaserch, ask TONS of questions and DONT be afraid to ask about money right away! Good luck, and DONT GIVE UP!  

Answer 2

No. Modeling schools are not worth it. Modeling schools are meant to make a person call themselves a model and it is more of a confidence building school than a real benefit to your modeling career.  It would be best to learn how to be comfortable infront of  the camera and to have some insight into what a model is before you want to be one. Modeling is actually alot of work, it is a very competitive business, and if you don't already have confidence it can be a bad choice of hobby, or pursuit, or profession. It isn't worth paying to learn about what being a model is. Just look in magazines like Glamour, Marie Claire, watch commercials, learn about what it means to be a model by noticing how they pose, and that modeling involves selling a product with your look.  I would spend the money on photos with a quality photographer, before you pay to learn how to pose and balance a book on your head at some modeling school that scams people out of thinking they will be models just by finishing a course- that is just not true. Working as a model takes energy, persistance, research and it is a job of huge ambition and work. Being a model these days isn't about just walking into an agency and having everything handed to you, being a model can mean also making yourself one, like in an profession, you have to really have the will to strive. A school will just teach you confidence building elements, but you shouldn't model unless you are already confident.