Auditions For John Robert Powers, Read some online complaints, I already have a vocal coach and all that

Question

I was given a flier at a fair too go to an audition, I am supposedly suppose to be Pre-screened by a director for "Top casting directors"

I've read some complaints about these auditions on-line saying that these auditions are just scams, and cheat you out of your money, and that they don't even use real talent scouts but their own actors, and just try too sell you classes to the "John Roberts Power School".

Should i go too the auditions? and what should i do if they want me to pay them money to take classes for acting or modeling when i want to farther my career in singing and am already taking privet classes?

Answer 1

First of all, you should do some research on the "John Roberts Power School."  

There is no harm in going to an audition and finding out more information, but be very careful if they start to ask for money.  

First of all, franchised agents are not allowed to take money from their clients up-front.  Period.  Union rules under SAG, AEA, and AFTRA mandate that agents only take 10 percent of their client's salary only after they have booked a job.  No legitimate agent will ever ask you for money up front, because frankly, they can't.  If they do, or even try to, they can be stripped of their ability to represent actors entirely, which is one of the reasons that unions for actors were set up in the first place.

Secondly, this person (John Roberts) is offering classes.  That is fine, people pay money for classes.  Make sure before you spend any money that you understand the following:

1.  No class will guarantee you getting, or for that matter, even seeing an agent or casting director.

2.  Classes are taken for the purpose of improving one's skill as a performer.  Carefully evaluate the class you are considering taking and decide if you truly think it will be a good learning experience; because that is all a class can really guarantee.

3.  There have been countless artists duped out of a lot of money on the promise of getting an "in" into the business.  Don't be one of those people.  Be very careful and do a lot of research.  Ask other actors.  

4.  Acting for a living wage is a difficult task.  The old adage if it were easy everybody would do it is more true in this business than any other.  Be very wary of people who promise you things, and be very wary of people who ask you for money.

5.  The one (and only one) exception are personal managers.  PM's take 15 percent of any money you make as an actor, but let me get this very clear:  THEY DO NOT ASK FOR MONEY UP FRONT.  They are not franchised, but they can be an asset.  

I guess that is all.  e-mail me if you have any questions.  [e-mail]

Answer 2

Dont do it. Continue your lessons, get an agent (without having to pay money until you get paid.) and go on real auditions in front of real casting directors.