Is Applause Model & Talent a ripoff?

Question

I'm from Findlay, OH. I went to this talent show in Lima where I sang to try and get a shot at going to the Regionals in Cincinnati. They said, they would only call back the people they thought were good.

Guess what.....I got a call!

Bad thing is the Regional's in Cincinnati will cost ME over $800 dollers! And I have to pay it to them within 10 days!

I just want to know if you think this is a rip off or not? Are they just trying to take my money or can I actually go somewhere with this?

Answer 1

There are a lot of companies that do these "competitions" regionally and nationwide.  I can't say for sure that this company is a rip off, as I cannot find anything in just their name.  I did a search on ripoffreport.com and found nothing, although that doesn't mean they didn't go by another name at some other time.  

I would be asking specifically what the $800 is for.  Is that just an entry fee, or is that the cost of your transportation as well as photos, makeup, hair, etc?  Will winning this competition get you some type of contract or deal?  What is their "written" guarantee of all this?

If they can't give you any answers for the above, or they do not give any type of written guarantee, or it just seems wrong, then it probably is a scam.  Go with your gut instinct, especially if you can't afford to lose $800.

Answer 2

My name is Kim Myers and I serve as a National Scout; in fact I conducted the auditions in Lima, Ohio.  I encourage anyone to pursue this industry if they have the passion to do so.  Today, I received a phone call asking me to respond to this blog; only because it is important to me that everyone is given a fair opportunity to meet agents, castings and managers in a safe environment.  Cost of pursuing this business can be overwhelming and mistakes will be made.  However, our consideration of these expenses bring us to offering a "meet and greet" situation and move this opportunity to Ohio.  Traveling around the country isn't always going to be realistic for most people.  We are excited about bringing agents and castings to Ohio this year.  

I will have several of our previous participants visit this blog and share their experiences.

You must follow your heart.  Do not believe everything you read and consider your options completely when doing something.  I do not feel that we are everyone's cup of tea -but I do believe that we offer a fair, safe and productive way to get started.  You are welcome to call our office to answer questions or visit us at our website www.thearts.biz

Good luck to all of you!

Answer 3

You can go somewhere!!!!! Pay the money, who knows, you might win!!! Go for it, it might be worth the $800 if it means following your dreams. You can put it on a resume. I'm  100% positive talent scouts will be there!!! Go for it!!!!