Frequently Asked Questions
A: John Robert Powers was an actor in New York City in the early 1900's. One day he overheard an associate say he needed a group of attractive people to pose for magazine advertisements. That's when Mr. Powers' exceptional entrepreneurial skills took over: he rounded up acting friends and trained them for the advertisements. From that informal beginning, Powers went on to found the nation's first modeling agency in 1923, and the modern modeling industry was born.
Q: Is John Robert Powers Chicago/New York an Agency?
A: No, John Robert Powers Chicago is the premier Performing Arts Academy in Chicago. Our clients are auditioned by top agents, managers, and casting directors, industry professionals who visit John Robert Powers Chicago/New York, from New York, from Los Angeles, Miami, Europe, Japan, New York and the Chicago market.
Q: Why Do Agents and Industry Professionals come to John Robert Powers Chicago/New York?
When visiting John Robert Powers Chicago/New York, the reason is two-fold:
- Audition John Robert Powers Chicago/New York clients:
Agents, managers, and casting directors, audition current John Robert Powers Chicago/New York clients for their new and upcoming projects. They know that John Robert Powers Chicago/New York produces work ready clients so when they are looking to add to their client roster or booking their next project, they will not be wasting their time auditioning hopefuls that do not have a skill set. - Open calls:
The Industry Professionals help John Robert Powers Chicago/New York with open call auditions. These are open to the public, both beginners and professionals can audition.
- a) Beginners that are being screened, will have the amazing opportunity to audition in front of a Talent Director at John Robert Powers Chicago/New York and the Industry Professional. Along with the JRP Board of Directors, the Industry Professional will be helping select the beginners with the most potential for success in acting, modeling, singing, and dancing. Those beginners selected will be offered the opportunity to become a client of John Robert Powers Chicago/New York.
- b) Professionals who audition at the open call, or those who are work ready, will be seriously considered for the industry professionals upcoming projects.
Q: Are you a school?
A: Yes, and we are extremely proud of our record. For over eighty years, we've helped our clients earn and maintain a competitive edge over their rivals in the entertainment industry. Famous Hollywood stars still work with acting coaches because the best-prepared candidates are the most successful. Our clients include stars like John Robert Powers graduates: Faith Ford, Raquel Welch, Josh Duhamel and Brenda Song.
Q: Does training make a difference?
A: All the difference in the world. The entertainment industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, and agents and directors need faces and talent now. These busy professionals vastly prefer a well-prepared candidate to one who lacks polish, experience, or training.
Q: Do you only work with models?
A: No. The fact is that over eighty percent of John Robert Powers Chicago/New York clients are actors, but we also work with models, singers and dancers, anyone who is a part of or preparing to enter the entertainment industry. High fashion modeling has strict physical requirements - 5'8" and above for women, 5'11' and above for men, and many otherwise talented individuals cannot qualify. There are commercial print jobs, however you should be well rounded and have acting skills to be competitive to enter the commercial market.
Q: Will this interfere with school?
A: No. We believe that a solid academic foundation should be a young persons first priority. John Robert Powers Chicago/New York policy is to work only with those who strive for academic excellence.
Q: What time commitment is expected if John Robert Powers Chicago/New York agrees to work with me?
A: Clients commit four to six hours, once a week or twice a month, either on a weeknight or a weekend. Auditions with agents, casting directors, or other industry professionals at John Robert Powers Chicago/New York can occur, once or twice a month, usually on a weekend.
Q: Does John Robert Powers Chicago/New York accept everyone?
A: No. We are looking for people with a high level of interest, dependability and potential for success in the industry. When our clients meet top industry professionals their conduct is a direct reflection of our training. Our relationships with the best agencies and casting directors are excellent, because we are known for presenting only the most talented, enthusiastic, and professional candidates.
Q: Does it cost anything to attend John Robert Powers Chicago/New York? I have heard that if you want to be a model, agencies will pay everything for you to start. Is this true?
A: John Robert Powers Chicago/New York is not an agency; we are a Performing Arts Academy. There is no charge for the initial audition/screening. This is a way for you to have all of your questions answered and see if you have potential to pursue the entertainment industry at a professional level with John Robert Powers Chicago/New York. The initial audition/screening will only be an investment of your time.
If you are selected, there are fees associated for our services. The fees will depend on what areas of the industry you have potential for success. We have many different workshops and there are different fees for different workshops.
In any career, training and marketing are an up-front investment of time and money. The most successful models and talent will tell you that the learning process never ends. In today's fast paced environment, very few agencies in the world will front costs necessary to begin a models career. There are "discoveries," but like lottery winners, they are rare. All professionals have to work for their success. At John Robert Powers Chicago/New York, we give you the training, guidance and confidence to help you attain your goals in the entertainment industry and in LIFE.