Perspectives: On Acting Scams Series

One of the toughest parts of working as an acting teacher/coach here in PA is dealing with families and actors who have been affected by some of the many acting/modeling/talent scams that come through our area each year. About three weeks ago, I was walking through my local mall with my wife and we happened to come across a big set up in the main section of the mall. It had tvs, loud music and a mini runway. Two people were on the mic talking about how their program will make them famous and allow them to meet talent agents, etc. I wish that I could say that there were not a lot of people there, but I can't. I knew that those families weren't possibly getting the whole truth. I know that they were being strung out before they were asked to pay thousands of dollars for success. I walked by somewhat angry. I was angry because I don't like liars. I was angry because I don't like half-truths. I was angry because as an owner of a small acting studio, this is exactly the type of entity that hurts my business. I've worked with several families that have been burned by these talent seminars to the point of them not wanting to have anything to do with acting. I also have learned that there is so much misinformation and lack of knowledge about these "scams." 

So I set out to do something about it.  First, I interviewed top casting directors and instructors (Marci Liroff, Jason Teresi and Jenna Pass) with some questions about acting scams.  Jason Teresi's perspective will be posted later this week.  Jason is the Director of Regional Services for Breakdown and will be leading the upcoming "Secrets of Casting Seminar" in York, PA.  

With the second entry, Marci Liroff and I will discuss the big-market vs. small market perspective in regards to acting scams.  I am very excited for this series as I believe that we need to make a strong push to inform people about the realities and dangers of the acting business.  

Finally, if you remember a few weeks back, I connected with Actors Access for my blog on online casting, we spoke about setting up one of their informative seminars in my area to help let people know some of the ins and outs of casting and the acting business. 

I am happy to announce that York, PA will host the first Actors Access seminar on Wednesday, September 9th from 4:00pm-6:30pm AND 7:00pm-9:30pm.  This event will be FREE of charge to the public.  We hope to use this seminar to help inform this community about the truths about the acting business while empowering actors and families to navigate the often tumultuous world of acting.  More information is found below:  

Session #1 Registration

Session #2 Registration

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this Perspectives: On Acting Scams series.  Stay tuned for Jason Teresi's perspective #1.