Audition Safety

BEWARE! There are many unscrupulous companies trying to take advantage of actors. Don’t believe it if it’s...too good to be true. For those struggling to get a break, the chance to be seen by casting agents, to work with directors, to be spotted by managers and agents is everything.

There are certainly many legit companies that offer a chance to meet and read for casting agents and directors in a classroom setting; but be aware that if any fee is charged for these sessions, your participation may be in violation of SAG Rule 11 or California Labor Laws.

Other ways to stay safe during an audition or casting call:

- Take a friend along to auditions
- Never disrobe at an audition
- Never try out at a private residence

If you have any questions regarding the legitimacy of workshops or auditions, contact your local SAG branch at 323.549.6809

Comments

Is Dwight Agnor a scam or not?

Hey Tyra, I just turned 18 and I am trying everywhere asking anyone for work to be a Model or an Actress as I think I am to short to be a model!

Anyway a man wrote to me, he wants me to be in a fashion show in New York. I am from Scotland!

I said my Dad would have to come with me.

The company said they'd pay for my flights & my accomodation, food etc, but I'd need to pay $650 first, I'm not sure if I'd get this money back, the man doesnt sound american to me, and he gave me a Model Website, but I think its fake, I dont really get it.

It sounds fantastic...to good to be true?
How do you tell?

Hi Tyra this is latoya and I just want to say that I think you're great!You are someone that I think is down to earth and real with everything you say and do,and I really respect you for that so Thank You.I also wanted to ask you, Why don't you ever have a show about little boy model's?I ask because my son is in to modeling and he's only three years old.So if you ever do I can be reached at skyboyno8405@yahoo.com

Hi Tyra this is latoya and I just want to say that I think you're great!You are someone that I think is down to earth and real with everything you say and do,and I really respect you for that so Thank You.I also wanted to ask you, Why don't you ever have a show about little boy model's?I ask because my son is in to modeling and he's only three years old.So if you ever do I can be reached at skyboyno8405@yahoo.com

Hello tyra,

I was looking into doing some print work but i was a little weary with the agency because they do a screening process by web cam and they do ask u to disrobe, but not completely, is this normal, have you ever heard of anything like this?

hi tyra.
its marissa again. another question. as i told you before i am 14 and i am an inspiring teen model in chicago, and i havent made it into the industry yet. once again my parents dont want to pay an arm an a leg for photo shoots and other things model agencies try to corner them into.and they dont want a rip-off or unsafe agency. so my question is. how should i get a reputable source to get into the industry that is safe and not so costly.

thank you mike for the advice before.

i will keep trying.

thanks so much for your time,
marissa

Marissa you can Model without being in a Model Agency! It is a Myth that you somehow need to be with an agency, a Myth brought about by the very agencies that want to take your money lol!
I have known many to Model just by Self Promoting themselves and good networking with others, the key thing however is that you really need to be supported and guided by a Parent who can over-see your progression to do so. At the end of the day Marissa you need that Parent consent to continue with any such modeling Aims, at least until you are of such an age where you can persue your own directions in life.
I hope that made some sort of sense Marissa!
Good luck all that you do from
MIKE in UK!
http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showuser=92150

hi tyra,

I am 14 years old, I am an inspiring model. I have wanted to be in the model agency for my whole life. I have looked up many model agencies, auditions, and other chances for my career to start. Although when i checked to see if any of these oppertunities are legit, i find a lot of complaints about ripoffs. they all claim to be free of charge, yet they all end up convincing you that you need to pay and pay. my parents wont approve. i tell them this is my dream and my future, they wont budge to go to any interviews, becuse they are scared they will be cornered into paying an arm and a leg. please help me. i would like to find just one agency that is legit, afforable, and worth it ( no fake call backs) - i am not sure this even exsists.

thank you for your time.

i am a huge fan of america's next top model, and the tyra banks show.

thank you again,
marissa

Hi Tyra,
I am 14, almost 15 and I want to model so bad. This has been a life long dream of mine. There is only one problem, my parents don't approve. Im also a singer and can act. Im not sure how to get started. What should I do?

I have become aware of a company called gonnabe com who have questionable tactics in signing up youngsters using hard sell techniques to corner Parents into parting with large amounts of cash!

Another organisation that should be avoided is that of:
fabulousflashcast com
'PLEASE AVOID THEM'

I understand that they still operate despite many many bad write-ups, unhappy parents and ripoof reports! They seem to be another who prey on the Aspirations of Youngsters and attempt to get as much money from parents in doing so!

There are many opportunities out there for youngsters without the need to line the pockets of such money grabbing operators! So stay safe!

Best Wishes from
MIKE at:
http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showuser=92150

Oh My God!! Tyra I have wonted to model all my life now if it dont work with you i will keep trying and trying.I am a 14 year old girl who love to model I think im jus right for it matter of fact my mother always told me to believe in myself.So that's what I will do so I know im good enough and I have what it takes so all im asking is if you can anything with me.Love always....Thank you Tyra

Oh and thanx for that Morgan! I'm sure all here appreciate being notified of him! I have a few forums that I run regarding these subjects, one particularly on child safety and scams etc at this link:
http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=110329
It may be useful to those looking in!

Best wishes
MIKE

This is Mike in the UK!

Well it seems that this DWIGHT AGNOR is quite a scammer! His name appears throughout the Ripoff reports and dates back several years! He has changed company names and locations but still appears to be operating! The only good links and references appear to be from his own sites! So you are right to question it here and yes people need to know of these things!

I hate people who prey on the aspirations of young aspiring talents, so anyone looking in here i would suggest googling his name and seeing all the responses!

Keep Safe and don't be fooled! If someone suggests you are a good talent yet wants you to outlay money, it's a good chance they are fake and just want your money!

Best Wishes from
MIKE
http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showuser=92150

you've gotten quite a few comments about this, so i think it would be helpful if you posted something on this website to clear it up. but i also had been asked by DWIGHT AGNOR to attend the model expo event in chicago. he also asked me to sign a mother agency agreement. i really want to know, and so do many others, how ligit this man is. Or if through him, you can actually start a successful career in fashion modeling.
thank you!

hi tyra!

I was approached by someone named elvira howk as well. She claims to be from moscow. I'm supposed to do an audition with her via webcam.


However after reading a post above by another user regarding her bad experience with elvira howk, I'm having my reservations.


I wonder if anyone else have been approached by her.

TYRA,

HEY TYRA THIS IS AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL BETTER KNOWN AS VERONICA...I'M 15 RIGHT NOW BUT NOTHINGS GOING TO STOP ME FROM FOLLOWING MY DREAM! MODELING IS MY ALL BETTER YET MY LIFE! I WANT TO BECOME A GREAT SUCCESS AND I'M PRETTY SURE OTHERS WANT TO ALSO! I HOPE THE SHOW IS STILL AROUND WHEN I TURN 18 BECAUSE I'M GOING TO AUDITION UNTIL MY FEET FALL OFF AND THATS MORE THEN A PROMISE! I'VE BEEN THROUGH A SITUATION WHERE I STARTED IN SMILES AND ENDED IN TEARS! I WAS RIPPED OFF BY MODELSEARCHNYC AND ITS BEEN VERY HARD FOR ME TO TRUST ANOTHER MODELING COMPANY EVER SINCE! I HOPE YOU WRITE ME BACK BECAUSE I NEED SOME ADVICE AND IF YOU DONT I LOVE YOU ANYWAYS..SEE YOU WHEN I TURN 18 LOVE YOU TYRA!

Hey Tyra,
My name is Sunshine and I have an One of a kind modeling group because we all have a spinal cord injury. Before my injury I was modeling and in my heart I had to keep my dream Alive. My goal is to get modeling work to help fund my mission.

Sunshine Models On Wheels

We are a modeling group who wheel in style with a smile down the runway. Modeling is our way to raise funds for our organization call
Sunshine Project H.E.L.P
{Healing. Educating. Loving. People}. We are dedicated to ensuring people who have a spinal cord injury get the proper information, support, care, training, love, medical supplies, and proper equipment to better our health.
“Style is Always with Us Walking on One Wheels There’s No Stopping Us!” by Sunshine
Please call us visit us at www.sunshineprojectHELP.com

Hey Tyra,
My name is Sunshine and I have an One of a kind modeling group because we all have a spinal cord injury. Before my injury I was modeling and in my heart I had to keep my dream Alive. My goal is to get modeling work to help fund my mission.

Sunshine Models On Wheels

We are a modeling group who wheel in style with a smile down the runway. Modeling is our way to raise funds for our organization call
Sunshine Project H.E.L.P
{Healing. Educating. Loving. People}. We are dedicated to ensuring people who have a spinal cord injury get the proper information, support, care, training, love, medical supplies, and proper equipment to better our health.
“Style is Always with Us Walking on One Wheels There’s No Stopping Us!” by Sunshine
Please call us at
(443) 278-3868 or visit us at www.sunshineprojectHELP.com

Is John Casablanca a right way to start. Or is it a waste of money??

Heyy Tyra!

My names Sara and I'm 16. I'm really intrested in modeling but it seems like everywhere I go, itSz a scam...where can i find a good agency?((for print mOdeling))

ThaNK U!
-SaRa♥

I was just today contacted by Chris Bently, who was mentioned in a few other girls' posts. The message seemed fishy so I went looking. Thanks for helping create awareness and working to keep people safe!

Hey Tyra,

My name is Colleen LeGoff and I am currently 17 years old and a senior in high school. I am going to be attending Towson University in the fall and I am very excited to get a degree but what I really want to do is Act. I have always been interested in acting and I have no idea on how to get started and who to trust! I know that I can trust you that is why I am e-mailing you with advice on what to do. I want to be able to go to college while still being intact with my Acting hobby. If you can help me that would be great. I will be waiting to hear from you!
Thank you,
Colleen

Greetings Ms.Banks and staff, I saw your show about modeling scams and I was a victim of scam John Robert Powers will tell you they are here to help you be discovered with their help. It was years ago and they just took my money.Thousands of dollars we work hard for are not used properly in this industry.I was watching your show and you said if it's a legitimate agency you will not be asked for a fee.What do you when a well known agency calls you and asks for money at a photoshoot.hair&makeup cost? Most fees are about $425.oo and up.I have paid the fee and got a few jobs but it seems like I was scammed again.What should I do in the near future?

Hi ,how can i become a petite model, I am 5'3 and want to be a model.
Do you hel me with this please.

hi tyra,my name is caroline,am originally from zambia,africa.i come from one of the poorest family in the country.i still have my whole family over there.am the only one here.i have a dream of becoming a model of which i have tried to pursue but has not worked and i feel like am getting old for it.am 26 years old.recently i attended your show and i was so excited about it and i was walking in new york streets praying that some one would meet me like a designer or someone like that would see me.i can back to pittsburgh feeling like maybe i was not meant to be a model.i tried top model twice but did not work out.i have such great passion for it.i have a husband who is in and out of jail so am all by myself most of the time with my baby.i have a family that i need to take care of and in march ijust lost my first born sister i was not able to go to the funeral due to lack of money and so i have to take care of her 3 children that she left.i feel that if started modelling with the right people i will be able to help my mother and my sisters,nieces and nephews. they all depend on me.
tyra you are the best and keep up the good work and may the good lord keep blessing you.

 

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