Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 10/28/2008

Question
My son is interested in a career in acting. We live in a remote area in the country in Ohio. He was recently invited to Philadelphia by Proscout. They selected 10 people out of 100 that interviewed in Pittsburgh. However, they are asking $795. to register to meet and get discovered by top agents. I am afraid he has been given false hope by this agency and do not want him to go. I think it is a scam. What do you think? Also, what direction do you think I should send him in. He has been doing musicals and plays since he was 10 years old. He is currently 17.

Answer
Hi Rebecca.  You are right to be leery of the Proscout scam.  They are but one of many of these talent fairs for agents and casting directors.  Of course they told you that your son was one of ten out of a hundred. That is what all the scammers tell their suckers.  What assurance do you have that they have not told thirty or fifty of the hundred that they were one of ten out of a hundred? These talent fairs are only for the very very very talented and photogenic and for the very wealthy. The $795 does not include air fare and meals and incidentals. It is a huge gamble that it would actually do your son any good. You should approach it like you would approach a casino. Unless you can afford to throw away the amount of money it will cost to attend proscout, do not do it. Do a websearch of "Proscout Rip Off" and "Proscout Scam" and see what you find and show it to your son. If after reading all you can find about Proscout on line, you think it may be a bona fide opportunity for your son, go ahead.  If not, I suggest that you use the money to send your son to Young Actors Camp in LA next summer. You many contact me at kencospWaol.com to discuss your son's preparation for a career in acting. Best wishes, Doc