Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/3/2008

Question
Hi!
i was wondering if you though John Robert Powers would help me pursue my future in acting? It's been my dream since i was 10 and i went to JRP and they want me to enroll but its alot of money and i knw if I want a future thers going to be some sacrifices. Also where could i go to get really good head shots? If you could help it would be a tons of help. Thanks!

Answer
John Robert Powers isn't one of the more well-respected acting schools.  Places more like The Stella Adler Studio of Acting (http://www.stellaadler.com), Julliard (http://www.juilliard.edu), or The Conservatory of Theatre Arts & Film at SUNY (http://www.purchase.edu/departments/AcademicPrograms/Arts/taf/default.aspx)
hold a lot more weight on one's resume, and are for the serious actor committed to their craft.

Most of the top schools are in the New York or Los Angeles area, and many offer classes and courses for those under college age.  Scholarships or financial aid is available at some of the schools too.

If you're not in the LA or NYC area now, you can look around where you are for a more reputable acting school, or an acting coach.  Another option, if money is an issue, is to join an acting group (or start your own), which is much less expensive to do than many schools and courses.  Or you can join your local community theater or other performance group and gain experience while you work.  

My suggestion on headshots, is to use someone in the area where you plan to be working.  LA headshots are not necessarily in the same style as NYC headshots or Miami, Dallas, Chicago, etc.  Each area tends to have their own style and preferences - and the top headshot photographer in Los Angeles may be unknown in the Miami area, while the style over in Miami might not work as well in Hollywood.

You can see what the agents in your area like for headshots - many agencies now have websites, and if you know working actors in your area, you can ask who they used for their headshots, or a recommendation to a local acting group, school or coach.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty