Expert: Kitty Kavey - 11/9/2007

Question
Dear Kitty,
Hello, my name is Melissa and I am from the midwest in the US. I am interested in a singing/modeling career. Over the past year, I have been involved in Barbizon acting/ modeling classes. First, we had to pass an interview to get accepted into the clases and then the classes themselves were very expensive (several thousands). What confuses me is if this program is legitimate and not a scam, then why have I only had one actual modeling job offered to me by Barbizon the whole time I've been in in? They had even promised possible modeling, even before graduation.
Just recently, they invited me to an IMTA audition where TJ Stein and a couple others interviewed and auditioned us. Just this week, they informed me that I made the IMTA audtion and that I could go to New York with them. But the catch is,...now they are charging me over 4,000 dollars when they are the one's who audtioned me in the first place! Although, this does include transportation, board, the IMTA fee, another photoshoot and various other things, but is it truly reasonable that they are charging me this much. After all, I am paying for my college right now...it's not that I wouldn't love to have the extra coaching and the opportunity to perform in front of some of New York's top mangagers and agents...but why is it that I haven't even had actual modeling opportunities and home, and yet they're inviting me to some expensive event in New York. Are they trying to sell me a dream? Or is it just really expensive?
You don't have any really good fundraising ideas, do you?  I would love to go, but they are just asking to much from me, a hard working college student who is supporting herself 100%.  

Answer
Singing is not may area of expertise, but I can address your modeling question.  Unlike singing, models do not need to train as they do not use a resume (like actors do).  However, a model does use an agent to get work.  Submitting your information to any legitimate model or talent agency for consideration is free, save for the cost of postage and photo/comp card copies if you mail in your submission, of course.  Some of the New York fashion modeling agencies, besides taking mailed in submissions, also accept electronic submissions through email, and most also have open calls you can attend in person.
Unfortunately, if you are represented by a New York agency, it is likely you would have to actually be in NYC - living there.  So if you're in college in the mid west, it makes more sense to look to see where the closest agencies are to you, and what kind of work is in your area.  Chicago does have somewhat of and industry as do parts of Texas, so if you're closer to either of those two places, you may want to consider finishing school and working as close as you can to your current home base.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty