In 1923, a young actor turned model created the first training company of its kind. The “Powers Girl” was known as the epitome of poise, posture, sophistication and social grace. Over two million men and women of all ages are Powers graduates. Some of the famous men include: Montgomery Clift, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Tyrone Powers, and Gerald Ford.
Recent JRP graduates have appeared in numerous commercial campaigns, including McDonald’s, Levi’s, Pepsi, Chevrolet, Revlon, Home Depot and hundreds of others.
Our students have also won roles in TV series such as Las Vegas, Even Stevens, Bernie Mac, All My Children, Days of Our Lives, Hope and Faith, Charmed and many, many others. JRP alumni have made their mark in the movies in such films as The Cat In The Hat, A.I., The Hot Chick, From Justin To Kelly, Win A Date WIth Tad Hamilton and many more.
For three quarters of a century our focus has remained on developing individual potential so our students reach their highest goals in modeling, acting, and LIFE!
Who is John Robert Powers?
John Robert Powers was an actor in New York City in the early 1900s. One day he overheard an associate say he needed a group of attractive people to pose for magazine advertisements. That’s when Mr. Powers’ exceptional entrepreneurial skills took over: he rounded up acting friends and trained them for the advertisements. From that informal beginning Powers went on to found the nation’s first modeling agency in 1923, and the modern modeling industry was born.
Are you a school?
Yes, and we are extremely proud of our record. For over 80 years, we’ve helped our students earn and maintain a competitive edge over their rivals in the entertainment industry. Famous Hollywood stars still work with acting coaches because the best-prepared candidates are the most successful-like JRP graduates Faith Ford and Raquel Welch.
Does training make a difference?
All the difference in the world. The entertainment industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, and agents and directors need faces and talent now. These busy professionals vastly prefer a well-prepared candidate to one who lacks polish, experience or training.
Do you only work with models?
No. High fashion modeling has very strict physical requirements, 5’8” and above for women, 5’11” and above for men, and many otherwise talented individuals cannot qualify. The fact is that over 80% of John Robert Powers’ students are actors, but we also work with models, make-up artists, singers and dancers-anyone who is a part of or preparing to enter the entertainment industry.
Will this interfere with school?
No. We believe that a solid academic foundation should be a young person’s first priority. JRP’s policy is to work only with those who strive for academic excellence.
What time commitment is expected if JRP agrees to work with me?
Students commit one day per week to development. Auditions or other opportunities with agents, casting directors or other industry professionals can occur, but usually just a few times a month.
Does JRP accept everyone?
No. We are looking for people with a high level of interest and dependability. When our students meet top industry professionals their conduct is a direct reflection of our training. Our relationships with the best agencies and casting directors are excellent because we are known for presenting only the most talented, enthusiastic and professional candidates.
I have heard that if you want to be a model, agencies will pay everything for you to start. Is this true?
In any career, training and marketing are an up-front investment of time and money. The most successful models and talent will tell you that the learning process never ends. In today’s fast-paced environment, very few agencies in the world will front costs necessary to begin a model’s career-there ARE “discoveries”, but like lottery winners, they are rare. The vast majority of professionals have to work for their success. At John Robert Powers, we give you the training, guidance and confidence to help you attain your goals in the entertainment industry.