My first question is what is the opinion of JRP. I have completed a course, but am wondering what the general opinion is of them in the business.

Oh wow... too bad you didn’t ask this before you went to them. You should probably do a search on this message board to get all the details on them.

Basically what you will find is that no one in the business has ANY respect for JRP, and having trained with them carries less then no weight in the business. At best, they are a third-rate school, at worst, they are a scam.

I actually have no personal experience with the, but this is pretty much the universal sentiments.

If this is the case, then how are they able to arrange so many auditions? I want to find some opportunities and be taken seriously.

How do you know they are able to arrange auditions? With whom? for what type of projects?

Frog, Try to find some of the other discussions of jrp on this board. JRP is different in every city because it is a franchised business, so not everyone's experience is exactly the same. In general, however, people feel that they are a ripoff. They charge a lot of money and they are not known for getting professional jobs for people. However, just to play devil's advocate for a moment....there are some people who do learn some things in their classes. So, if you really want to pursue them, do some research first. Your statement that you 'want to be taken seriously' is most important. Make sure they take your welfare and true goals seriously, not just your money. As CSilvera suggests, ask them for proof of how many auditions they arrange and how many jobs they actually procure for their people. If they can't give you proof, run away.

yeah, zdirector is right, jrp is very diferent from location to location so have your investigative hat on befor you sign up with any of them. some legit, some not so be careful.

Sorry, gang. JRP = Bad News. Every now and then, someone catches a break with them but they're the exception, not the rule.

Hmmm, JRP. Well, right now, I guess I can agree with all of you on this. There are a few JRP's that really do great things. There are a lot of JRP's that don't. I know. I work at a JRP right now. I teach, and I love it. They gave us a curriculum to use, but its very basic. I understand why, the kids who come in are totally green. But I rewrote the curriculum anyway because i wanted to make it more fun for the kids, and more versatile for the instructors. I know at the JRP's I've taught at, the teachers HAVE to have a degree in acting....but like stated before, this is the exception, not the rule. The owners of our JRP's set that standard. They are actually trying to build up the reputation of the name...not an easy feat. I love working with the kids, and its a way to keep my own tools sharp.
Some interesting things about iPOP. We just got back from it, and every one of our kids got a nod from an agency, or manager. I told them to stay away from managers for now...let the mom's take care of that (momagers). One of our kids is going to see coast to coast next month. Another kid is getting out to L.A. to work with Joey Paul Casting and trilogytalent (managers). Some of our kids are in negotiations with CESD, Virgin Records, Acme Talent, Direct Talent, Elite Models and Luber Roklin (managers...I love MS)
Now, Im not condoning spending a ginormous amount of money for a huge convention, but these kids all were put in front of some great people. I think JRP is a good place to learn, but very overpriced. I know they have their reasons for being so overpriced, but that doesn't make it right all the time. The only thing I like about working here is that I get to have fun with the kids and watch them grow as performers, and I get to interact with agents and managers and cd's myself. Can you blame me?