I’m 33 now, but when I was 19, I put $5,000 into the John Casablancas Modeling & Acting Center in Longwood, FL. I did the classes, I graduated, and I have my diploma and all my receipts to prove it.
Shortly after I finished, the school completely shut down. I lost my “agent,” all my access to the school, and never got a single gig or lead out of it.
I’m posting this now because I’m seeing their ads everywhere again. It makes me sick knowing people are still being sold this dream for thousands of dollars upfront. In this industry, legitimate agencies don’t charge you to sign with them—they take a commission after you get paid.
Has anyone else dealt with the Longwood location or had a similar experience with JC closing on them? I’ve already filed with the BBB and Consumer Affairs, but I want to make sure nobody else in Florida (or anywhere else) falls for this “pay-to-play” model.