Acting Scams: What are the Red Flags?

From hidden fees to promising fame and fortune, the show business world is an easy place to get duped. But have no fear! In this video, Backstage Expert and New York acting coach Denise Simon shares what red flags actors and parents of young performers should watch out for.
Go to Backstage Casting to view and apply to over 4,000 roles:
www.backstage.c...
Visit Denise Simon Acting & Coaching:
denisesimoncoac...
Follow Backstage on Facebook:
/ backstage
Follow Denise on Facebook:
/ denisesimoncoach
Follow Backstage on Twitter:
/ backstage

[@spoiled16prinses]

“Don’t pay money upfront for anything.” You *have* to pay a membership fee to even apply to castings on Backstage, though.

[@voxyblog]

Fr

[@idasworld8085]

Right💀

[@indapatri9346]

Upfront*

[@indapatri9346]

You dont have to pay thought

[@IAMASELENATOR92]

I KNOW RIGHT 🤣🤣🤣

[@MizhaeBoo15]

You have to pay money up front to use backstage though

[@TrustFundbby]

exactly

[@Mr.Honest247]

Enaizha Harmon So what does that mean? They're a scam?

[@melvinarringtonj]

Cause they dont get a percentage of ya money or work

[@preloxpoisedgamer2462]

It’s not a talent agency though.

[@ESFDragxnFistEntertainment]

I'm saying the same thing lol😁😭

[@fernandofigueroavalladares7837]

I got casted for an indie film from a craigslist ad. I went and everything was legit, i got paid and will be getting an IMDb credit

[@abbietrent857]

Really what was the name of it

[@Ryu2o4]

Fernando Figueroa yea, I remember going to a Craigslist casting and they wanted me to pay 800 to sign up to the agency. I didn’t but a beautiful girl who showed up to the casting did. She drove 3 hours from philly to get their. The place had movie posters in frames all over the wall. She called me to go over their and find out why they weren’t answering the phone. When I got there. The place was being turned into a dentist office.

[@kyliemarie3659]

is Famestreet a scam?

[@agbodjanaxelle1835]

@@kyliemarie3659 ion kno im tryin figure it out

[@cicavadi4862]

Agbodjan axelle| Are you sure you know English?

[@Ryu2o4]

I remember going to s Craig’s list ad. They asked me to do one scene and they said I was perfect. But I needed to pay 800 to get the part. So happy I had common sense.

[@timsilgoodman2514]

I feel that there is a difference between paying for classes and paying for auditions. I pay for classes at my agency, but the classes are like workshops. Some people think it’s a scam, but I have honestly learned so much. Some people need to realize that you need to bow what you are doing before you go to a job.. So, yes, sometimes you will have to pay for things. It buffs out.

[@itslidia9725]

but backstage does ask for money?

[@smhmyhead1320]

Yes

[@indapatri9346]

You dont need to pay though

[@averagejohn47]

I almost fell for a scam that wanted to pay in "perks" rather than money and my agent guided me into declining the project (it had this ridiculous contract that would disqualify participating talent from working for certain ad campaigns down the road)

[@Thaisc67]

I love how you say you don’t need to pay money for anything, but your channel backstage literately just asked for my credit card for payments to join in.

[@violetlyrics02]

Greetings, I'm facing the same problem... did you paid for joining?

[@Thaisc67]

@@violetlyrics02 no I did not. I received a message for an audition for a tv show and when I called to inquire they told me I had to pay like $300 for the premium account in order for them to send me to the audition.

[@TheOnlyRick3]

That’s for a membership for backstage not to apply for a role

[@trenthill3578]

top pay for an extra is around $100 a day. who would believe that they would fly you for an extra job

[@HealthyLifestyled788]

I got paid 165 -200

[@menzygaming1004]

@@HealthyLifestyled788 how do u become an extra?

[@Sonhendoluq]

A lot of you guys are still rookies, so I’ll help you out 🤦‍♂️ Do you have an talent agent or manager? No Then actors access and backstage is the way to go. You pay a membership to get the opportunity of submitting yourself for a serious role. If you book the role, all the money goes to you. The agent/ manager takes a cut. If you don’t pay for actors access and/or backstage then you can only do background work. Make sense? Without an agent or manager, who is legitimate you have no way of getting an audition unless you self submit yourself or have a friend, who’s big in the industry. A lot of you guys are skeptical but would pay $20 for food and not invest in your career. Everyone’s self submitting online nowadays, especially with the pandemic. If you’re not investing in your career then I take it you’re waiting for a miracle. If you don’t have an agent m/ or manager who submits then what are you waiting for.

[@kingpete3160]

I tried to do a application for acting they said I had to pay $400 upfront and than if I’m not accepted they are gonna send my money back I left it alone smh

[@ThatGirlOnYourTV]

Thank you for this video! Especially for an aspiring Actress like me :)

[@Kevessi]

Who was scammed by barbizon

[@realbronx4152]

Kevessi dude I was about to buy the class is it a scam

[@leilaflores4345]

Almost

[@voxyblog]

I was bout to buy the class 2 years ago but my people couldn’t afford them but barbizon is like an acting class not an agency that can get you auditions

[@voxyblog]

Also it was weird too like they said I was one of the top 10 to make the cut but we all didn’t even audition they were talking the whole time

[@NancyArnstein]

Love this!! Thanks for sharing

[@laurenryleyy]

Really useful! Thanks backstage.

[@evelialopez2034]

I think I got scammed I found a booth in the mall and it was for workshops and I did it😕

[@angienorth4446]

Evelia Lopez I did one at the mall today...but online...😕😕😕

[@cclit8705]

Evelia Lopez the same thing happened to me

[@miketheeentertainer8471]

Thank you for this I had applied for nine 9 modeling and acting agency and the lady wanna to sign me but I didn't have any headshots etc so she said the company would do it for 500 to 600 dollars

[@Gunman610]

That seems to be their modus operandi. $499 for headshots/comp cards plus membership. Of course, they're nasty to you if you pass on them.

[@keerabrar4314]

I have my very first audition tomorrow and I’m nervous that what if it turns out to be a scam

[@fondawilson5530]

Was it a scam?

[@keerabrar4314]

I didn’t end up going i was super sketched out and it was far away and my mom would have had to take off work I canceled

[@909bkaby]

keera Brar it’s only a scam if they ask you to pay anything

[@michaellawson6222]

Wonder if backstage is a scam

[@olliebridgland6389]

michael lawson it’s not I went to an audition and it was real

[@rickmoon5115]

Ollie Bridgland but you pay upfront

[@ting_chang]

backstage is a mature internet based talent agency. Their service is to provide audition oppurtunitues. You do need to pay upfront to receive information and the usage of the platform. The scam is referring to casting and audition you got. I have met similar situation what the video talks about. They send me a check upfront and I went to bank and the banker explained to me what could if happened with the fake check.

[@rickmoon5115]

TingChun Chang yes you do

[@bjproductions944]

michael lawson in a way it is but in another it’s not. The auditions are real, but you have to pay which you should not have to . Use project casting or The southern casting call.

[@sarahlombardi2887]

If someone promises you fame they aren’t real If someone says they will try That makes more sense

[@tamiyalove8264]

Can you talk about Ipop and Society Performers?

[@KeemSmilez1989]

good video answered all my questions

[@abbietrent857]

What are some legit agencies besides backstage

[@AJ-lk2iv]

Acting is an extremely difficult industry to earn a full time wage. Luck is the name of the game, and sometimes who you know. Have you been through an Acting College full-time ? ... like the best recommended schools fro training. Helps. Don't expect miracles. Try but be sure not to place all your eggs in the one basket, unless making a decent living from Drama.

[@ceyciemateo9411]

What about “National Performers Academy” ?

[@tomculver2029]

What if someone ask u to for google cards????I have ran across this several times, so far I have not purchase one...What is the answer to that?????

[@betoalvarado713]

So I hope y'all can answer my question. Should I go to the casting they called me about. The guy asked me if I was still interested and sent me an email as well. Should I trust this type of person @Backstage

[@dagmawitkifle658]

alberto alvarado yes backstage is legit. Its not a scam.

[@cheez721]

Yeah! I'm going to backstage too!

[@mijocee9084]

Hi! I wanted to try to have a profile in backstage then i realized that they have payment. Can you recommend me what should i take? there's the Annual, 6-month, and Monthly??? pleasee :D Thank you

[@cheez721]

Mijo Cee choose annual! I did!

[@trill9832]

chose the 1 month one and use MAXWELL for only 5 dollars for your first month and if u like it then do what u want

[@EverHeartK98]

I got scammed by an agency that I found through Backstage's resource page...

[@nanapearlpearl2696]

EverHeartK98 please share more....

[@kendallmallett9694]

Backstage always checks out the sources they receive , it’s hard to get scammed through them. They are pretty legit.

[@Oarabile__M]

Hayi bandla how i wish i knew this 4 months ago 😭😭😭

[@angelacramer644]

NEVER give any upfront money to any coach or teacher for classes

[@mayliemedredyfamous9136]

Angela Cramer that soo true

[@NancyArnstein]

I think in this situation it's different lol... Especially if the acting class is legit

[@montanefammm4972]

Angela Cramer um... You need classes on the contrast of what youve stated dont Give money to act or perform in anywhere

[@judichristopher4604]

Angela Cramer... I'm confused... I had an Acting Studio... I got paid upfront for the (x-amount) of lessons I provided... NOW... if someone is going to an Audition... Then an inspiring actor should not have to pay anything... If they have a Manager... they should not have to pay up front, because the manager gets a percentage of the Acting job they get... But as for me... I TEACH Acting at a Studio... Every Acting Studio or Academy I know charges for Teaching Acting... Or a Teaching Coach...

[@NancyArnstein]

Why not?

[@cheegum6296]

Agreed wholeheartedly

[@CrookSon]

1:22 besides yourself

[@karrisnyder1238]

Imta what do u think of them.

[@borter567]

Aren't acting classes the same way? Like most things you pay for the class upfront.

[@TennantMary]

I sit at malls and wait and then I follow the person pull them Aside say that is a scam.

[@RandolphAgarn1]

Plaza 3

[@crystalvouse7262]

@alberto don't pay anything

[@thegigadykid1]

How is john Robert powers ? Are they good

[@areuready2live]

thegigadykid1 I heard of him and know him actually bc I went to one of his auditions in 2011 and got the part but I didn’t take it bc they asked for 2 grand for an agent and acting classes.

[@masoodjamily]

Do you think UpCast is legitimate

[@elijaheffron7065]

The truth is finally being told. Period 😅😅

[@alize_paredes]

Yea but backstage costs money how is that any different from the scams who are asking for money upfront

[@indapatri9346]

They arent a scam though lol

[@iamericamonae]

i ipopla a scam ? and backstage you can't get anything without paying so are you guys a scam ?

[@Danosauruscrecks]

Can anyone help me reality talent management got in contact with me after I applied for the real world are they a legitimate agency because they asked me for 300 dollars but it actually seems legit I've been scammed before can someone help me out here

[@Briano123]

Daniel Crecca I tried out to. But I just had a bad feeling when they were asking me money and visa card. Fuck that

[@badnews9131]

The same thing happen to me anyone knows did this workout for them?

[@NancyArnstein]

It's a scam -- $300? WOW

[@lillylazer429]

A huge scam

[@RellyrellREACTS]

Im a scout manager i got big off dance videos turned into a role scouter. Have clients as well so sorry for non believers.

[@zalphida8022]

Is John Casablancas a scam

[@izzyf.5627]

Yes! I’ve heard bad things about them. They make you audition to get in a class and then say you’re good and tell you the class is like $2000 and don’t teach you anything and don’t help you get roles. I’ve heard they’re also very unprofessional

[@rinewashington6523]

I did a audition for them and then after I got done they said the starting prize is 900-2,000

[@specializedtm2830]

Anyone get scammed by Famestreet?

[@Jaycat]

I was literally about to pay for fame street but then I found out it's a scam.

[@AngelRamirez-gu9ho]

Is national performers academy a scam

[@princeerick11]

You Always Pay Money To Everywhere,Nothing Is Free

[@NancyArnstein]

So not true

[@melvinarringtonj]

For an agent and to audition nah you don't. They just take 10% out of whatever you make if you book the job.

[@thechemi5083]

I've been to all kinds of auditions , money nevet came up

[@montanefammm4972]

This is false many companies working late if they are in need of PEOPLE

[@queenjj201]

Have anyone ever heard of AM audition?

[@ebonymallory8769]

IS anyone familiar with an acting coach Skyler Thomas?

[@trenthill3578]

Ebony Mallory look him up on the IMDB.

[@izzyvenn2016]

Is star now a scam?

[@daffodil.ginseng81]

I wonder if Casting Taylormade is ligit, I think it is tho.

[@unragazzonormale8732]

explore talent couch cough

[@shenellaradonich1897]

Is John Casablancas real?...

[@itsannie4032]

Shenella Radonich no

[@lillylazer429]

No they will tell you how great you are and thar you made the audition and call back. Then after all of that they will tell you you need schooling that can cost 2k up to 5k. Never ever pay

[@itsannie4032]

Lilly Lazer yes they did the same to me

[@lillylazer429]

@@itsannie4032 I'm sorry did you pay?

[@itsannie4032]

Lilly Lazer hell no i knew it was a scam as soon and they said they needed money.

[@yourfellowprocrastinator3799]

miss ma'am, yall are asking me for 20 dollars a month

[@best-vv2kz]

Backstage is a scam

[@mochixmochi2417]

ARTS INTERNATIONAL IS A SCAM

[@smhmyhead1320]

What makes you say that? I got called back, and went to a showcase in L.A. over a year ago. I've just been busy with other things since and I'm the one who hasn't followed up. The only other person from my city who went is a middle school-aged kid and he now lives in L.A. and is getting jobs. Or was, before covid.

[@mochixmochi2417]

trust me it is 1000% a scam. Do some research on them, reviews and everything.

[@burlington7975]

Backstage is a scam tf😂

[@Sonhendoluq]

SUB no it’s not Backstage is free and legitimate for background roles. If you want to submit your self for supporting or lead roles you have to pay for the yearly membership which is fairly cheap. Backstage is basically your own personal website page you can post your headshots, resume and reel for casting directors to look at. If interested they’ll contact you once you submit for a role. I’ve gotten auditions for many roles - some required a self tape audition and some required me to be there in person.

[@abbietrent857]

@@Sonhendoluq that was very helpful

[@Sonhendoluq]

@Boycott The Media you pay a membership. It’s the same with actors access and IMDbPro. Think about how many actors are on backstage you pay monthly to get access to more exclusive roles that pay more. It’s not that bad. It’s only $20 a month. I’m assuming you pay for Netflix etc., so why not invest in your career. If you don’t want to self submit, you need an agent or manager but they still take a cut of your pay and you also need to update your reel and headshots every now and then. Regardless you have to put out money if you are a serious actor.

[@Sonhendoluq]

@Boycott The Media but do you not understand my point. It’s free if you just want to do background work. Try it out for $20 a month and see if you like it. If not just cancel your membership. Also it’s important to know if your not in a huge market where film is big, then it might not be many roles tailored for you. I live in atlanta so on both backstage and actors access I see many roles I can audition for. I’m actually trying to help you out. If you don’t have an agent, how to you expect to audition. Most actors are self submitting now, because most auditions require you to self tape instead of you going in person.

[@rinewashington6523]

@@Sonhendoluq do they fly you out ?