“John Robert Powers is to Modeling what Cartier is to diamonds”.

LIFE Magazine, March 25th, 1946

History

It was in the 1920’s when John Robert Powers came to New York City in pursuit of a career in acting. One day, he needed to gather a group of attractive people for a magazine advertisement, not knowing that it would pave the way for what today is a billion dollar modeling industry.

He founded the first ever modeling agency in 1923. Soon afterwards, he opened the doors to the first personality development academy and created a curriculum that was to be the core for executive skills, modeling, acting and social skills. These courses are offered worldwide through the John Robert Powers System.

Powers believed that there was no such thing as an unattractive person, only people who did not know how to make the most of themselves. Naturalness was his gospel. He encouraged his female students to “make down, instead of make-up”. To date, we still believe in this philosophy. Be yourself. Be natural. Be the best you can be because that is what John Robert Powers is all about.

Famous personalities from the political and movie world make up a long list of people who have gone through the John Robert Powers Programs. First Ladies Jackie Kennedy and Betty Ford, Princess Grace of Monaco, Jennifer Jones, Raquel Welch, Lucille Ball, Ann Margaret, Henry Fonda, Ryan Locke, Albert Tsai (Coop & Cami ask the World), Karan Brar (Bunk’d), Olivia Holt (Cloak & Dagger), Alexis Knapp (Pitch Perfect 1, 2 & 3), Noah Centineo (All The Boys I’ve Loved Before), Ben Gould (Saved by the Bell), Faith Ford (Murphy Brown Show), James Dean, Diana Ross, Porntip Nakhirunkanok (Miss Universe), Kylie Versoza (Miss International 2016), Josh Duhamel, Jessica Sanchez and Brenda Song just to name a few.

Marking its 100th year in 2023 as the leading Performing Arts Academy, John Robert Powers continues to touch people’s lives by empowering them and helping them unleash their full potential. We follow proudly in the footsteps of the man, John Robert Powers.

“There is no such thing as an unattractive person, just some people who don’t know how to make the most of themselves.”

- Mr. John Robert Powers

Vision, Mission and Core Values

Our sole purpose is to help YOU discover & enhance your natural talents. Whether your dream is to model & act, or to realize other personal and professional goals, we will empower you with the confidence and skill set necessary to fulfill these dreams.

We are DYNAMIC.

We are RELEVANT.

We respect DIVERSITY.

We believe in TEAMWORK.

Women

Kids

Men

LEAD Coaches

Andrew Byron

Stefanie Stevens

Kenajuan Bentley

View all coaches

FEATURED SUCCESS STORIES

Frequently asked Questions

JRP offers a unique opportunity for performers to rehearse their skills with industry professionals and showcase their talents in front of leading agents, managers and casting directors from the entertainment industry. For 100 years, we’ve guided performers in how to earn, and maintain, a competitive edge over their rivals. Famous Hollywood stars still work with acting coaches because the best-rehearsed candidates are the most successful.

We put a heavy emphasis on providing the best possible training for our clients to help them prepare to earn talent representation. Every famous Hollywood star still works with an acting coach and continues their training, because the best-rehearsed candidate are the most successful.

All the difference in the world. The entertainment industry is fast paced and constantly changing. Agents and directors need new faces and talent now. These busy professionals vastly prefer a well prepared candidate to one who lacks polish, experience or training.

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’ performers are actors, but we also work with commercial models and singers, anyone who is a part of, or preparing to enter, the entertainment industry.

No. We believe that a solid academic foundation should be a students first priority. JRP’s policy is to work only with those who strive for academic excellence.

Performers commit to a set amount of rehearsal time, scheduled on weekends, to develop their skills and learn their scripts. Auditions and showcases with agents, casting directors or other industry professionals will also occur on a weekend following the rehearsal schedule.

Any other rehearsal time is not required, but encouraged, and will be up to the performer to achieve on their own if that’s something they desire to do.

No. We are looking for people with a high level of interest and dependability. When our clients meet top industry professionals, their conduct is a direct reflection of our coaching.

We have excellent relationships with the best agencies and casting directors because we are known for presenting only the most talented, enthusiastic and professional candidates.

We are not an agency. As in any career, training and marketing are an up-front investment of time and money. The most successful models, actors, 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 your career. There ARE “discoveries”, but like lottery winners, they are rare. The vast majority of professionals have to work for their success and do so by continuing their education of the craft and business.

At John Robert Powers, we give you the training, guidance and confidence to help you attain your goals in the entertainment industry.

Our Testimonials

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the invaluable help and support you have provided for my daughter. Her experiences since joining the JRP family continue to be positive ones as I watch my little girl blossom into a young lady filled with poise and confidence... I am looking forward to our future with JRP. You foster respect, integrity and self worth, all of which are so important.”

MRS. HUMMEL (parent)

“This past weekend we attended one of your events in Ft. Wayne, IN. Let me just say we had a blast! Our daughter, Jordan, has expressed interest in acting for several years, however, as I said, we live in Indiana. There is not a big opportunity for that here. So first of all, I would like to thank you for coming here. Your staff was great... She is so very excited about her showcase and possibilities that are ahead of her and is looking forward to the hard work and fun yet to come.”

MYERS FAMILY

“Thank you for seeing in Karen what I have always seen. Karen has already been more confident in how she relates to others. The future is just the icing on the cake.”

L. DONEY (parent)

“What an amazing experience JRP has been for Greg and our family. From his first audition for you, through classes at JRP, finding an agent and culminating last week in his first professional experience in a Croissant Pocket commercial, you have been the absolute best.”

MRS. MOSER (parent)

Our Partners

The Industry Network - a partner of John Robert Powers