Insider's Guide to Barbizon a School of Modeling and Acting

People go to Barbizon for three different reasons, self-esteem, or trying to jump-start a career in acting or modeling. Most people do not realize what this program entails so let a former Barbizon graduate take you through the basics.

Now you should know that most of the girls in the classes are under 16 years old, all of whom aspire to become models. If you are looking for direction in acting you might want to discuss this with the owner before signing up for classes. These establishments are owned by local agents who will try to promote the top of the class for jobs within the modeling world. Most will mention this during your first meeting with them when they first come to Barbizon. They will show you their success stories and pull out their comp cards on all of their talent. Many times the agents add in a clause or two about the girls first set of jobs. They may take a percentage or the entire income earned from these girls depending upon the contract. You should always read what you are signing as some agencies have profited off the girls because they did not read the fine print. Now here is the catch you are going to have to pay more then just the $2000 for the classes, you are also going to have to invest in clothes, makeup and a trip to NYC.

The trip to NYC is the major event: The International Barbizon Modeling and Talent Competition. This is where the models compete against each other in different categories and try to get jobs. The thing is this is where many other modeling schools take their talent to get into the industry. If you go to their website they will show you a list of some of their members. These include various talent agencies, and other schools like John Robert Powers. This association has ties with a few big industry names including seventeen and JLC Omni Media. To get into the IMTA it will cost you $5,000 plus your own wardrobe, makeup, food travel and lodging. Many girls end up paying over $10,000 and very few land jobs.

Before you sign up you should ask if you could sit in on a class or meet the teachers. They hire many different kinds of people to teach these classes. Former students who are now models, cheerleading coaches, and make up artists to name a few. Of course since every Barbizon is under a different manager you may find that you do not like any of the teachers at all. They strive to teach the girls about modeling, nutrition, exercise and projecting a professional image. You will want to take out your checkbook for the chance of a lifetime!

If you want to see exactly what you will learn in this program just peek inside of the model's handbook. Here is the class outline for the next twenty weeks:

Orientation
Runway 1: Poise & Posture
Photo Movement 1: Posing Basics

Guide to Radiant skin
Basic makeup artistry
All about nail care

Personality plus Development
Effective Speech & Voice Projection
Runway 2: basic Modeling Techniques

Photo Movement 2: Freestyle. Character & Body parts
The model's world
Projecting Self Confidence

Runway 2 the model as an actress
Creative Wardrobe planning
Television 1 Presence & Public speaking

Understanding color analysis
Enhancing your eyebrows
Eye makeup artistry

Television 2 Video Fashion Modeling
Fashion flair
Photo movement 3: Groups & Pairs

Television 3 commercials
Nutrition
Model's Body toning

Creating Illusions with makeup
Hair care & style Selection
Runway 4: groups and pairs

Body language / talk show workshop
Becoming a better you
Fashion show commentary

Advanced skin care
Professional makeup artistry continued

Runway five: on stage showmanship progress celebration fashion show continued

Creating new hair styles
Runway 6 formal fashion show techniques
Photo movement 4: Fashion Modeling

Developing model manners
Runway 7: informal modeling & trade shows
Model's aerobics

Television 4: the making of a video
Runway 8: perfecting your showing style
Photo movement 5: product modeling

Career Savvy workshop
Accessorizing / swag shop
Television 5: Commercial groups & pairs

On camera photo shooting

Showtime rehearsal
Professional attitudes backstage
Professional polish on stage

Setting the scene for Graduation
Model look Presentation practice
You in the spot light - Showtime!