How Barbizon Modeling Works
Does Barbizon Cost Money?
Once you provide your contact information to Barbizon Modeling, someone will be in touch to set up an in-person interview. For that reason, you may want to search the site to make sure there’s a location that’s convenient to where you live. There are so many Barbizon offices across the country, chances are there’s one in your city, but if it’s a long drive from where you live, that may factor into your decision.
Once you’re given the go-ahead, you’ll go through a 14-week course specialized to the industry you want to enter. Without giving details on its site, Barbizon vaguely promises these classes have flexible hours to accommodate students’ school schedules. No matter which track you choose, though, self-confidence and poise will be an important part of your training. Barbizon’s goal is to make sure each student builds a foundation that will help throughout life.
If you want to be a model, you’ll learn runway techniques, photo movement, nutrition and exercise, product and fashion ads, poise and posture, product and fashion ads, grooming skills, and model etiquette. Actors spend time on audition practice, on-stage showmanship, voice and diction, monologues, on-camera performance, commercial acting, self-promotion, and improvisation. Classes will also focus on industry information in order to equip you with what you need to know to get work once you graduate.
But you don’t have to be a performer to attend Barbizon’s school. In recent years, the company has bolstered its personal development track, teaching its young students skills like resume development, public speaking, and, of course, the always-present self-confidence training. These courses are designed to teach students skills that will improve their performance when they tackle tasks like trying out for the school debate team or interviewing for their first part-time job.
If you’re interested in getting started, their free industry seminars are a good place to start.
Address: 5542 Hansel Ave., Orlando, FL
Website: truthfulacting.com
Phone: (407) 917-5580
Tuition: $395-$1,095
Specialty: The Sanford Meisner approach
Barbizon Free Services:
How did Barbizon Modeling Get Started?
Barbizon dates all the way back to 1939, when it was founded as something called “charm school.” At the time, this type of training was considered a prerequisite to becoming a well-mannered young lady, capable of becoming successful in society. As the popularity of charm school began to wane, Barbizon rebranded itself as a school that promised to help aspiring entertainers hone their craft. Today, Barbizon Modeling has locations across the globe, including Canada, Japan, and Thailand.
Why Use a Modeling School?
For children and teens truly interested in becoming a performer, the prospect of attending a school can be attractive. However, schools like Barbizon can be quite expensive, and no training is necessary to become a model. If you have what it takes, you can simply submit your photo to agents and scouts, or join a talent platform that alerts you of upcoming jobs. There is a value to learning how to do a runway walk and pose, but industry professionals will base their decision more on whether you have “the look” than whether you’re fully trained.
Aspiring actors, on the other hand, can definitely benefit from training. However, there are plenty of acting classes in many major markets, and you can pay by the class rather than shelling out thousands of dollars for a full course. A one-on-one acting coach charges in the $100 an hour range, and these acting coaches are often well-credentialed.
While you don’t need a modeling or acting school to break in, these schools also prioritize self-confidence and interview practice. With the right school, the investment may be worth it, particularly if they can actually help showcase you to industry professionals. Barbizon tends to raise questions about its motives, though, since their criteria for admission appears to be based more on the willingness to pay rather than whether the student truly has potential.
With any modeling school, it’s important to take the lack of a guarantee of work seriously. If your only goal is to learn more about your craft and develop the skills necessary to succeed, you won’t be disappointed. However, shop around before signing the contract since you may be able to find the same training at a much lower rate, along with an online database and job board that will help you get work in your chosen industry.