Parents say the company, THE, pronounced “TAY,” is also using the Disney name to lure families in, but Disney says it is not affiliated with the company.
Remi Lapira and his 8-year-old daughter recently heard the company’s ad on the radio, and the company’s website features two actors, Anna Maria Perez from the movie “Fame” and Disney’s “Camp Rock 2” and David Deluise from Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”.
THE’s staff members invited his daughter back (to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland) for a second audition to make it to Florida.
“They were talking to my daughter and said, ‘Hey, you did a wonderful job,’ and my daughter was like, ‘Well, I don’t know how I did a wonderful job if these people weren’t even paying attention, they were playing with the lights.’ And that’s where it kind of (threw) me. I was like, ‘Whoa, red flags. What’s going on here?’” Lapira said.
He said THE wanted him to pay $4,900. The company also offers packages as high as $7,900.
Portland casting director, Lana Veenker who has a long resume, including work on the movie “Twilight,” said payment upfront is a red flag.
“If we were to do an open casting call for a real project, there’s never any money asked for from the parents or the kids,” she said.
KATU News called THE at its Delaware offices but a company representative said no one at the company would do an interview unless the questions were submitted in writing.
“I’m concerned for the parents who are actually shelling out that kind of money, because they think Disney is going to be the one taking them,” Lapira said.
Both Lapira and Veenker are frustrated because the company’s name makes it difficult for parents to find information about it on the Internet – typing “the” into Google returns everything.
Posts
I am from Ohio and fell under the THE spell when my daughter tried out also when they were in Cleveland..The same scenerio as mentioned happened to us only we were stupid and dished out 2900.00 of money we really needed for medical bills,etc.. I asked for refund after the 3 days and of course we got a certified letter stating that we signed a contract, yada yada yada I tried to find the name and number of the CEO or President of THE(Tay) and have not had any luck getting that either. Help! is there anyway to stop this from happening and doing something to get our money back.
ReplyDeleteMad and Sad in Ohio
They are currently doing auditions in Dallas Tx @ the Westin park Hotel all day today.Presentation is done very suspiciously and in a deceivingly condescending way. So glad I came straight home to investigate "The" (Tay)!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your experience in Cleveland. There is so much information on the Internet these days that all you need to do is type in a name of a company or someone who owns the company, followed by the word "scam" or "lawsuit," and really try and find something bad about the company. If they are scammy in any way, something will certainly come up, and you will save yourself a lot of money and headache. My wish is for parents to do their due diligence before plunking down unreasonable amounts of money for empty promises. Remember the adage, "If it seems too good to be true, it's probably too good to be true."
ReplyDeleteSimilar auditions in Pittsburgh this past weekend. I know someone who fell for it. Paid close to $4000 because her child was "chosen". They have to go to Disney for a week (add in hotel and flight to the $4k). There's no talking to her. She thinks her kid is the next Hanna Montanah.
ReplyDeleteWell, I foolishly signed my daughter up yesterday and today found out it was a scam. I knew I had 3 days to cancel and today find out that they still will keep $1,000 registration fee! It is non-refundable. I have my credit card company trying to help me get it back. Also, the $895 they want for the parent to attend is ridiculous. Why do I have to pay to escort my 9 yr. old?? SCAM artists and I will fight to the end to get my $1,000 back. My credit card company put a stop payment on the $4,759 and I will need to dispute the $1,000 registration fee (because it states in the contract that it is non-refundable, that I stupidly didn't read because I was being rushed and TOLD what the papers I was signing said). I feel bad for my daughter, she was very excited. P.S. It dawned on me too, that they use the name "THE" so that it makes it hard to find any information about them on the internet.
ReplyDeleteSame thing happen in Chicago. Next day asked for refund... Was not sure how I didn't see the 1000 non refundable. Good luck!
DeleteI was there too with my son. I did get sucked in. Wish I didn't. Dropped what I should have paid for my mortgage. They sure have a great thing going.
DeleteDid you get the $1000 back, we have just cancelled the contract and they will not give me back the $1000
DeleteI just auditioned for The Event last night when they were in Melbourne, Australia. I was so drawn in when I was there, prepared to go the whole way. But I knew there was something fishy afterwards and I tried to investigate with all the information they gave me. Finally, I typed in "David Deluise scam" in google and I found this page. Truly, this scam is going international.
ReplyDeleteIf it a scam how come so many kids got call backs, and signed with managers and even got parts in movies. When we signed they were clear that there was no guarantee, and it is good exposure for kids who want to be in this industry, and very informative for parents on how to manage their kids career in this business. it is expensive of course and not for everyone, and that doesnt make it a scam in my opinion. I will be back to this page after my experience on July.
ReplyDeleteI have been in this business since childhood and now own a successful kid's management company in Los Angeles. I can assure you that none of the "training" that TAY provides will be adequate to compete on a professional level in either NY or CA, the two states with the most film/TV work. I don't have a list of the "industry guests" that they promise will be there scouting talent, but my guess would be that they are accepting money to attend and are not respected agents or managers in the industry. So many parents do their research on the Internet and get all of the showbiz advice necessary for free, just by visiting the rights sites and asking good questions. You don't need to give thousands of dollars to TAY, waste hundreds of dollars on headshots that are NOT professional or useable, and get advice that most professionals will offer for free. If you do your homework, you will get all of the answers you need.
ReplyDeleteThe Event are in Canberra in Australia ..be warned they are misleading and a real scam
ReplyDeleteYes, Canberrans watch out - Some extra info here from local Canberra drama school: http://www.cada.net.au/Scams.html
ReplyDelete'The Event' are just SCAMMERS of the worst type!I hope the families in Canberra wised up to 'The Event' scam and told them where to go!
ReplyDeleteSee the following links and there are hundreads of more of these to be found on the internet:
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110803031604AAfE8a0
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/get-answers/question/14924-was-disneythe-event-auditions-at-wyndham-grand-scam-or-not/
http://www.actorsinfobooth.com/blog/763-is-it-a-scam
I live in Cape Town, South Africa and took my daughter to an "audition" with 'The EVENT' yesterday afternoon at the Western Grand Hotel in Cape Town. It did seem too good to be true and when they told us we had to pay money by Monday if my daughter was chosen, I was taken aback as all was very rushed. Who suggests I even email them tomorrow? I am very disappointed for my 12 year old daughter as she was so excited when they told her she "had the look" they were after. Then I started searching the internet last night.....So I would love to hear from the person who wrote in June and then was going to give an update in July.....
ReplyDeleteYou will be pleased to know that this has been reported to the Cape Times - many people here have fallen for it. Can you please phone the Cape Times and contact the news department and let them know your story as this is very worrying indeed.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have had more than my share of "scams" and now I go directly to the name of the company/product and put it in the with the addition of the word complaints. I can say this, the speech given by the event leader, whatever he was, was worth the few hours it took for my daughter to audition. He spoke of the need to smile, be animated, and be dedicated to the pursuit of this highly demanding career. She actually gets over more and more of her shyness each time I go to one of these marketing scam auditions. She actually listened to the speaker more than she has ever listened to me; and I was a professional actress for 18 years. I liked the way he emphasized education and not wanting to even see anyone with below a C average in school. He emphasized the need to get involved in hobbies and to take singing lessons and dance lessons and to work at your craft. All of these comments were worth the couple of hours invested. I knew from the beginning we would not be back even if called because I never paid any talent agent up front. They got their commission when I got paid for the job. As a SAG and AFTRA union member something was fishy and I am glad I took the time to look up whether this was worth the expense. You can make up your own mind but all of my professional career it was clear that paying for modeling or acting lessons, when experience is the best teacher, is a waste of money. If you simply look at it as a fun yet expensive party for you and your child, well perhaps you got your moneys worth. I can tell you one thing if your child has "IT" as they say, they will rise to the top locally, and with that experience under their belt, you may be wise to use the money to move to where the action is; Los Angeles, New York or even Chicago and sign with a reputable talent agency. Just a word to the wise. Yet, as my father always said, "Don't give advise, a wise man doesn't need it, and a fool will never heed it." ANNON
ReplyDeleteGlad I saw this. I heard about "The Event" and sent the text. They have called 3 times in 4 days -- "Tay-chelle" has left me several voice messages. I figured those spaces must not be "so limited" if they keep bothering to call so I can "reserve my spot."
ReplyDeleteWe heard about audition on the radio for the first 200 callers, so wr set up an appointment for my daughter to audition. It was very wierd but I did it for her.First there was way more than 200 kids thete and we sat there for 3 hours. At the end they said only a handful of kids would make it, or have a chance to go to The Event. I was told to email them two days later, if i didnt email them we would lose our chance, well i didnt email them, and they still called me and said she made it, its a scam, dont believe them save your money parents.
ReplyDeleteTHE (or also known as "The Event") came to Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, IL yesterday 10/16/2011 to do auditions. My 12 yr old called in response to radio add about being first 200 callers. So, we ended up there last night for 3 hours listening to spiel and doing a 30 second audition. Looks like a REAL scam. They want us to email them tomorrow at noon to see if she made the cut. Will be interesting to see what they say. They indicated they want thousands of dollars if you are picked, to go to "THE Event" in orlando July 2012 at Disney Swan resort. I am so glad i got the info on scam before i got sucked in. DON'T DO IT!
ReplyDelete"The Event" came to Boston Ma too. It didn't seem like any other i have been to so i wasn't sure whether or not it was a scam i still have not gotten the money together to pay in March. Now i am kind of glad i didn't. It seemed real because they video taped each one of us doing a little commercial that they had us look over while they did a presentation. The next day we were to get a call and if we did then we would have to go back to the hotel and talk to the guy. then come up with the money by march and go to Fl for another thing but this one was to be in front of a bunch of managers and directors and all that. It didn't really seem like a scam until i saw the packages of money that would have to be spent. and i have to pay for me own flight to Fl.
DeleteThey were here in Singapore too.
ReplyDeleteWe called, they called back and gave us an appointment. Yadayadayada. We went, they did their stuff.
A number of things didn't look right. I sensed that they had a mean streak. If the kids didn't answer a question exactly the way they wanted they would get loud, almost mean.
At the video audition, the ambient noise was so loud their is no way they could have heard what the kids were saying.
Got home and did some research and there are lot's of sites that link the people involved with 'The Event' to a company called Act and PMAA. Those aren't good ties.
Two lady's did their presentations. One named Yen and the other Monique. The Lady named Yen is the same person named Lindy Kwok in the Inside Edition investigative report.
http://www.insideedition.com/news/4074/inside-editions-hidden-camera-investigation-into-a-child-acting-school.aspx.
Why would you need to change your name?
I haven't been able to find any info on Monique.
Even if "The Event" does happen, I'm not going to allow my kids to be near these people.
I've done TV and Print ads in my younger days. I never had to pay a cent. The Agents booked me for a job and I got paid.
So for those of you who have paid them and are going for "The Event" I hope you get some value out of it.
wow, I am so glad I saw this. My son has ben talkong about wanting to be an actor for a while & I heard about the audition on the radio & thought it was a good opportunity & he was excited about it so I took him this evening @ a hotel in Tampa, FL. It did seem really fishy & extremely over priced. Exactly what several of you have described. I am thrown back that Disney is not afiliated with this at all & they used it to pul people in. Well, I am supposed to send and email & get a call on monday. I'm gonna tel them to forget it. I just hope & pray that what I signed tonight was just a video release & not some type of contract where I owe them money. I didn't give any credit card info thank God! Unbelievable! I can't believe there are such crooks in the world like this to put on huge productions to lure kids in & take our hard earned money! Someone ned to put a stop to this!
ReplyDeleteOk... I know first hand that it was a scam cuz im 12 and i went there when they were in Missouri when I was 11, and i wanted my mom to pay the money( which was like 4,000 dollars!) but she said that if god thought it was meant to be i would get the money but if not, then i wouldnt... then a couple weeks after the auditiojn, my mom found out it was a scam and then i was happy i didnt pay the money... so.... yeah... it sucked!!!!
ReplyDeleteI Just Heard That On The Radio Today! So I Wrote Down The Number, And Then I Decided To Look It Up First. Thank Goodness I Did!
ReplyDeleteHouston, TX November 2011
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I heard the radio invite to be one of the first 200 callers. I heard the same commercial two days later.
Representatives called me three different times before the auditons to set up an appointment...I immediatley felt a little uneasy that a business wouldn't have some type of system in place for documenting callbacks.
Eveything was rush, rush when we arrived. I was told to provide two numbers in an email the next day and that there was not time to explain this information again to another parent so who ever attened the presenation needed to answer the phone.
We were given the 2nd audioning this morning, but after doing all the research, its not worth the risks.
http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8350758#comments
And who wants to work with a company/organization that treats parents like this anyway.
WE JUST ATTENDED THE EVENT AUDITIONS AT THE HYATT IN BOSTON ON DECEMBER 17, 2011. THIS IS SET UP MORE LIKE A PAGEANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE (TRUST ME, I KNOW, MY DAUGHTER HAS DONE PAGEANTS!). I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF HAVING TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DEPENDING ON HOW MANY TIMES YOU WANT TO "BE SEEN" ON STAGE. FURTHERMORE, IF YOU READ THE BOOKLET THEY GIVE YOU, YOU PAY MORE FOR THINGS LIKE SINGING WITH MUSIC VERSUS SINGING ACAPELLA AND SINGING FOR TWO MINUTES VERSUS SINGING FOR ONE MINUTE. ALL THIS TELLS ME IS THAT ONLY THE CHILDREN OF WEALTHY FAMILIES CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS-HOWS THAT FOR DISCRIMINATION!! PLEASE DON'T THINK I'M BEING BITTER-MY DAUGHTER ACTUALLY GOT "CHOSEN". THERE IS NO WAY WE ARE DOING IT!! YOUTUBE IS FREE!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY HOLIDAYS, GOD BLESS, AND BE THANKFUL WE ARE TOO WISE TO FALL FOR GIVING UP ARE HARD EARNED MONEY SO EASILY!
The Event landed in Toronto at the Hyatt and my son was lucky enough to get an invite. Spent the day with all of the other lucky kids. Paid for parking and dinner. I was ticked that I was down $80 for that - but it sounds like it could have been more expensive if I didnt act on my gut feel that this was too bizarre to be legitimate. The whole thing was crazy but I just know that good people are going to shell out money to bad people. We're supposed to email to attend@july2012theevent.com and be ready to fork over our money on Monday (two days from first appearance) My guess is we'll hear from them even if we don't send an email. There is a name on the piece of paper, the name is MIMI and she's a scout. HAHA, I guess she couldnt use her real name because she's not a real scout.
ReplyDeleteWe just went to the event auditions yesterday here in Honolulu, Hawaii. It really did sound to good to be true. I'm suppose to email on Monday, but now I'm having a lot of second thoughts. Yen did say my daughter was adorable and made it sound like my daughter would get chosen. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.
ReplyDeleteWent to the Atlanta auditions yesterday. They definitely made it sound like my daughter was going to be chosen. The scout even told me to email Sunday evening rather than Monday to make sure my contact info didn't get lost in the shuffle. After reading the comments here, I think we'll just give it a pass.
ReplyDeleteI know someone that signed a contract with
ReplyDeleteThe Event here in Dallas this month, Feb 2012 and paid $ 2845. Program fee of $ 950, Registratin fee of $1000.00 and family Pass of $895. You are solely responsible to arrange and purchase all necessary transportation, air and ground, to and from Orland Fl. you are also responsible to arrange and purchse all necessary hotel acommodations.
The contract also reads that you understand Disney Park tickets are not included in the Talent Level of Participation Package or the Family Pass.
This person signed the contract on Feb. 13 but did not get a copy of it that night. The contract was mailed and received on Feb. 25,2012. The cancellation must be made by registered or certified mail within 3 days.
Hope this information helps anyone trying to made a decision.
This people will not stop. They are now in Canada. They’ve been in Edmonton last weekend. Please Google all the information that you can find before give them money and sign a contract. I contacted a real talent agency. They told me that never money have been asked upfront - they work on commission when you sign a real contract.
ReplyDeleteWe actually signed up and I don't feel bad one bit. The advertising for the initial "The Event" WAS misleading, but we actually enjoyed the process. Once you read their brochure - it's obvious it's more like a family vacation / acting camp for kids. You pay a lot of money, yes, but my husband and I haven't taken a vacation in like 5 years, so we thought - you know - you only live once. And there ARE real agents that are there observing the kids in attendance. We are realistic that nothing will probably come out of it, but you know - it's all luck anyway - so who knows? I don't say this flippantly like we have a lot of money to burn - we don't. But once you pay for a package, you don't necessarily HAVE to stay at the resort it's being held at. There are plenty of cheaper hotels near Disney and a regular vacation at a Bucks-up Disney resort is BIG money. We spent over $5K on a trip to Disney... 5 years ago! Probably why we haven't taken once since. As long as you have real expectations and know what you're getting into, why not do it (if you can afford it)? I think most people make negative comments (justifiably) due to the "unique" advertising and dropping the Disney name. Then they get doubly ticked about paying. But there ARE people who have actually gone to THE EVENT once invited and LOVED it. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteLook, you are more than welcome to pay for the "camp" and I'm sure your child will have fun. As a talent manager in Los Angeles, I can tell you that the first thing I do when I sign a new client who has attended one of these conventions is to remove it from their resume. I can also tell you that no reputable managers or agents are attending The Event, so if you are paying all of that money because you think it will expose your child to industry professionals, you are mistaken. If you think that your child will receive anything resembling useful acting training, you are incorrect. If you think that winning any of the "awards" that they give out at the convention mean anything in show business, you are incorrect. So, again, if you are looking for a fun and expensive camp experience for your child, then I'm sure you'll be happy. If you are looking to learn about show business and get some quality advice and training, The Event, iPop, IMTA, and AMTC are all a waste of your money.
DeleteI realize that being a talent manager yourself you know a lot about the industry, but we went into it with our eyes open. All I'm saying is for the people who signed up for it - quit beating yourselves up. No experience is bad experience. The kids DO get to perform. Maybe our child will learn she DOESN'T want to really act! Like I said - we DID decide BEFORE we purchased anything that it would be a vacation plain and simple. I think it's great you have a blog giving talent hopefuls advice. I truly believe if THE Event would just advertise up front exactly what they are - they would be held more legit and actually still turn a profit. I'm still looking very much forward to it! And the awards are not a waste to the kids who earn them. It may not be resume material, but it certainly shows that someone thought they were really good and I can see that building their self confidence for the real world.
DeleteMany thanks Julie, from a midwest mom of a beautiful 16 year old daughter, who was speaking to Shaun from "The Event" scheduled in Columbus, Ohio on March 3rd, at the same time you were posting your reply. We will be utilizing more reputable avenues towards her success in a modeling/acting career.
ReplyDeleteWhat a SHAME they use Disney as their "Hook" - Disney is in no way affiliated with this company-Disney does OPEN CASTING calls and those casting calls are published in newspapers in the areas they are held or in trade industry periodicals. ANy company can book a convention room at a Disney Hotel - like they are doing in July....but that does not make it a Disney affiliated/sponsored business.
ReplyDeleteThey are in NYC now and already got a few single mothers to sign the contract... Its so sad to see this happen but what can you do??? Ohh i guess make your own fake company and see the money pile in. Think about it the lowest package is 3,000 because remember the parent has to pay too. We all know they get at least 100 fools to sign = $300,000.00 i want some of that! Anyone want to be a child dance instructor or acting instructor i have several positions open!
ReplyDelete