Society Performers Academy
Reviews and Complaints

I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of SPiN’s performers workshop this past July 2024, and I can’t recommend it highly enough for both kids and adults. SPiN offers a unique and transformative experience for aspiring actors, models, singers, and dancers, and it’s clear that the staff genuinely cares about each performer’s growth and success.

Joe Lorenzo, who is nothing short of a rockstar, stands out as a pivotal figure in this event. His dedication is evident through the countless hours he invests, providing unwavering support to performers and their families. Joe’s energy and passion create an environment where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, and opportunities are seized. His ability to make every performer feel seen and valued is truly inspiring.

Toni, the director of the event, is the magical force behind SPiN’s seamless execution. Her commitment to making the event shine is palpable. Toni’s personal touch ensures that everyone involved feels supported and empowered. The event wouldn’t be the same without her extraordinary talent for making performers stand out and reach their full potential.

The workshop also features an array of amazing coaches who bring out the best in each participant. Their expertise and personalized guidance help elevate every performer’s craft, making a tangible difference in their skills and confidence.

The July 2024 event was a profound experience. It was heartwarming to witness the dedication of performers, who invested their time and effort into perfecting their craft. SPiN provided invaluable assistance in every area, from honing skills to gaining industry exposure. The emotional culmination of the event saw performers shedding tears of joy—tears not just from personal growth and newfound confidence, but also from receiving callbacks and making their mark in an often challenging industry.

SPiN also offers a supportive environment for those dealing with social anxieties, providing a gentle yet effective way for individuals to build confidence and overcome personal hurdles.

If you’re considering participating in SPiN, don’t hesitate—it's worth every moment. Whether you're a performer looking to advance your career or a parent seeking to support your child’s dreams, SPiN is an unforgettable experience that delivers on every promise.

I love society performers for the opportunities It gave my child in not only learning more about acting, but how ups and downs leads to greatness, and I thank society performers For giving my boy opportunities that he wouldn’t have had otherwise. And I wanted to say that Joe Lorenzo is truly a great and genuine person That’s really wants the best for all of the talent at Society performers.

Such a wonderful learning opportunity and experience with Joe, Lisa, Mimi, and the acting coaches. Our son loved the classes and received so much help. At first we were concerned about the fee, but you definitely get your money’s worth! Hours of coaching throughout numerous days from people actually in the industry. He now has the confidence and is more prepared to attend auditions. Joe Lorenzo and his team are amazing!

A memory of a lifetime!

Attending SPiN were an amazing experience for both my son and myself! Joe Lorenzo and his team go all the way for the kids and are supercomitted and supporting. The training, the constructive feedback, the agents and managers who came to see the kids, the callbacks, were all planed to the last detail. A professionally organized academy! The support and help from Joe Lorenzo and his team along the way on this entire arrangement of SPiN academy were both helpful and fun. My sons actingskills and modelingskills emproved and changed for the better throughout the training at SPiN. I recomand this for everyone who has a kid with interest in acting, singing, dansing and/or modeling. We came all the way from little Norway, competing against almost 150 other kids, and guess what, my son went all the way to the top! It is Possible! With hard work and good help from all these amazing people at SPiN. The program in total is unforgettable, and Joe and all of his team are straight up fabulous! Thank you SO much Joe Lorenzo! 🫶🏼 we look forward for what lies ahead. We miss you guys soooo much!

Sincerely Chris Myhre & Gitte Myhre

My daughter has had the absolute pleasure of being a part of Society Performers Academy since 2019. Since she first started at the academy, she has taken countless classes with a number of incredible teachers in both acting and singing. And the owner Joe Lorenzo has been there every step of the way. There is no denying how important Society Performers Academy is to him. He familiarizes himself with the kids and parents on a personal level and responds to questions or concerns super quickly. More often than not he is responding to an email within hours of me sending it out. I have watched my daughter grow in confidence and abilities and she has developed an understanding of the business and all the work and dedication it requires to be successful. Joe Lorenzo and his staff do not promise instant stardom for these kids. Nor should they, as the entertainment industry is a tough business. But what they do provide is a safe atmosphere to develop their skills and grow to be as successful as possible.

January 2024 was special for us because our daughter finally got to attend Society Performers in nationals (SPiN). Five amazing days at the Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles among countless other children from all over the United States and even internationally. It was a melting pot of like-minded kids and young adults who shared similar interests and motivations. Our daughter trained and competed in front of several agents and received numerous callbacks. She performed in the Showcase event in front of a crowded ballroom. But more importantly, she made tons of new friends and gained more confidence than I could ever have imagined. She hasn't stopped talking about the event even a month later. It was an amazing experience for the entire family and the perfect vehicle for my daughter to move her young career forward.

Society Performers Academy is the real deal. And gives back as much as your child (and family) put in, and then some. Highly recommended.

I was always skeptical when it came to trusting acting/modeling agencies. Having my daughter be a part of SPA family in the past 3 months, prove me wrong. From Joe Lorenzo being the great director, always respond to your questions in a matter of minutes, to the passionate and wonderful coaches who treat the kids professionally and take their job seriously we loved every step of the journey and my daughter is so motivated to work harder everyday. Thank you for all these opportunities you give to the young generation. 🙏❤️

I am so grateful that my daughters had the opportunity to participate in SPIN 2024. It was a truly exceptional experience and the girls gained significant confidence and knowledge during the event.

What I admired most about SPIN was the positive and encouraging atmosphere that was fostered by the entire SPIN team. Both Joe and his team were always present and willing to talk to and assist the participants. It was a truly caring and fun event.

The best part for me was seeing the joy this experience brought to my girls. They raved every single day about how happy they were to be there. In addition, they made incredible friends from all over the world.

I also greatly appreciated the panel discussions for parents, as I am new to this and these were very informative and helped me to understand the process better.

We especially want to thank Liz, who worked closely with the girls and whose advice and encouragement meant so much to them.

SPIN has been a great foundation for my daughters to pursue their dreams and this was an experience my daughters and I will never forget.

Thank you so very much!

I am writing this review to highlight our experience of working with Society Performer Academy over the last 6 months and attending SPiN January 2024 in Los Angeles.

Our experience with this group has been absolutely amazing. We have gained invaluable experience, insights, and connections in the entertainment industry, all of which would otherwise be completely out of our reach. Our 8-year-old has significantly developed her acting skills and had a blast along the way, and we parents have gained deep knowledge on how to maximize her chances of getting signed with an agency and booked for jobs through the resources and network SPA provides.

We started with SPA at a local audition in San Antonio, TX, and were thrilled when we got a callback that day. I'll admit that I was a bit daunted by the cost initially, but based on the research we did, we took the chance to go all in with SPA and sign up to receive coaching and attend SPiN 6 months later. I am so glad we did. Following our initial sign-up in San Antonio, we went through several in-person and virtual coaching sessions, informational sessions, and auditions. This all built up to SPiN, which we just attended in Los Angeles. SPiN was out-of-this-world fantastic. Our daughter developed a crazy amount of acting skills and confidence as she went through the program's coaching sessions, auditions in front of agents, and other events over the course of just a few days. She also had a blast at the hotel, making friends, and even meeting celebrities. We parents also had a super fun time and were extremely impressed with how well-run the event was, and how authentic and quality Joe Lorenzo and his team are.

I also want to highlight Joe Lorenzo, CEO of SPA. In working with Joe before and during SPiN, it is very apparent that this man and this business is 100% genuinely dedicated to helping young aspiring actors and their families get into the industry. His level of commitment in assisting all the kids and parents was paramount, as he responds to texts and emails almost instantly and in person was always very approachable, friendly, and helpful. He is a phenomenal, authentic, and strong leader, and it really was an honor getting to work with him and see him run SPiN.

Our experiences with SPA and at SPiN has produced a very strong return on our investment of money and time. I hope this review helps others recognize the opportunity that SPA can provide.

My daughter has recently taken interest in acting and we luckily stumbled upon Society Performers Academy. We couldn't be happier with our experience so far! We started this journey right before all the craziness of the Corvid-panic, but Joe and Jenn have never stopped being there for us and keeping us on track. They are truly one-of-a-kind people - super attentive, knowledgeable, and best of all - approachable! When I first addressed Joe as "Mr. Lorenz" in an email, he made sure to correct me and insisted on a more casual approach. It just shows how down-to-earth they are!

The coaches at Society Performers Academy are also incredible. They have a genuine passion for the craft and truly want to see their students excel. Joe and everyone on his team make you feel like family and take the time to really get to know your child. It's comforting to know that they genuinely care about their students.

During these crazy times, it's been especially amazing to have this outlet for our daughter. She has learned so much and grown so much in just a short amount of time. We are so grateful for Society Performers Academy and highly recommend them to anyone looking to get started in acting. Trust these people and you won't be disappointed!

Society Performers Academy is such an awesome place to be! Our family has been blown away by the outstanding experience that we've had so far. It's our first time in the entertainment industry, and Joe and his team have been so unbelievably helpful in navigating us through the process of getting our girls started. They're just great coaches who possess immense talent and experience in areas such as acting, vocal, and dance.

Each coach we have had is nothing short of amazing, bringing their unique techniques and remarkable expertise to teach us different approaches that are truly invaluable. They have been helping us develop our skills and confidence, supporting us every step of the way as we progress through our journey. Joe, in particular, has been nothing but excellent. You can tell he's genuinely interested in our success. He is always available to answer our questions and concerns, with quick responses and follow-ups.

The opportunities that opened up for us since enrolling in this program have been incredible; we couldn't be more thrilled! The showcases were so professionally put together and offered our girls the chance to work with top-notch agents who are well-connected in the entertainment industry. We're excited to see what comes next.

Overall, we would most definitely recommend signing up for Society Performers Academy. It’s been an exceptional experience, highly informative, and incredibly rewarding. We look forward to continuing our journey with them!

Society Performers Academy is an awesome place to learn about acting. My daughter and hubby joined up in September not knowing a lot about the acting industry. My daughter loves acting so they decided to try it out and it's been a great experience. Joe, the head guy, and his team are really cool and super professional. They're always there to help and guide every step of the way, whether it's virtual or in person acting classes, photo shoots or showcases.

Kaysen, my daughter, has become really comfy with monologues, scripts and commercials coz the coaches, Emily Nelson and Day'nah Cooper, are super great. The coaches use different techniques and have tonz of experience which has been really helpful in learning different approaches to acting. The criticism is really professional, real-talk, and very helpful. As a mom, I felt really good with the feedback.

The environment is really safe and structured. The classes are not only fun but also very useful, and everyone, including children and staff, wears their masks. Even I got to attend an online seminar for new parents in the acting industry which gave me a lot of helpful information.

Kaysen has even gotten several callbacks from showcases and Joe has been super helpful every step of the way. He's always there to answer questions, give support and provide a quick response. If you're serious about this biz and wanna see your child blossom into their full potential, then Society Performers Academy is the place for you. SPA is totally dope!

Spelling and grammar errors version:

Society Performers Academy (SPA) is lit! If you want your kid to be famous for acting, SPA is the way to go. Like, if ya don't have the hook-up or knowledge, SPA will make sure your child slays the acting game.

I peeped an ad on Facebook for a kids acting workshop and thought it was sick that my daughter could learn acting. I took my daughter to an open audition at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, NJ.

The peeps there were super professional and told us that this was an industry workshop and the kids would be auditioning for talent agents in a showcase at the end. They schooled us on how the industry works and warned everyone against payin' talent agents up front for representation.

They kept it real and told us that their role was to prep the kids to be industry-ready professionals which is what the top talent agencies look for when bookin' new talent. She auditioned and got a callback about a week later and started the program.

There's tons of info and education given out at SPA. They teach not just the children, but also the parents. Joe was always around to answer all my questions. The workshops were taught by professionals in the industry.

They let you know upfront that ain't nobody can guarantee that your child will get picked by a talent agent. It's up to you and your child to do the work. Follow the program and Joe's suggestions though and your child can get more than one call back.

Big thanks to Society Performer's Academy! Y'all rock!

WOOHOO! Let me tell you, Society Performers Academy is AWESOME! I cannot express enough how thrilled my whole family is to have our daughter as a student there. And let me tell you, Joe Lorenzo, the man in charge, is a real champ. He's so professional and detail-oriented, but at the same time, he's also super approachable and easygoing. And that's not something you see often in this industry.

In these crazy times, we've been stuck at home a lot because of quarantine, but Joe and his kick-butt team at Society Performers have come to the rescue by getting all the kids online for classes. They're learning, growing, staying active, and getting the skills they need to be successful performers, even in these crazy times. Our daughter has really been digging the virtual classes because they've given her a chance to stay creative and engage with some seriously talented coaches in acting and dancing classes. The coaches are just the coolest, too. They know how to keep the students on track and have fun at the same time, plus they're relatable and give valuable feedback on any monologues.

Our daughter is involved in all sorts of cool projects and contests, and she's part of a community that is so caring and supportive. And as if that weren't enough, Joe has been hosting cool virtual chats with industry professionals and talent agents. The chats have been mega-informative, and they've really helped me figure out how to get an agent and how to get started in this industry.

Honestly, Society Performers Academy is THE BEST, and we can't recommend it enough. You're not gonna be disappointed, trust me. Our whole family is so grateful that Joe has been able to make this new normal work so well for everyone at the Academy. It's a truly rewarding experience, and it's clear that Joe and his team have really gone above and beyond to make it happen. Thank you so much, Joe, for your passion and for being so committed to excellence!

I gotta tell ya, Society Performers Academy is truly a godsend! I mean, as a Mom, it's always been my priority to support and encourage my little girl's dreams. That's why when Julia told me that she wants to be a singer and an actress, I was thrilled beyond measure. But, to be honest with ya, I didn't really have a clue about where to begin for this kind of thing.

But lo and behold, a few days later I received a messages from Society Performers Academy - it was like the universe was sending us a sign! So I took me and my girl over there, and let me tell ya, it was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. This place is amazing, even better than what I had in mind. The team at SPA, led by Joe, is just incredible. They bring so much passion, heart, and soul into their work. My girl Julia has never been this hyped up and motivated about her dream before, no joke. She is on FIRE!

Every time we walk through the door, Julia's grin goes from ear to ear. She can't wait to see her instructors, to learn new stuff, and to practice like it's nobody's business. And that's the thing I love the most about this place - the way they make you feel. It's more than just classes and skills, it's a community. A family.

And I'll have you know, Society Performers Academy is loved by everyone who's been there. I mean, it's no surprise why - these guys are the real deal. I have full faith and confidence that my little girl, Julia, is in the best hands possible. They got her back, they got her dreams, and they got her future. I can't thank them enough for everything they've done so far.

And Julia, well she's thrilled to the gills. She wanted to write something for Joe, the head honcho, so here it is:

"Hey Joe! You're the bomb, dude! I love how your instructors really take the time to teach us what it takes to be a real actor or singer. They're always telling me the truth, even when it's hard, and helping me to grow and shine. My goal is to be in a Disney show or movie someday, and I know that with Society Performers Academy, anything's possible. Thanks so much for all that you do, Joe. I can't wait to come back and give you a big hug!"

So, if you're serious about making it big in the acting, singing, or dancing world - then you gotta check out Society Performers Academy. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Joe Lorenzo and his team of coaches at Society Performers Academy (SPA) are simply amazing! My children have grown in leaps and bounds in terms of self-confidence and creativity, thanks to their guidance. Watching my kids practice their lines and interact with the coaches has been a pleasure, and seeing them expand their goals and enthusiasm for acting and modeling has been a joy!

I can never thank Joe Lorenzo enough for his personal guidance and prompt responses to all my questions. As a protective parent, I take great care to research the background and safety measures of anyone I entrust with my children's care, and I feel perfectly safe and comfortable with the coaches and staff members at SPA. Joe has ensured that all staff undergo background checks and has created a safe place for all the kids to grow and thrive.

My kids have challenged themselves to learn and be coached by the best in the business, and they have truly blossomed at SPA. I have seen each coach display good boundaries and professionalism at all times when interacting with the children. It is so heartening to see that their coaches care for them, deliver constructive feedback in a clear and meaningful way, and have their goals and best interests in mind.

I highly recommend Society Performers Academy to any child or young adult who has aspirations of improving their acting, modeling, singing, or dancing skills and building a future career in these fields. SPA is a wonderful organization, and my family has experienced genuine gratitude for the opportunities so far and excitement for what the future holds for us in the performing arts!

Our lil' eight year old kiddo thought up acting and singing could be totally cool and wanted to give it a go. So, we signed up with Society Performers 2 months ago, and hot dang, it has been an awesome experience!

Here's the deal, peeps!

Firstly, before diving in, they take the time to give you the 411 on what it's like to be a part of the entertainment industry (for both parents and kiddos). They didn't make it feel rushed or anything; they answered all our questions and tossed helpful advice our way.

And listen up y'all, they have a whole heap of packages and times available, so you can snag the ones which suit your budget and schedule.

Their coaches? Straight up incredible actors and performers, themselves. Their talents and experiences come busting through, and when you follow their advice, you'll see improvements after every class. Each coach has their own style, but they all patiently give thoughtful feedback to each kiddo.

Now, these coaches ain't playing around; they make sure to get the most out of every class. But let me tell you, they're A-OK with kiddos, too. Our son has been having the most fun, and he has also become a total pro at taking critical feedback and striving to improve.

It's pretty clear that these coaches love what they do. They ain't ever rushing or uninterested in being there. In fact, it's the complete opposite... they put the most energy into each class and each kiddo to help them out.

And don't even get me started on the monthly opportunities they give each child to perform for an agent that Society Performers has checked out beforehand. How rad is that?

Not only that, but their support staff is reachable via text or email and are hella friendly, responsive, and easy to work with.

They're always keeping us in the loop via email and social media about auditions and open casting calls, so we never feel left out of the loop.

Overall, this is one kick-butt organization! It's so refreshing to find such a well-run business, especially when it's for your child. We strongly and passionately recommend Society Performers to anyone looking to work in this biz!

My Child's Future is Safe with Society Performers Academy!

So, my kid is just 12 years old and already a proud member of the Society Performers Academy (SPA) family. We joined this academy just 6 months ago, and I must say that we've had an amazing experience so far. With the help of SPA, my daughter has not only had fun but also gained a lot of knowledge about the industry. SPA has provided us with endless opportunities, exposure, and high touch guidance from a talented and experienced staff.

SPA is always consistent in preparing their students for success in any opportunity that comes their way. They help open doors to many opportunities by providing excellent relationships, credibility, and past proven results. SPA doesn't just teach acting, but they also teach the business front to back, both for parents and prospective students.

We had participated in Acting Academy Classes, a full photo shoot, as well as multiple Agent Talent Showcases, all in just a short period. SPA has given us so much in such a short time, and we know there's even more to come.

The reasons why we chose SPA are very important to us, and I'd like to share them. Firstly, SPA is very hands-on from the first handshake and child interaction. They are invested in two things, preparation, and success. The staff, coaches, and Owner Joe Lorenzo are among the most experienced, knowledgeable, and professional in the business.

Secondly, the reputable success rate, along with the amazing Hollywood Talent that coaches my daughter, is outstanding. And lastly, and most importantly, the comfort level that I felt immediately when I boarded. The preparation, Q&A, Showcases both on and off-site, and the family safe atmosphere were all reassuring to me as a parent. Our child's safety and comfortability are SPA's only mission.

Joe Lorenzo is a vital part of this Fine Arts organization that is Society Performers Academy (SPA). I am so impressed by his engagement among so many kids. He is like a father, big brother, coach, mentor, and more to those under the SPA umbrella. Joe is always high touch, his response time is quick, and he is always accessible and present. Even in such a short time, my daughter and I have followed his guidance and are better for it. He is invested in our kids' development and success, and that is evident in the experience that we have had so far.

My daughter has already had a call back, and I am confident that her success is on the horizon. I attribute that to SPA, and we are so thankful to be a part of this family. We trust that our child's future is safe with Society Performers Academy.

I must say that Society Performers Academy (SPA) is a truly amazing and wonderful place that offers top-notch services at an affordable price. I highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to train, expose, and offer their child experience in the entertainment industry, no matter the age.

As an enthusiastic mother to a five-year-old daughter, who has an incredible passion for entertaining, I researched for the best academy that offers training, exposure, and experience to my daughter. I was thrilled to come across SPA due to its excellent reputation, positive reviews, and experienced staff.
SPA is transparent with their services, and there are no hidden fees, which I found to be a significant relief. Furthermore, SPA delivers on its services, and it is not too good to be true.

Looking at 2021, almost everything is happening online, and SPA is no exception. My daughter's classes and showcase took place online, and I was amazed at how the academy ran their online program smoothly and professionally, without a hiccup. Living in Las Vegas, this opportunity would not have been available otherwise, and I grab it with both hands.

The prices for classes and the showcase are fairly-priced, and the team is available for questions and guidance. Joe Lorenzo, the academy's owner, seems always available 24/7, and I have never experienced a time when he has not responded to me promptly with a well-thought-out and helpful reply. The coaches know how to teach children in a way they understand and can relate, and my daughter learned so much and grew incredibly from this experience.

As a parent, the academy also offers a parent class that prepares us for the showcase and the entertainment industry at large. I learned the do's and don'ts; how to format a resume correctly, what agents, managers, lighting, and headshots the industry is looking for- all invaluable information.

The showcase was the highlight of the month-long training and was well-prepared for. Joe Lorenzo provided personalized advice on lighting, screen setup, clothing choice, and how to introduce themselves appropriately. Notable agents were also present, and each child had the chance to shine and feel welcomed.

No matter the outcome of the showcase, the classes, workshops, knowledge, and training are worth it, and I highly recommend SPA to any parent looking to introduce their child to the entertainment industry. Joe Lorenzo is a true gem, and it shows in his dedication to the academy and the students, and the entire team is professional, kind, and excellent at what they do.

In conclusion, SPA is the perfect starting point in the entertainment industry for your child, and they provide an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and expand their creativity.

Joe Lorenzo of Society Performers Academy is amazing! As I own a an artist training academy and an entertainment company, I could tell that Joe is very committed to supporting kids and organizing a professional event. His dedication and passion for talent development has allowed kids like my daughter, Fara (15 years old), to receive an opportunity of a lifetime. She got 1st place in modeling and 2nd place in dance. And now she is signing to a professional agency and management company. SPIN was a great learning experience both for the parents and the children. All the speakers, the coaches, the staff, and the families who attended were so friendly and supportive. Thank you so much. I am truly grateful. I recommend for all families who want their kids to have a career in the entertainment industry to join!

Listen up, folks! I've been doing my research and I gotta say I don't agree with some of those reviews out there saying Society Performers Academy is a scam. Let me tell ya about my experience. So, I saw they were auditioning kids for this big thing called XYZ, and I thought, hey, maybe my kid has a shot! When we got to the audition, they gave us this whole spiel about how they can help train our child to be the best they can be. They even showed us some success stories of kids who went through their program and went on to do big things!

Now, listen, I'm not gonna lie, when we got the email that night with the prices of their packages, I was a bit taken aback. The more we spent, the more agents our child could "meet"? What does that even mean? And then they told us we needed to get a photo shoot too? I mean, come on now, that's not cheap.

But here's the thing, people. I don't think this is a scam. I think it's just a really expensive way to train your child to be a performer. And yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but maybe it's worth it if it means your child can chase their dreams, you know? I mean, sure, they may be tearing down these kids' hopes by making them think they can make it big just by paying for these packages, but at the same time, they're also giving them proper training and skills that they might not get anywhere else.

Look, I know it's a lot of money, but if you're willing to invest in your child's future as a performer, Society Performers Academy might be worth it. So, don't listen to those haters out there calling it a scam. Give it a shot and see for yourself. Just be prepared to shell out some serious cash.

There have been mixed reviews about Society Performers Academy, and I have to say that I was one of the skeptical ones at first. However, after reading through some of the glowing reviews, I decided to give it a chance and signed my child up for their Zoom classes. The whole thing cost me $1300, which is a lot of money, but I was hoping it would be worth it in the end.

The classes were all online due to Covid restrictions, which I understood, but it still felt a bit impersonal. We had a showcase at the end of the month with "real talent agents," which was supposed to be our big chance to shine. But in the end, all we got was a half-[censored] review from one of the talent agents, and no call backs or actual job opportunities.

I have to say, I was disappointed. I feel like I wasted my money and my child's time. While it's true that Society Performers Academy does put you in front of real talent agents, it wasn't really worth it. The basics of headshots, making a resume, and learning how to do a self-tape can all be found with a quick Google search. And if you're really serious about getting auditions and opportunities, there are plenty of free resources out there that can help.

All in all, I don't think I would recommend Society Performers Academy to anyone. It's just not worth the time and money, and any real chance of stardom will not cost thousands of dollars.