Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers

Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers

Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers
4.6(808)

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

Overall Rating4.6 out of 5
See all 808 reviews

About Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers

Barbizon Modeling offers modeling, acting and personal development coaching and classes for teens and preteens. The company also leverages its industry connections to help graduates with representation and placement. Barbizon works to build positive self-confidence in students in all of its programs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Designed to build self-confidence
  • Over 80 years of industry experience
  • More than 200 locations
  • Network of industry pros

Cons

  • Does not accept all applicants
  • Does not guarantee jobs

Bottom Line

Barbizon Modeling offers personal development, modeling and acting courses that focus on self-confidence and life skills. Barbizon has over 80 years of experience and an established network of industry connections.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Longview, TX

My daughter saw them in the mall and filled out a form, and then they reached out to us. They were very pleasant and helpful, and very supportive. Since doing the program, my daug...

Read full review
Verified
Savannah, GA

Barbizon was very well-rounded and very appealing to us. They were looking for a wide range of kids. It wasn't like they were just there to pick out certain kids and move on. They...

Read full review

What is Barbizon Modeling?

Barbizon’s personal development classes help young people develop basic personal skills and self-confidence. Enrollees learn career-building basics such as resume development and interview skills. Voice and dictation, poise and posture, nutrition and exercise and etiquette skills are also part of the curriculum.

Barbizon’s mission is to help young people gain confidence and develop life skills that can be used in any career, not just acting or modeling. Barbizon also teaches its students the art of self-promotion.

Its modeling development curriculum includes:

  • Runway techniques
  • Photo movement
  • Nutrition and exercise
  • Industry information
  • Product and fashion ads
  • Poise and posture
  • Grooming skills
  • Model etiquette
  • Self-confidence training

Barbizon acting courses

Barbizon acting development alumni have appeared on Nickelodeon, FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, Disney, HBO, movies, commercials, local theatres and other productions.

Its acting development curriculum includes:

  • Audition practice
  • On-stage showmanship
  • Voice and diction
  • Industry information
  • Monologues
  • On-camera classes
  • Commercial acting
  • Art of self-promotion
  • Improvisation
  • Self-confidence development

How does Barbizon Modeling work?

Barbizon Modeling has more than 200 locations in the U.S. Parents of teens and preteens interested in Barbizon programs can make an appointment with a talent director in their area. Fill out the form on the website to have a Barbizon representative contact you.

When you meet one-on-one with the talent director, you discuss your child’s goals and find out if Barbizon is the right place to help you and your teen get started. After that, the company conducts a personal interview and evaluation to determine if the applicant has the qualities and dedication Barbizon is looking for.

Once your teen or preteen is accepted to a program, they can attend classes. Instructors include industry professionals with extensive experience in acting and modeling.

Barbizon also holds auditions and talent searches frequently at local Barbizon centers. Contact your local Barbizon to find out how to attend an event. You can also enter contests sponsored by Barbizon, which include prizes such as shopping sprees, photoshoots and college scholarships. Check the Barbizon website for contest details.

Barbizon Modeling cost

Barbizon's tuition cost varies based on the location where you attend and the classes you take. Some Barbizon centers offer scholarships or payment plans. To find out more about Barbizon prices, contact a local talent director to set up an interview.

Barbizon Modeling FAQ

Is Barbizon a scam?

No. Barbizon is a modeling, acting and personal development company that has been in business for more than 80 years, offering training and placement services.

Does Barbizon get you jobs?

Many Barbizon graduates have gone on to acting or modeling careers. The company has industry connections and can help you make your own connections by assisting you with agency or placement services. Taking courses with Barbizon does not guarantee jobs in modeling or acting.

Do you have to pay for Barbizon Modeling?

Barbizon Modeling has tuition costs that you must pay to enroll and take classes.

Does Barbizon accept everyone?

Barbizon does not accept everyone. Applicants must go through a personal interview to determine if they will be accepted to the program.

Does Barbizon Modeling pay you?

Barbizon Modeling does not pay its students.

Where is Barbizon?

Barbizon has more than 200 locations in the U.S.

Is Barbizon worth it?

Barbizon Modeling has over 80 years of experience in the talent industry. The company focuses on building self-confidence for young people while teaching them modeling and acting industry basics and knowledge. Enrollment in a Barbizon program can help students build a foundation for a career in acting or modeling, but the company does not guarantee jobs or representation with a talent agency.

Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers Reviews

Top reviews
  • Top reviews
  • Recent
  • Oldest
  • Most helpful
Any
  • Any

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

2 featured reviews
How do I know I can trust these reviews about Barbizon?
  • 4,308,422 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Verified purchase
Staff

Reviewed Sept. 16, 2023

The girl I got from DHS had low self esteem and didn’t believe in herself. I enrolled her in Barbizon and this little girl is shining. She is unstoppable. She is singing in choir in church and she wants to be in cheerleading now. It was a wonderful experience. She walks around that little model walk everywhere we go. She struts her stuff proudly and she tells everybody about the experience with Barbizon. She’s very, very happy about it, and so is her dad and I. It really pulled her up and gave her what she needed. My husband says Barbizon gave her self-confidence and self-security.

The cost was a little pricey for what we paid for. But the instructors were wonderful and on the roll. I love every one of them, especially Sienna, Janeisha, and Christian. They were the three best out of the whole bunch. They picked our girl up and made her feel special and helped her along the way. She still stays in touch with Si. She carries her along through her days and tells her how great she's doing. It's a big positive thing for her and her life having an adult and someone to kind of look up to in that sense of way.

There were a lot of kids that came and didn't even have lunch. A lot of them just get dropped off by their parents and they can't leave to go anywhere and that's foreseeable. But for those circumstances, Barbizon can have a basket of crackers or something that one of their head people could pull out and give to them. Also, Barbizon could have done a little bit more monitoring of the way some of the girls come in dressed. Every one of them said they were ready to model for Victoria's Secret. But as far as Barbizon handling the kids running out and vaping in their cars or in the bathroom, they were all on top of it. But they need a little bit more. They didn't have their supplies on time. They didn't have all their face creams or makeup palettes. So that was a big ordeal.

Thanks for your vote! Report

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Modeling and Talent Agencies delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thanks for subscribing.

    You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 16, 2023

    Barbizon has been around for so long and it was the one that my son trusted. He did the whole six months of training and he also did Passport to Discovery this summer in Orlando. He loved it and he had a great experience. We were not going with him so I made contact with his chaperones. I felt very comfortable with that. We had to be there to check him in and show our ID and be there to pick him up. And we called a few times before he went. We were always on the webinars because the parents had to be on screen with the child. So, I had quite a bit of interaction with the staff. It makes you feel like your kid is gonna be just fine.

    Barbizon’s reps are not fabulous at calling back though. It takes forever to get a callback. But once they do, they fix everything or do what you need. It wasn't that bad but it was a little off-putting because they should have people that answer the phone instead of making you leave a message all day, every day. Or even have a computer system where they can get in and fix things for you. It would be nice. Leaving a message and them saying they’ll call back in 24 hours is outdated. Also, Barbizon doesn’t have to be that expensive. But my son got good stuff out of it and we appreciate it. I’m very happy with Barbizon and I'd recommend it. My son’s self-confidence is so much higher and he does well with public speaking now. He actually gave me some wardrobe tips. He plays soccer too and he's gotten a little more graceful on the field.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 2, 2023

    My daughter has already been engaged in modeling and acting for some time, and we decided that Barbizon might be a good path when we moved here to Virginia. So far, she has done the initial six-week classes, and she really liked it. She said it made her nervous because she'd never done anything like that. It was all new to her, but she had some fun. Even after the first class, I asked her if she wanted to go again and how it was, and she said, "Good." She was eager to finish up the classes, and now she's super excited about going to do her first competition with them in two weeks.

    Everyone has been really pleasant and professional. They quickly call back or email as well. They've reached out to help us on multiple occasions to get us prepared for the competition and classes. Every call I've ever made to them has been very helpful, even from finding the location where we were supposed to be that week for a class or just general questions.

    Barbizon Modeling is great especially for young ladies who are getting into modeling and acting to get awareness not only for just how to walk a runway, but a lot of self-care as well as to meet others and gain exposure in the industry. Our whole experience has been good, and my daughter enjoyed it. Overall, it's definitely been very beneficial, and we're looking forward to possibly in the future retaking some classes when my daughter feels it's time.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase

    Reviewed April 20, 2023

    I love Barbizon. They have been so amazing with everything. My daughter did the acting and modeling classes. She is getting ready to do the Passport to Discovery. So, she's excited. We're all excited. Setting up the program was really easy. Barbizon made everything pretty easy. The only thing was one of the payments went out a day early. We use a different account when it comes to certain things coming out of the bank account. So, with that, we put everything into another account and they took it out a day early. It wasn't in there. They were like, “Oh, don't worry about it. We'll do it tomorrow.” I was like, “Cool. That's not a problem.” Then we got charged late fees, so I had to call and have that taken off. Other than that, it was okay and that was the only hiccup that we ever had with them.

    The staff was understanding with everything. Even if we weren't able to make a class, they were very quick about setting up our makeup class. Everything went so smoothly. We've had a lot of questions and everybody was so nice about the way they answered it. I'm not so much the girly girl. I had to pick out shoes and clothes and things like this. It was really not my element. I'm the more of the jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. They were really great with just helping me help my daughter. That support has been a fresh breath of air. So, I've really appreciated them. My daughter had her breakdown moments as well, and they've all been there to help her and guide her as well. I really felt like we've taken on more of, not just a team, but a family with Barbizon. It’s been really good.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase

    Reviewed April 5, 2023

    I used to do Barbizon when I was younger. I'm now 60. I looked into it again because my kids are gorgeous. My son wasn't really interested. He's gorgeous with a nice, thin, petite body. My daughter has the smile that lights up a room when she goes in it. So I was like, “Ok. Let me put them in." I put them in without even asking. Then my daughter was like, “Ok, mom. I'm interested.” As she got older, she has other things that she wanna do. The program was fine. It was fine going to the classes for the time that she was in class. She just finished up and got her certificate. The only thing I didn't really care for was all the competitions that you have to go to. They cost so much money. She got picked by two people when we was in Baltimore, but we never heard anything else from them. They reached back out maybe once, and then I kept reaching out, and there was nothing.

    Then now they're calling saying someone wants to audition her for a commercial. It didn't turn out to be an audition for a commercial. It turned out to be something to try to get you interested in going to another competition to spend more money. I was like, “I already spent over $10,000, and it's time for some money to come back. I'm not rich. I work hard for my money, and don't really get a chance to really spend a lot of time with my children.” Now, they're teenagers. Every time, there was a competition, it was always a call about, “Ok. They want her to audition for a commercial,” but it never ended up being that. It always ended up, “Ok, she got an audition from whoever,” and they said, “Oh, somebody wants to audition her.” Then it turns out, “Oh, you wanna go to a competition?” I thought that was a little weird, but other than that, she enjoyed it.

    I talked to one person last week and they were trying to get her to go to a competition. She said she wanted to go, but she works and she's in school. The person was like, “She said she wasn't interested.” First, she said she was, and I guess because she changed her mind, they couldn't get the payment out. So, the person called. It was a little hostile. It was like, “Well, she has a contract.” I was like, “Ok. Her contract was when she started Barbizon. it was almost two years ago. She don't have a contract. She didn't sign anything. And if she did, it doesn't mean anything because I'm supposed to sign it.” The person was like, “Oh, well, she got sent a written consent.” I said, “She doesn't have a contract, first of all.” She was like, “Ok, so why is she not interested?” “Because she goes to school and she's working. She's 19 years old. She has all the things that she wanna do. It wasn't something that she wanted to make a career.”

    She does have other things she wanna do. She's in school. She's really a bookworm, and she's not really worried about how she's gonna pay her way through school because she works and she's really motivated. I work. She has both parents in her life. It's not like she's gonna be struggling. She's gonna be fine, but the person kept saying, “But I paid my way through school with Barbizon.” “Ok. Well, maybe the agent picked you up and you got a chance to make some money. But the people that are picking her up are dragging her on, and she's not feeling it.”

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023

    One time, my daughter was sick and the customer service rep ended up calling me to pick her up. They called back to follow up on how she was doing and told us to call on Monday to register again for another class. They were very kind. My daughter graduated in June this year from Barbizon. She’s still using the makeup thing and she likes wearing high heels. She loves it. She's more herself than before and it looks like Barbizon makes them a little bit grown up. She thinks she's a big lady. My daughter wants to continue and see what is gonna happen. Because when she heard Barbizon from her friend, she wanted that to happen to her, to be somewhere.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2023

    Barbizon had a good price. They gave more information and overall, I liked the people, how they talked, and how they gave the information. My experience was good.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    Staff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2023

    I was a little nervous about the audition at first because it was my first time auditioning in front of principals and I thought I can never get in. But I got accepted into Barbizon and it was amazing and fun because I like meeting new people and making new friends. Also, the more I build up my confidence, the more I get nervous, the more I build up my confidence. They said it was fine that I make a mistake and that it doesn't really have to be perfect. Barbizon made me a new person.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2023

    My daughter liked the classes that she did and her teachers. The price was kinda high, though.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

    As started talking to different companies in-depth and Barbizon would call back periodically, I was very impressed with the professionalism and not obnoxious persistence, and the program. It sounded very straightforward, very focused on personal development with a good subject matter. And I like how they set it up for one long day a month for six months. It's like going to a job. So, my daughter grew a ton going to the classes.

    One of her ambassadors, Jasmine, reached out to her yesterday and asked her if she would like to intern this Saturday for a new class. And she was, "Wow, this is cool." So, she has participated in the Dallas and PPD competitions. Those were both incredibly well-run, professional, and polished. She did well in them and better than she expected to do, and is following up on some things. It has been a tremendous experience for her. Her personal growth has been dramatic. She has come into her own and has been good.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Loading more reviews...

    Barbizon Modeling & Acting Centers Company Information

    Company Name:
    Barbizon
    Year Founded:
    1939
    Address:
    4950 W Kennedy Blvd. Suite 200
    City:
    Tampa Bay
    State/Province:
    FL
    Postal Code:
    33609
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.barbizonmodeling.com