Mode Elle Model & Talent Agency - Belleville, Ontario

Alexa T-C

I joined Mode Elle when I was in 9th grade, this was in 2015 or 2016. My passion was for acting and I was really excited to have found a place that seemed like it could give me what I truly needed to get a head start into the industry. After my first class, I quickly realized this was not at all what I signed up for. The focus was on modeling and they forced adults and us kids to buy and wear heels and wear tight fitting black clothes every class, with every lesson having us go up on the catwalk and be scrutinized by all of our peers and mentors. Frankly it was embarassing. I wasn't there for modeling, I knew I didn't have the skills to model, and as a young, insecure teenager it felt so humiliating to watch as the mentors praised the attractive, skinny girls and completely disregard all the others. Every class was like this, I felt terrible stepping foot into that class every week knowing that I wasn't the favourite, I'd get subpar treatment compared to the others and there was nothing I could do about it. I was a shy kid, and would have never questioned these people and course at the time, but now that it's been almost 10 years I can safely say that Mode Elle has an extremely unprofessional favouritism issue and did anything but help me in the industry.

There was one class, the singular acting class that actually took place, where I actually did feel welcomed and encouraged. I'm sorry to not remember the name of the teacher, but he was a male maybe in his 50s with gray hair. He was so encouraging and helped me with my monologue which I was so scared to perform. He even went out of his way to provide me with external resources I could use for research at home.

Apart from this isolated incident, my time there felt very discouraging. There was even a makeup class that was supposedly to help us learn basic runway makeup skills, yet I was given a pitiful basic makeup kit while the girls who knew how to do makeup brought their own and recieved all the attention. I didn't know what I was doing and nobody gave me any help.

After the course ended, we were given the chance to be represented by Mode Elle for acting for a year. I was so excited! I even got my (overpriced and not representative of me at all) headshots done by them. A few months passed, and nothing. Some more months, still nothing. I'd heard from another of my Mode Elle peers that she'd recieved plenty of auditions. We were the same age, same ethnicity, had the same hair colour. How come she got auditions and I didn't? The year passed and my agency representation was revoked without anything to show for it. It's funny, because I had encountered Audra Anderson at my workplace a couple years after completing my course. I recognized her and was very friendly checking her out at the cash, and was shocked when she was extremely rude, fussy, and impatient. I wonder if she had recognized me at all.

All in all, I do recognize that my experience was almost a decade ago. Things might have changed, I wouldn't know. All I know is that the supposed support and opportunities Mode Elle promises to aspiring models and actors is completely dependant on favouritism. I watched my class' peers get opportunities both within Mode Elle and externally that I desperately wanted while I tried so hard to get on their good side and show my dedication and passion to no avail. This won't be everybody's experience, but I wanted to share mine as I've been thinking a lot recently about how this company made me lose my passion for acting for a long time, only recently gaining it back (and guess what, I've gotten more opportunities finding work and auditions independantly than I ever did with Mode Elle!).

To anyone considering enrolling: do so at your own risk. Understand that choices will be made for you that you may not have any control over. Don't beat yourself up over it. You are able to make it in this industry with perserverance and determination. Mode Elle will not and should not be your end all be all.

Raychel Woolacott

I first started with Mode Elle in 2013 when I participated in one of their classes. It was one of the best experiences I've had and I am so happy that I found Mode Elle! They built my confidence as well as taught me all of the necessary training to begin to pursue a career I have always wanted - modelling! After taking a break I am finally active with Mode Elle again. I met with Audra and her amazing team and just after a couple months, Audra has given me the opportunity to participate in a photoshoot to build my portfolio and is now promoting me internationally! She is a wonderful agent and the rest of her staff are just one of the reasons why you should choose Mode Elle to represent you. They treat you just like family. I can't wait to see what my future holds with Mode Elle!

Kim Weedman

We have been with Mode Elle since 2011. From the first time I met Audra and her staff everyone was friendly. We received all the information we needed to get started in the modelling/acting industry.
Audra is a genuinely sweet lady with great integrity and an enormous heart!
I have seen consistently, potential models sign up and take various courses offered at Mode Elle and go on to succeed in their careers.
I've watched my own girls start out shy and build up their confidence all while having fun and making new friends. It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Mode Elle!
Above all, I would recommend Mode Elle to anyone who aspires to an acting or modelling career.

Amy Rushlow

Since joining Mode Elle in 2013, I have had many great experiences. I have loved my classes, photo shoots and fashion shows that I have been involved in. I had such a great time at the Canadian Model and Talent Convention and learned so much about the modelling and acting industry and just had fun meeting and getting to know new friends. The staff are very kind, experienced and genuine. Owner Audra Anderson is dedicated to her clients and is professional at all times while maintaining her own personal warmth and great sense of humour. Her passion for the industry truly shines through and I thank Model Elle for what it has done for me.

Laura Price

My daughter completed the Modelling, Acting and Self Enhancement course in the spring of 2014 at Mode Elle in Belleville. It was an amazing experience for her and she loved every class. Every experience she has had with Mode Elle has been a positive one. The confidence she has gained is incredible. Audra and the whole Mode Elle team have always been straight forward, honest and professional. Thank you Mode Elle for everything you have done for her. The confidence she has gained will help her succeed in whatever path she chooses.

Suzanne Terpstra

I joined MODE ELLE about 6 months ago and happy to say I am impressed with the agency on so many levels.
Audra and her staff are personable yet very professional and at all times have my best interest at heart.
I am currently taking the Mode Elle course where they have offered great education about the modelling industry.
MODE ELLE has allowed me to have some great opportunities to build my portfolio with top photographers.
I highly recommend Mode Elle Model & Talent Agency

SuperSamanthaPants

I started with Mode Elle last summer, and every experience I have had with all staff and fellow models/actors, has been nothing short of friendly, professional and encouraging!
I enrolled in the Professional Development course, and it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done for myself! Through the course, I learned so many valuable lessons and met so many amazing people, both in the same shoes as myself, as well as professionals in the indrusty!
Audra and her team are all so encouraging and helpful, in every aspect and have walked me through my first 2 photo shoots, multiple workshops to build and strengthen my skills in both acting and modelling and even a fashion show!
I've always known that I am destined for this field and through the additional confidence and experience I have gained with Mode Elle, I believe I'm well on my way!
Thanks Mode Elle! ?

Leah Green

Mode Elle has had a very positive impact on my confidence and self-esteem over the many years that I have been with them. Audra and her team have always been supportive of me in any goal that I set out to accomplish. Recently, Mode Elle helped me to get signed with a great Toronto modeling agency and in the past few months I have been published in my first magazine, shot my first catalogue and online lookbook, and tomorrow I am shooting my first novel cover! None of this would have been possible without them and I’m very grateful for everything they have done, and continue to do for me.