DENVER -- The radio ads tout it as a way for your child to get into show business, but some parents who went to “The Event” casting call found it was really an acting camp that could cost parents thousands of dollars.

"Be one of the first 200 callers," the radio announcer says, to reserve your spot for a casting call called "The Event."

The advertisement lured hundreds of Colorado families and hopeful kids who want to be on TV and in the movies.

Lori Palmisano's daughter, Ricki, was one of the lucky 200 callers for the event held in Colorado Springs last year.

"It was almost like winning something," said Lori.

She felt the first 200 callers were going to get a chance to meet a Disney star, or be a Disney Star.

The Palmisanos said there were almost 1,000 people waiting in the hotel lobby to try out.

Lori told the CALL7 Investigators that organizers mentioned Disney several times and when they called her daughter back for what appeared to be a second audition, both got excited.

"I was like, 'Ya!' They wanted me. I got a callback," said Ricki.

But Lori said that is when high pressure sales began and she bought one of several talent showcase packages offered by “The Event.”

A booklet handed out at the event showed packages starting as low as $1,950 and going as high as $7,900.

"There was a lot of pressure to 'Sign it right here and right now because a lot of people want this!'" said Lori.

She put down a $1,100 deposit, but when she changed her mind a day later, she found her deposit wasn't refundable.

The costs of the package prices don't include airfare, room or food, adding thousands of dollars more in costs.

The Better Business Bureau gives the company that runs "The Event" an "F" rating. The BBB states the company, out of Wilmington, Delaware had more than 20 complaints in the last year.

CALL7 Investigator Theresa Marchetta found the company was also slapped with fines in two states for violating consumer protection laws.

The company also states "high-powered agents" are invited, but the CALL7 Investigators found this statement in the fine print: "The Event is a learning experience with no guarantee of getting an agent or a job in the industry."

Many parents who went to the recent event told Marchetta they felt Disney was tied to the organization, but it is not.

7NEWS had a Littleton boy as live guest on our weekend morning show last year who is getting acting jobs after his family paid $10,000 to participate in The Event.

The CALL7 Investigators also found an actor featured in their brochure and their website whose agent said they want nothing to do with The Event.

Michael Griffin, the Vice President of Communications at Disney, told the CALL7 Investigators in a statement:

"Disney has no business relationship with 'The' and does not evaluate talent at these events. We have insisted that signs are posted at THE Events clearly stating that Disney is not affiliated with the company and does not evaluate talent at these events."

The Event sent the CALL7 Investigators this statement:

" We have dozens of other kids who are working in Hollywood because of our services and we simply provide this opportunity. Kids who just like your viewers have never had a professional experience in their life until coming to our event and learning about the business and meeting top agents, managers and casting directors.
All information about The Event is conveyed to parents prior to their making a decision on whether or not they wish to pursue this route as a means to breaking into the entertainment business. This is on our website and in our materials given to them at the open call in the local markets. Not reading, listening to our presentation or paying attention is where any confusion comes into play. It is not the fault of The Event. Perhaps, illiteracy, complacency or the sheer lack of education and common sense is to blame.
So to briefly answer your questions:
1. All prices are outlined on the website, in materials at the presentation and verbally in our presentation. The audition for the open call is a two part audition for a real Hollywood agent who has kids on Nick, Disney and other major shows, in addition to an interview with The Event. The advertisement references the Hollywood agent and facts about the clients they represent and our success stories. After the initial audition it is the customer who contacts The Event if they wish to know if they are selected; this is after understanding the process and the pricing.
2. These are listed on our website and notably in our statement. We continue to add new ones as the customers contact us. We have no way of knowing who is doing what, much like a university is aware of which students are actually working, unless we are contacted. Many post this information to us on Facebook.
3. Again, we state that we bring in agents, managers and casting directors who book projects that include these stars or represent talent of this caliber. "

Colorado has no laws against charging upfront and non-refundable fees.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office said there could be possible Consumer Protection Act Violation if the company misrepresented what it can deliver.

Industry experts warn you should generally never audition for a scout or agent, only for specific parts.

If you have concerns about The Event, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General's office at 800-222-4444.

More Information

• For information on auditions in Colorado, go to ColoradoFilm.org.
• The Better Business Bureau's warning
• LA Times: Profiting Off Aspiring Child Stars
• Website for TheEvent

Additional Resources: Theater Classes, Camps for Kids

• Theater For Kids
• Colorado Theatre Guild
• Colorado Acts
• Theatre Colorado
• Center Stage Theater Company
• Peanut Butter Players
• Colorado School of Acting
• Boulder Arts Center
• Colorado Shakes
• Rocky Mountain Conservatory
• My Summer Camps
• Kids Camps