It was June of 1988 and I was dealing poker at the Las Vegas Hilton. A man named John approached me and asked me if I would be interested in teaching an acting class at the Desert Theater Arts Center of Las Vegas.
I was a little surprised at first, then he told me that he had read an article that listed some of my acting accomplishments and thought that I would have the skills needed to teach an acting class. He went on to explain that I could teach on any acting subject that I would feel comfortable teaching, but to keep in mind that most, if not all of my students would probably be beginners.
The class was going to be an eight week course, one night a week, for four hours. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about speaking for four hours, but I agreed to teach the course and began my preparations. I decided that since most of my students would be new to acting and possibly interested in how to get started, that I would start by telling then how to go about getting a portfolio made, what kind of 8 x 10 black & white pictures were needed and what to write on their resumes.
Armed with the proper tools, I would then teach them what would be expected of them when they actually went on an audition for a television commercial, since this is where new actors often get their start.
As I entered the theater where I would be teaching, I realized that I had over twenty-five students. They ranged in age from eighteen to sixty-five and they were all beginners. Once I started talking, I didn’t stop except to answer questions. I hadn’t really realized just how much knowledge I actually had on the subject.
My students were enthusiastic and happy to be there. The Desert Theater Arts Center of Las Vegas and John were extremely pleased with my teaching and with the response that they got back from my students.
I have to admit that I had a lot more fun doing this job than I had anticipated. I was also happy to be able to pass along some of the valuable information that I had acquired over the years.
