Today we’d like to introduce you to Deke Anderson.
Deke, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was basically a jock in High School – All State Football – Class President, Blah, blah, blah. Went to Collage for one semester – I describe it as Debit/Credit – drop out, see I wanted to own my own business – The 1st Powerlifting / BodyBuilding Gym in Reno, Nevada.
Long story short, a gym did open in town, so I went to work there – cleaned toilets, trained members – eventually became assistant manager. The manager at the time decided to embezzle $17000 so I became the manager – The owner and I became friends through all of this and offered selling the gym to me – we made an amazing deal and…I owned the first true Gym in Reno.
During that time Kane Hodder, a now famous Stuntman (Played ‘Jason’ in 6 of the “Friday the 13th” Films) worked for me. He and another friend who was a singer and Actor encouraged me to go into Acting. I had just had a small role in a film in Reno where I got to kill Kevin Costner – he too encouraged me to move. After doing nearly 40 Stage productions in Reno (Plays, Musicals, Operas, etc. I decided now is the time… I sold my Gym, headed to LA with a decent amount of $$. I worked hard with excellent coaches and was blessed with many roles in my 43 years career. I booked “Cheers”, “Days of our Lives” “Material Girl, with Madonna”. “Army of Darkness” “Friday Night Lights” “Green Lantern” Dallas” “Devious Maids” “The Resident” as well as 100s of National Regional Commercials.
My true love, and undoubtedly greatest gift is Coaching upcoming Actors. I did this in LA and have been beyond Blessed here in Houston with two studios and tremendous actors to take from beginning to working Actors. My Wife, Elsa and three of my students (working Actors themselves – Shelley Black, Teri Galvan and Rick Olvera) teach the Kids, Teens, and do Adult courses that lead into my classes and IMPROV. Houston has amazing Talent – excited students hungry to learn and a powerful Agency Pastorini/Bosby Talent. PB as well as other Agencies send their Talent expecting results – thus far it has worked out well for everyone. Seeing an Actor achieve a dream and goal and being a part of that…well life doesn’t get any than that. I love and will fight for my students.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Acting is NEVER a smooth road. Living in LA alone to keep your head above water and then pounding the pavement, finding the right representation, and then juggling your schedule to go on sometimes 4-5 auditions in a day is tough. You MUST do it for the Love of the Art – if you do it to get rich and be famous – don’t even attempt it. Actors and Artists are a bizarre breed – you really have to LOVE it. You may go on 100 auditions and get none – 101 might be the break of your life…takes a lot of Faith, sticking-to it – and studying your craft – you MUST be a student of your industry or you’ll never make it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Next Level Acting Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
My Studio’s saying is “The Art of Booking the Role”….There is A LOT that goes into that. You don’t book the Role or even get an opportunity until you learn your Craft and yourself. I specialize in finding what works best for each actor individually. Everyone is different – there are many techniques – most of which I’ve studied in great depth.
I teach actors to take the black and white dialogue, circumstances and genre and then turn it into Flesh and Blood – Back Story, Emotional Exercises, Memorizing, Character Analysis, Strongest Choices to name a few are what Actors need to dig in and do.
My classes are Safe – Students become close/best friends and a Network on each other’s side – there is no other way – I won’t tolerate unprofessionalism or dissension in class.
We stand out because my actor’s Book work and their favorite day of the week is there class day.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Probably Guest Starring on “Cheers” was tremendous luck – best week of work in my Life Everyone, Woody, Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley made you feel at home.
Madonna hired me in “Material Girl” she was a blast – very humble a sweet to everyone – that opened a lot of doors in Music Videos and Commercials.
“Days of our Lives” was a blast – a very fun character to play and amazing crew – I wish it would have lasted longer.
“Army of Darkness” Bruce Campbell became one of my closest friend – I coached him on “Brisco County” his like a big brother to me.
Working with Martin Campbell, the director of “Green Lantern” was a thrill – wish the movie would have had better luck.
A great Sadness was a CBS Pilot called “Mission Control” an 11.5 million dollar budget with Mat Damon in the Pilot, the writer and producer of “The Martian” as well as producers of “Dead Pool”. I was a Top-of-Show Regular and the Series didn’t go…That would have been a dream…That on hurt.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1963 West TC Jester, Houston
307 Sawdust Rd, Spring - Website: nextlevelacting.com
- Phone: 3107228303
- Email: dekeit5151@gmail.com
- Facebook: next level acting studios
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