ACTING & FILM SCHOOL

Acting School Student’s Balancing Act Pays Off

Borgota Poker - Phil Neiman’s performances during the last week has gotten rave reviews both at the poker table and on stage.

Neiman won the Event 16 Deep Stack 4 am Wednesday morning and then drove to a 9:30 am rehearsal at the New York Film Academy.

“I was about a half hour late, but they forgave me when I showed them the winnings,” says Neiman who earned nearly $95,000.

Neiman is wrapping his first semester of a two year program that will earn him an associates degree in acting. Wednesday’s class was practice for his role as a doorman from the play “Lobby Hero.”

As for poker, Neiman’s back at Borgata playing in the Main Event and as Day 1 wraps his monologue skills come in handy.

“I told the guy that I didn’t think I could value bet on the river because he might shove and I can’t call with my pocket kings.”

After mulling it over, Neiman bets 5k and his opponent says, “you’re right, I’m all-in.”

“Oh my god, what did I do?” says Neiman recalling the hand. “I really wasn’t acting. I didn’t think I could call, but then I figured there’s no way he has a set and I made the call.”

Neiman’s relieved to see his opponent had a piece of the flop, but a busted straight draw. “I can breathe again,” he says after doubling his stack and ending the day with 153k.

As for the on-stage performance, Neiman says it was a thrill to preform on stage for the first time, in front of a packed house in Union Square, none the less.

“I just did the show Friday and came right here,” he says, “I’ve got about three hours sleep in four days.”

Neiman’s grade is pending, but says his peers gave him favorable reviews. He also didn’t think he could afford the second year of school, but his Borgata Summer Open payday changes that.