National Institute of Dramatic Art? who ever heard of Jack Potter? We all hear of Mel Gibson, and Judy Davis and Robyn Nevin, and the more established names, but who ever heard of Jack Potter? Well the first intake of students don't forget him! A bright, outgoing, adventurous and outspoken student, who graduated with the others at the time, and then chose to pass up his diploma? But keeps on working!

Forty three years on, and never out of work, he has had probably the most extraordinary, if inconspicuous, career of any graduate of NIDA, and singlehandedly has continually provided Australian communities from Weipa to Esperance, with entertainment of a standard worthy of any of his colleagues, playing straight theatre (back to back on a nightly basis, in repertory), revues, et al,and involving himself with community organisations, directing, and mounting productions, without sponsorship, across the country. Fiercely independent, and inventive, he still travels, and is known to almost every community where an audience on the mainland can be assembled. ?and for forty three years!.. I think he's serious about it!!

And yet YOU'VE never heard of him! But he's THERE!

Why not visit his website (www.jackpotter.net) and see what dedication, commitment, determination and talent can do WITHOUT a diploma! Does he care? It wouldn't matter much if he did. But after forty three years it's unlikely. Doesn't he want recognition? Sure, but he gets it?.From people who matter, the audience, the community. Is he crazy? Unlikely. But if he is, take a look at his visitor?s book (www.jackpotter.net/reviews )and see what responses he produces on a nightly basis, and mind you this is for forty three years!!. Maybe there is someone out there who has the capacity and the drive to put his effort where his mouth is. Jack does.

During his time at NIDA he was provocative, critical, conspicuous for the ability he displayed, and responsible for lots of things which today are taken for granted by the students, (and rightly so) But who discovered the building to house the original Old Tote Theatre and brought it to the attention of the Director? You're right?. Who was the agitator who provoked the Institute to allow students to fill in their wasted days in those times, with student productions,?. you're right again . And who was chosen as the golden haired boy to go on television (ABC TV Dec 1959) to hustle up new auditionees? Same guy. Who left the Academy after the fourth term, but was wooed back by the Director with a bursary? That's our Jack .

And what was Jack's response when he was granted a professional position along with the other leading lights of the graduating class...Teddy Hodgeman, Robyn Nevin, et al ? .Well, he assumed the offer was genuine until?

There was a condition under which he would be granted his diploma, and be allowed to take up the position? He was to pay back the bursary plus a percentage of his earnings! How did he take that? He went to work immediately, and consistently, for "the opposition" JCWilliamsons (1961 till 1965)

A colourful version of how he took the demand for repayment...(which came to light this year...) Jack found out himself a few months ago. Very colourful, and very theatrical, ... but unfortunately very untrue...But it surely justified his not receiving the diploma!? And unfortunately the man who put the story around is no longer with us! Pity.

But no worries. Life goes on. And so does Jack. And the community is richer for it. Visit him (www.jackpotter.net ) or write [email protected] and hear about an extraordinary life. And an extraordinary guy.