Writers’ Wednesday – On The GO! – Rhinestone Confidential: My life backstage in a casino showroom (Off-site, KOP)
August 13 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Writers’ Wednesday – On The GO!
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Building open
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Lecture
Speaker: Elaine Sargent, author
Title of Talk: Rhinestone Confidential: My life backstage in a casino showroom
Book Overview:
Rhinestone Confidential is a memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the glamorous world of showgirls and the entertainment found in Reno near the end of its heyday. Working in the wardrobe department backstage in a casino showroom, Starr helped various iconic performers make their way on stage looking their best. The book blends humor and insight, along with behind-the-scenes stories. The author offers a candid look at the world of glitz and glamour, detailing the challenges, personalities and the creative process involved in costuming performers, particularly showgirls. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of costuming, performance and the celebrity culture all while employed at the iconic Harrah’s Casino in Reno, Nevada.
Speaker Bio:
E M Starr is a University of Nevada graduate with a B.A. in Journalism and Costume Design. She was an arts and culture reporter for the Nevada Sagebrush and also wrote a fashion column for Nevada Woman.
The Writers’ Wednesday Lecture Series, held the second Wednesday of each month, features a different author who takes part in a book signing, a presentation and question-and-answer session with the audience.
The intent of the program is to highlight writers who specifically focus on Nevada, the Great Basin, or the West in general. The authors talk about the content of their books but also share details about the creative process.
We would like to thank our community partner, the Knights of Pythias for hosting our off-site lecture.
The Knights of Pythias fraternal organization promotes friendship among men and for the general welfare of its membership. They strive to make the world a better place by practicing the principles of friendship, charity, and benevolence through community service. The Knights of Pythias has been serving Nevada communities across since the 1870s. There are only three active lodges left in the State of Nevada. The address is 980 Nevada Street, Reno, NV 89503.
