Nicole is a successful Actor, Producer, Director, and Voice Director.
When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I always loved performing as a child and knew it would be some part of my life as I grew up. I did the high-school play in my Grade 12 year, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and that experience sealed the deal for me- I wanted to be an actor. My parents insisted I get an education, so I auditioned for, and was accepted into the Theatre program at York University in Toronto, Ontario. Upon graduation I was signed by The Characters Talent Agency in Toronto, and they remain a part of my professional team to this day. So, good support, both professionally and personally, helped me grasp the confidence to step out as a performer and carve my path in the Entertainment Industry.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
When I was in theatre school, I was fortunate to understudy an actress named Ferne Downey for a production of The Greeks at the Canadian Stage in Toronto, Ontario. Ferne has had an incredible career as a performer, but what struck me most about her was her passion to fight for performer’s rights and gender equality in a notoriously unbalanced industry. Ferne was the President of ACTRA for 8 years, President of FIA (International Federation of Actors) for 2 terms and continues her advocacy for performer’s rights to this day. She has inspired me to be involved with our Union, to speak up when things are not right, and to always offer a hand up in mentorship to fellow performers. Personally, my father influenced me to balance my ambition with creating a fulfilling personal life. Your resume will not fit on your tombstone; better to be remembered for the friendships you forged, the lives you touched and the laughter that helped you get through the day.
What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?
My BIG goal this year is to tap back into what made me start down this crazy path as a performer. I want to remember the spark that got me here and see how that might manifest for me today.
What do you have going on that you’d like to share?
This year I am, or have been, very busy directing projects for animation. The industry is really competitive, so, due to NDAs, I can’t go into too much detail…yet. I am voice acting in Dragon Prince on Netflix. Season four launches soon, and I play the role of Zubeia, the literal mother of dragons! I have some exciting, recurring on camera work coming up in the Fall, but again, I can’t go into too much detail for fear of angering the lawyers! Lol Suffice to say, life is full, it is busy, it is fun, and I am grateful.
Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?
This question has been on my mind a LOT!! Work wise, I would like to keep growing and developing, and continue to carve out space for intelligent, thought-provoking work. Personally, my husband and I are interested in incorporating our love of travel and different cultures into our world. Time is an unwieldy beast, and I think we have all experienced first-hand how the best laid plans can change in an instant. So…time to keep growing and changing, but ALSO get to those items on the bucket list.
What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
My favourite thing is interacting with people. COVID has really challenged that. I love meeting people, working with them, and being influenced by their process, their drive, their passions. Without connection, life is pretty dull.
Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
Eat the bread.
Basically, to me, that means, do what you need and want to do. Don’t limit your beauty, your power, your grace to meet someone else’s standards of beauty, intelligence, or righteousness. There is only one you. And in my experience, I have wasted too much energy worrying about whether I should do something, or how others may see me.
Eat. The. Bread.
What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?
Hands down, self-care. How can you take care of others, be your best for others, if you do not FIRST nurture yourself?
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
My friends. My family. Just keep breathing, ya know?
