Meet the Artist, Nik Whitcomb!
Nik Whitcomb holds a BA in theatre acting and directing from Creighton University. Born and raised in Omaha, Nik began his theatrical career at the age of six at the Omaha Theater Company for Young People (The Rose). Since his humble beginnings Nik has been active as a performer, director, educator, and theatrical administrator at The Rose as well as other companies in the Greater Omaha Area and New York City. Nik is currently based in Chicago, IL where he works as an actor, director, producer, casting director, and teaching artist.
At an early age it was clear that Nik had a future in the theatre. He grew up constantly singing around the house and in the church choir. As soon as the opportunity to take an acting class arose Nik ran for it and theatre became second nature. With a natural ear for music it did not take long for Nik to find his niche in musical theatre. While musical theatre is still at the heart of Nik’s work, in recent years he has found ways to use his artistry to speak for the disenfranchised, bridge gaps of inequity, and break down barriers of accessibility. Someday Nik hopes to be an artistic director and use his skills to create a space for people of all backgrounds to share their stories and engage with one another in meaningful ways.
Nik is a Casting Associate with Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Inc. where he works on commercial, television, and film projects and serves as the Casting Associate for Northlight Theatre in Skokie, IL. Nik has also served as casting director for Pride Films & Plays, Organic Theater Company, and is the Associate Producer/Director of Casting at Haven Chicago.
We asked Nik to tell us more about his experience with Ella Enchanted!
- What is your history with The Rose?
I am a Rose Kid! I took my first class at The Rose when I was 6 and have never really left. I transitioned from student to teacher to actor to administrator to director here! - What have you been up to since moving from Omaha? What are some new perspectives on creating theater have you brought back with you?
Since leaving Omaha I have lived in Minneapolis and now I live in Chicago. I primarily work now as a casting director for TV shows, movies, and commercials! My main goal as theater artist is the make our stages look like the world we live in. I value showcasing artists of all colors, shapes, and sizes. I am thrilled that the Ella Enchanted cast is so diverse! - What do you want the audience to take away from this interpretation of Ella Enchanted?
I want the audience to leave the theater thinking about the story they saw. I think this show is a lot of fun, but it is also filled with heart and asks important questions about what it means to be in control of your own destiny. - What has been your favorite part of the Ella Enchanted process?
I have LOVED collaborating with this exceptional team of artists. From the design team, to the creative team, to the actors, I think we have all come up with something beautiful and magical. I have also loved coming back home and working with my former teachers and friends in this capacity. - Anything else you’d like to share with us?
NO DREAM IS TOO BIG! Think hard about what you want and always take steps towards achieving your success! Maybe you will be directing a show at The Rose soon too!
Thank you for sharing your work with us, Nik!