Inspiring Artists Stories
Today we'd like to introduce you to Nicole Weber
Current Location: Minneapolis, MN
Nicole, thank you for taking the time to share your story. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an actor. My first love is theatre, and I had the honor and privilege of attending the Academy for the Performing Arts in Huntington Beach during my high school years where I gained an incredible foundational education in the arts. I went on to college, moved around quite a bit, and finally received my BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington. I've worked professionally in theatre across the country, and am a proud member of Actors' Equity Association. I've done some on-camera acting as well, which is a very different style of acting from theatre, but I love it!
Can you tell us a little more about what you've been working on recently?
I have had the opportunity to do more on-camera acting than ever before here in Minneapolis! There are a lot of commercial and industrial on-camera opportunities here due to the fact that many large companies like Target, 3M, and Best Buy are based here. There is also a great deal of theatre here in the Twin Cities, but like so many industries, the theatre community was hit very hard by the pandemic. Because of this, I've made a bit of a pivot into Voiceover work and look forward to expanding my skills as an artist.
What challenges have you had to overcome on your journey as an artist?
There have been countless challenges in my life as an actor! In fact, I consider acting my first love, but also my biggest heartache... But heartache is a sign of how much you truly love something. This career is one that is full of rejection and when I feel that heartache, it really just reminds me of how much being an actor means to me. The wins are worth the losses to live a life of staying true to my calling, that's for sure.
Are there any lessons you've learned along the way? What's the best piece of advice you've received?
You can't go it alone! This journey is meant to be a shared one. STOP viewing others as your competition. Competition isn't real, and in fact, it makes things that much more difficult. I've learned that connecting with other actors, genuinely wanting the best for them, and not viewing everyone as my competition has made me feel so much more fulfilled. I have built beautiful relationships with other artists and have a genuine desire to connect with and support them. And surprisingly, when you're authentic about this and you share opportunities with others, they do the same for you. You'll get way more out of this life if you believe in your heart that what is meant for you will be for you, and you stop holding everyone at arm's length. Besides, it's a lonely road to walk alone.
There is this beautiful idea out there of aiming for 100 rejections in a year. Originally, this tip was for authors submitting to publishers, but it is a concept that I think goes way beyond that field. You have to reframe the way you think about rejection in order to press on as an actor. If I aim for 100 rejections, that means I will undoubtedly encounter a number of wins along the way!
What do you consider your proudest moment?
I grew up absolutely adoring South Coast Repertory and their productions. Every chance I had, I would attend their shows religiously growing up. My proudest moment so far was being cast in a show there a few years ago. It was incredible to finally be working for this theatre that I grew up admiring and dreaming of working for.
What inspires you as an artist?
My biggest inspiration is my Dad. He is incredibly talented and driven, and has shown me what it means to be resilient and follow your dreams even in the face of adversity.
What role do you think the Arts play? What are your hopes for the future of the Arts?
I believe the role of the arts in our society is twofold. The arts can teach, and the arts can act as an escape. Both of these things are valuable and important. I truly hope the arts industry and theatre in particular will continue to recognize its shortcomings when it comes to providing opportunities for people of color, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized communities that have been underrepresented. I hope we can grow in the subject matter we share onstage as well.
Contact Info:
Website: www.nicolesavickweber.com
Instagram: @nicolesavickweber
Image Credit:
PianoFight Productions
Arabian Shakespeare Fest
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