Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Paris Williams.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a passion for acting, and after graduating USF with my bachelor’s in Theatre Performance and minored in Mass Communication. I immediately moved to NY city to pursue a career in theatre, since that has been a lifelong dream of mine. I was fortunate enough to book my first show within the first month, with a small theatre company. Things started to pick up from there and I was able to book more shows through the contact I made from that company. During this time, I got to travel between New York and Florida on a more consistent basis doing various theatre gigs. I ended up having to move back to Florida on a permanent basis, due to a medical issue. Luckily, I was able to use the experience and skills attained from my time in the theatre school’s system to partner up with my longtime friend Jannette Sepwa. She had her own teens acting studio at the time and offered me the opportunity to assist her in doing her weekly classes. We did this together for a few years before she moved to Louisiana. I took over the studio at that point and I have been operating it now for almost 10 years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Yes, there has been a few struggles along this teaching journey. An example of one such struggle was the lack of confidence in doing the classes on my own since it was my friend who initially had been operating the business with my help. After some time to think about it, I decided to give it a go on my own. When classes began, I only had 2 small kids and 2 teens which was a far cry from what we were used to having weekly. I knew it would not be an easy task, but I was determined to continue teaching and not give up. There were also times some students were unable to attend, which would mean there would be only one student and myself for that day. This did not deter me however as I knew what I had to offer the kids was special and I just needed to be patient. There was so much I wanted to share with them, so much I wanted to teach. A semester or two after I began the classes it started to grow again and the business started to thrive then COVID pandemic happened. The space I had been renting was from my former acting teacher Kathy Laughlin. She had to close her business due to the outbreak and governmental regulations, which led me to go in search of another space. I knew that I still wanted to teach but during that period finding appropriate space was really difficult. I was fortunate after a few months of searching to be contacted by a parent of one of my former students who was aware of a vacant space I could use at the infamous Stage Works and soon enough began to teach again. Though this was sort of a new beginning for Icasting Kids, I was just grateful to be doing what I love. This transition however came with its own set of challenges, namely time conflicts with the other tenants. This meant the inability to do our semester-end showcase, which was used to display the development of the kids throughout the 9 weeks to their parents and film agents.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a working actor, that has landed various roles featured on BET, BET Plus, Netflix, and ID channel, and I have been in the independent movie Unsullied which was played nationwide in movie theaters. I’m also the owner and operator of an acting school in the Tampa Bay area, Icasting kids where I teach kids and teens tv and film acting. I specialize in teaching them how to break down scripts, find clues for the best interpretation allowing them to create unforgettable moments during auditions, to get them booked. We also work on things like expressing confidence on camera and on stage, improving their skills such as being in the moment and how to create a backstory. Not only am I known for being a great acting teacher and having some of the best young talent in Tampa Bay area but I am also known for always being there to support my students in their development outside of class, so much so, that we have an inside joke that the kids never leave. I have several students that have graduated and still come back just to help out with class. My teaching assistant Michaela Antionori being one of them. She has such a passion for teaching. I’m grateful for all she does to help. What makes me most proud, is that kids are very grounded and the willingness to learn each and every class. There are some students with no experience and those with a long resume, they work together and never make each other feel less than. I’m proud that were a family in class, and that I have created a safe place for my student to study and take risks in class. What sets me apart from other kids’ acting classes is that I bring real-life experiences to class, having the ability to communicate with kids on how be playful with the characters while also understanding the business of acting. I love what I do and enjoy what I do and I do my best to show that each and every class. I want to leave a legacy and a positive impact my students.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
When I was in my late 20’s I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer and as a consequence had fungi deposits in my lungs. The Drs had to operate on my lung to remove two out of the three lobes from my right lung, and ordeal which left me bedridden in the hospital for a total of 3 months. That life-changing experience taught me a big lesson. It made me realize that I can overcome any obstacle that at first seems scary, never give up, and to always go after my dreams. I make it a point to instill mentality in the the kids I teach. If acting is what you truly want then don’t let anyone or anything stop you from achieving that. Often times we take things for granted. It’s ok to be scared of the unknown. Feeling scared means you’re about to do something new or rare and the best way is to just do it!!
Pricing:
- $300 for 9 weeks with a showcase
- $65.00 an hour private coaching non-students
- $50.00 an hour private coaching for current students
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.icastingkids.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/icastingkids?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icastingkids
Image Credits
Michaela Antinori
Sabrina Annie
Zuri’El
Madison
Justin
