Hometown: I grew up in Selinsgrove, PA but am now a proud resident of ACToria!
Education: BFA in Theatre, concentration in Musical Theatre, from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia!
Favorite Credits: Oh my! I don't choose favorites! Like a mother with multiple children, I love them all the same! But if I must choose some highlights...here we go! Dennis in All Shook Up! So fun! Motel in Fiddler on the Roof. Zanna in Zanna, Don't. I got to wear a pink tutu. Nothing beats a tutu. Oh! And Dear Edwina!!! That was my Off-Broadway debut! A great show and I made some of the best friends I have doing that little skit! I'll always love that one! My whole list of credits and such are on my website if you want to check it out! http://www.nicholasparkactor.com
Why theater?: I think it all stems from my middle child need for attention and applause. Wasn't there a Glee quote like that? "I'm like Tinker Bell! I need applause to live!" Lol. Seriously though. I grew up trying to be an amazing athlete to impress my dad. He loved his baseball and I thought that my "loving" baseball would win some points with him. It wasn't until I sang my first solo at an 8th grade chorus concert that I realized performing could be my thing. I ended my song and looked out to see my dad on his feet with tears in his eyes. THAT was my home run. After that, I got started doing the plays and musicals in high school and fell in love with it. Once you catch that bug...there is no turning back. HA! Bug! See what I did there! (Cue segue)
Who do you play in Bedbugs?: BURT!!! He is the goofy and lovable sidekick to Carly, The Bug Lady.
Tell us about Bedbugs!: Very simply, this show is Rocky Horror meets Little Shop of Horrors. It is a highly entertaining, sci-fi romp filled with humor and heart! Throw in the love element of boy meets girl, boy likes girl, mutant bug eats boy and girl...and you have one sick show on your hands. It is AMAZEBALLZ! The actors in this show are CRAZY and the music is STUPID! I took part in a showcase of Bedbugs!!! two years ago and, since then, I often find myself humming the tunes. For YEARS now! That is a good thing! When a show can stick with you like that!!!? Don't be silly...see it!!!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I have never been the kind of person that is attracted to a specific KIND of theatre. I am always willing to give pretty much anything a chance. It is the performers that I find inspiring. When an actor can light up the stage and really live in each moment, I love that! I love seeing a performance filled with heart, joy, and passion. You can always tell if an actor is really invested in what they are doing on stage. Someone who is rocking it? Body, mind, and soul!? That's my jam!!!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: If I could be Ensemble Male #38 in a show with Sutton Foster, I would be a very happy boy. I cannot tell you the hours I have spent YouTubing videos of her performances. THAT is an inspiring actress! She always seems to be LOVING it!!! To be Ensemble Male #38 and watch her perform live night after night. PINCH ME!!!!
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Well...as of late I have been telling everyone to go see that Bedbugs!!! show! Outside of that, I have been the one taking suggestions. I have been out of town a lot this year and haven't had the chance to see half the shows I want to! So feel free to let me know how other people answer this question so I can get my list going!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: YouTubing Sutton Foster. Lol! Really though...binge watching Netflix and ordering in Thai food. I will watch entire seasons of shows if I have a free night. It can't be healthy! Currently..."Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Really though. Like...right now.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: This one I had to look up! Technically my karaoke track for "Somebody to Love" by Queen is my most played song. I used to host a karaoke night at XES Lounge. I had to practice!
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: A question I ask myself every day! I honestly have no clue! I would still be doing SOMETHING artistic! I have a need to express myself, ya know!? I enjoy making my own pottery, so maybe I would move to the mountains and sell pottery at all the local craft fairs! I could live in a hut and make mugs all day! Or maybe a party planner of sorts! Hosting friends for fancy dinners is one of my favorite things to do! I like all the creativity that goes into party planning and the attention you have to have to the details. It can make or break an evening!
What’s up next?: Next!? Bedbugs!!! hasn't even opened yet! Are you trying to give me a panic attack!? Seriously though, nothing yet. As actors, we are always forced to be so concerned with booking our next gig that we let our current one pass us by without being fully present in it. I am still out there auditioning but I am more concerned with enjoying the Bedbugs!!! ride and make it the best experience it can be.
