BIO
I’m a director, producer, mentor and performance coach with experience on Broadway, The West End, and around the country. I’ve led Pulitzer Prize and Tony-nominated productions, including as Associate Director on the global hit SIX: The Musical.
As a theatre artist I have over a decade of experience in developing new plays and a passion for cultivating from defying stories with uniquely voiced artists. As a leader and performance coach I have a proclivity for bringing the best out of the people I work with. I strive to be an advocate for undertold stories and emerging artists.
I have developed, directed, and produced work with Roundabout Theatre Company, The Public Theatre, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, IAMA Theatre Company, Circle X Center Theatre Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Fresh Ground Pepper, among others. While I work on a great variety of genres in theaters across the nation, I’m particularly dedicated to the continued development of new works and the new play & musical development process.
I recently completed a Master’s from University of Southern California in Arts Leadership - an innovative Arts Management program that focuses on nurturing creative entrepreneurs and artistic producers to lead the way in forging a resilient arts eco-system in the years to come. I’m invested in not just in what we make, but HOW we make it. I prioritize treating my collaborators with respect and building safe enjoyable working environments.
I believe in the importance of artistic community – especially for female and non-binary artists in our industry. I recently launched an inclusive directors program for female and non-binary directors in Los Angeles. Partnering with local theatres, we attend productions directed by other female and non-binary directors, gather to discuss the show, exchange challenges we’ve been facing in our careers, and offer support. This program provides space for cross-generational mentorship and an opportunity to show up for each other's work.
About Me
MY NAME IS Nikki
I’m a director & creative producer.
My work is highly theatrical, socially significant, and has a sense of humor.
I’m an expert storytelling coach and mentor.
I love country music and period dramas.
What people are saying…
“Nikki is an assured leader, a thoughtful artist, and a visionary director. She knows how to make gigantic worlds materialized onstage—and most impressively she can do this with limited rehearsal time. Her rehearsal processes are both rigorous and smooth, enjoyable and meaningful. She is adept at realizing the big scenes with multitudes of actors while also paying attention to the dramaturgical details. Actors and designers adore her. She is a joy to work with and a terrific collaborator. I can’t wait for the chance to hire her again.”
“Working with Nikki has been such an incredible experience. Her ability to take a very esoteric play and find its veins and inner workings has been such a blessing. As an actor I instantly felt like I was in safe hands. Nikki creates a beautifully collaborative space in rehearsals. Her notes are always astute and supportive. Her insights into character and moments always buoyed me instead of making me feel like I missed something as an actor. There’s a playful curiosity and simplicity she can bring to the inquiry of the play, from which all of us actors benefitted. In her notes, insights and direction it is evident that she is in deep inquiry with the play and yet is able to stay above the water and guide us actors ashore. I will happily be a part of anything nikki directs in the future. Anything. ”