Hello Beautiful People,
Nikki Renee Daniels is a singer and actress who was most recently seen on Broadway in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, playing the role of Clara. She is a graduate of University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music; her debut album, Home, is available on iTunes and CDBaby – a must have for all music lovers! I am so happy that Nikki was able to take time out of her schedule and chat with me about theatre, music, books, and of course, arts education.
Ladies and Gents, meet Nikki Renee Daniels…
TWT: Did you always want to be an actress & singer?
NRD: Not always, I didn’t start getting serious until high school; prior to those years played the flute, piano, and I was in the choir. In seventh grade, we were doing the musical Cinderella, and I got yelled at for not singing louder. And then I started taking lessons, and then I suppose the rest is history.
TWT: When you look back on your career, what are your most memorable roles?
NRD: Porgy and Bess was amazing. Working with Audra (McDonald) was fantastic. She’s been an idol of mine since high school
TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you hate?
NRD: The subway screeching to a halt.
TWT: Just for fun, what sounds do you love
NRD: My husbands voice when he’s been out of town.
TWT: Just for fun, what books are permanently on your bookshelf?
NRD: Beloved, by Toni Morrison
TWT: Just for fun, if you were stranded on a desert island what TV series would you want to have with you?
NRD: The Color Purple, Scandal, and Boardwalk Empire.
TWT: What advice would you give to high school students who wish to pursue a career in the theater industry?
NRD: Know your type. A lot of people are good at a certain thing, but if it doesn’t match your look, then it often doesn’t result in a job. Know your type and your skills, and cultivate your craft from there. Also, always read the whole script before an audition. Memorizing the scene helps the creative team see your choices as an actor. Rarely is it about who has the most talent, as there are so many factors that go into casting, so don’t get discouraged. There are plenty of factors that can be out of your control, but you can control how prepared you are for an audition. Don’t forget that.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?
NRD: Arts are important. They are a means of expression. Yes, they make things beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but they also give us depth beyond the mastery of a subject. Art moves people. How can you not have that?
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
NRD: So many teachers! My high school show choir teacher, he taught be how to belt. My voice teacher, Ellen Shade, I only studied with her for six months but she showed me hot to fully integrate my voice, expand my range while making my sounds richer. Audra McDonald – being with her during Porgy and Bess everyday was an education in itself, I learned so much just from watching her.
Thank you, Nikki!
Live, Love, Learn,
Megan & The Write Teacher(s)