THEATRE DIRECTOR
ABOUT ME
Mission Statement.
Nicholas Wainwright is an award-winning theatrical director, creating work with a balance of thought provoking issues, and entertainment through dark/twisted whimsy and vaudevillian techniques.
In the Press.
"Of all the shows I saw at Orlando Fringe 2023 — 75, to be exact — nothing filled my heart with joy (which then leaked out my eyes) like the inspiring young prodigies who put on this effortless Irish folktale that combines the best qualities of Peter and the Starcatcher and Once. Of all the shows at this year’s festival, this one most deserves to go to Broadway" - Seth Kurbesky, Orlando Weekly
"A ladder, chairs, a bucket: The props are rudimentary, which adds to the charm. The performers provide their own musical accompaniment, which adds to the impressiveness. Director Nicholas Wainwright plays to his young actors’ strengths. In this Orlando Sentinel 'Best of the Fest' pick, an engaging cast, sharp direction and a whimsical story create a charming musical folk-tale adventure." - Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel
Artistic Statement.
I strive to create work with a balance of thought provoking issues and entertainment through my signature brand/style. Being an actor myself, my rehearsal rooms are of a collaborative nature but always have a clear sense of direction. To trust, is to collaborate. I communicate clearly to designers, and actors alike my vision for a piece, and make sure that we all stay on the same path to get there. My style combined with my eye for details makes for an interesting and collaborative rehearsal room, and an unapologetically stylized production. I ask for reciprocal trust in the process; as each production is carefully curated- as an ensemble. My goal for audiences is to leave a show with strong feelings, they can be feelings of anger, hate, love, admiration, etc. – so long as it inspires further discussion on their way home.
Through my BFA and professional work in theatre, I have come to believe in the power of simple ensemble-based storytelling. A strong, collaborative relationship is essential to a healthy dichotomy both in the classroom and the rehearsal studio. An inclusive and accessible space will allow artists of all skill levels the confidence to create theatre magic. As creators, this should be the core thesis for which we strive.
More.
Nicholas Wainwright holds a BFA in Theatre Directing, Playwriting, and Production from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. He has served as Artistic Director of a NJ theatre company, the Theatre Director at the award-winning Horizon High School ensemble theatre department, and has received performance awards from Paper Mill Playhouse amongst others. He can be seen performing at Universal Orlando Resort in the Wizarding World and during the Grinchmas holiday season, or performing in local venues in Orlando. He is a current Guest Experience Manager of Entertainment at Walt Disney World, where he has served as a Stage Manager for the nighttime spectaculars: EPCOT Forever, and Harmonious. Nicholas is also the current director at Citrus Music - recently awarded for their productions of The Old Man and the Old Moon at Orlando Fringe, and Fun Home. His musical adaptation of a Christmas Carol, first staged at Horizon, released a cast album on all streaming platforms.
