If you don’t have the pleasure of knowing Nicholas Wood, get to know him now because this week’s campus celeb is a sensation. Nicholas is a double major in Theatre Studies and Event Management at UCF, he started college at the age 14 (yes really, 14), and is graduating Summa Cum Lade December of this year! He has been a performer for the past decade, and has a promising future in the entertainment industry.
HCUCF: Hi Nick! Tell me about your involvement at UCF.
Nicholas Wood: I am the Assistant Director/Choreographer of Theatre UCF’s Hair. This is my fifth production with Theatre UCF. Previously, I have worked on The Music Man, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Arcadia, and Nine. I also work the box office for Theatre UCF, and am a member of Delta Epsilon Iota.
HCUCF: Wow! You’re very involved with Theatre UCF, what has your past experiences in theatre been like? It seems like it’s a huge part of your life.
NW: Yes, it is! Off campus I have performed on stages from Palm Beach, Florida, to Beverly Hills, California. I’ve done voiceover work for Anagram International (the talking balloons you see in Publix), and have been on USA Network’s award winning television drama Burn Notice.
HCUCF: Your voice is in talking balloons?!? That’s so cool, and I can’t believe you have been on TV. How many more secrets do you have to tell us?
NW: This past summer, after Producing/Directing an original production on the Treasure Coast, I worked as a performer on Norweigan Cruiseline’s newest ship, The Getaway. That was such an amazing experience, and it was a lot of fun. When you’re not working, they treat you like a guest. Meanwhile, I served as the Assistant to the Program Director and Director of Public Relations at BTP (Broadway Theatre Project).
HCUCF: Can you tell us more about what Broadway Theatre Project is?
NW: It’s a program that Playbill.com refers to as “The world’s most prestigious musical theatre arts education program for college and high school students.” So it was an honor.
Nicholas as “Lord Byron” in Theatre UCF’s production of Arcadia – Photos by Tony Firriolo
HCUCF: Do you ever dream of being on Broadway one day?
NW: That would be amazing, and yes I would one day, it is on top of my bucket list. I don’t see it happening anytime soon though, maybe down the road when I can afford the demanding New York City lifestyle.
HCUCF: What is your favorite character to play on stage?
NW: Definitely the “antagonist.” I wish I was a bad guy and not a goody-too-shoes!
HCUCF: Since you love theatre, you obviously love to dance and sing I assume, so what’s your favorite style and genre of each?
NW: Yes I do, (but don’t ask me to sing or dance right now)! I have an old soul, so my favorite artists are the ones who are flipping the 40’s music into a contemporary style; but I love Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. I’m kind of an old fart (ha-ha) and a lot of my music inspiration rooted from my grandfather. My favorite style of dance is Fosse for sure. That is my niche as a dancer and as a choreographer.
HCUCF: So other than being on stage and in the theatre, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
NW: I am a theme park junkie, so whenever I have free time I go to theme parks. I am a premium pass holder for Universal and Disney—my favorite rides are the Hulk and Rockin’ Roller Coaster. When I’m not at theme parks though, my favorite Netflix shows are Marvel Agents of Shield, ABC’S Once Upon a Time, and Orange Is the New Black!
HCUCF: What is your dream job?
NW: To be an artistic director of a musical theatre.
HCUCF: Do you have any big plans after graduation?
NW: In January, I will play “Tulsa” and choreograph a professional production of Gypsy in Stuart, Florida.
HCUCF: Single or taken?
NW: Taken! I’ve had a girlfriend for 2 years now :)
HCUCF: Do you have anything else you want to want readers to know?
NW: Everyone should come support UCF Theatre and see our production, Hair from October 15th-25th!
Someday, you’ll see UCF’s very own, Nicholas Wood, name in lights. Keep a look out and help support Theatre UCF this month!