Nicholas Edward Waxman

Nicholas Edward Waxman  

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher, policeman or doctor.

What did you become?
I became an actor/director/writer. But I will be a teacher soon.

What's your official title?
Mr Nicholas Edward Waxman, Creative Director of Wax Acts Theatre Company (WAT Company)

What's your background - how did you end up here?
I have worked as an actor for 15years, I attended St. Michaels Grammar School who’s drama program is second to none. The opportunities given to me at school were unbelievable. I also attended Deakin University where I worked on some avant-garde theatre until I left and got my B.A (Music Theatre) at University of Ballarat – that is where I started writing and directing my own shows with students at the Arts Academy. I have worked professionally as an actor and have had 5 years of experience at Theatre Restaurants, Hunchbax theatre Restaurant took me on in 2005 when I was just 17 and no I write and Direct the shows for Witches In Britches Theatre Restaurant and I am the youngest ever to do so here in Australia. I have been very fortunate all my life to have been given the opportunity to attend many plays, musicals, cabarets, dance pieces and exhibitions. I have been surrounded by creativity and art my whole life and it was the passion art releases in people that made me forge such a strong connection to it. I also attended Peter crofts Humorversity and trained as a stand-up comedian, master of ceremonies and public speaker, all of which I still do.

My experience with improvisation led me to create a troupe called ‘Say What?’ a 5 person strong impro group designed for a corporate audience. It was my school, family and local community that gave me the many and varied opportunities to get me where I am now. As well as the love and support of friends.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
We believe strongly in the power of theatre to create positive change and in the importance of affordable, fun, new and entertaining theatre.
We make sure you leave happy and with money in your pocket.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Check my email. Who has asked for what? Who wants to audition? Who is coming?

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
I will check my email and webpage, respond to posts and queries. I will then make my way to rehearsals where I undoubtedly will find the wonderful actors waiting and reading their scripts. We will work the show, do line readings, try improvisation and re-think our preconceived ideas. I will then head home to check emails and the booking line for that nights show. I will make it to the venue at about 6 o’clock read to set up for the evening. Audience will arrive, I will man the box office and a volunteer will sell drinks and food. The show will end by about 9.30 and we clear the theatre. When I am not running a show, I will be rehearsing at night for the next or current show. I will also find some time to write in the day, whenever that happens to be, often at 1am.

Who or what in the arts world most inspires you?
I wanted to write after I saw Edward Albee’s The Goat or Who is Sylvia. But before then Samuel Beckett and Louis Nowra inspired me as a director and since then Bernard Shaw and Reginald Rose.

What's the toughest challenge you've dealt with on the job?
Saying no to actors and actresses. Often you will have several fantastic people who are very talented and all appropriate for the part. I am also financially challenged, I have the funds to support shows, but I always struggle with the reality of this world full of contracts, I prefer a handshake and a conversation. But that’s the world.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given for your career?
I don’t think I’ve ever received advice, it seems the world of theatre is bogged down with tall poppy syndrome and directors are not always willing to share their secrets, but I get constant support from family and friends. Most people still say have a back-up plan. But I would say that’s the worst bit of advice I’ve ever received.

‘Do what you love, what you really love’ I always think about that.

What are the top three skills you need in your particular role?
Organisation, communication and passion/resilience.

What's the best thing about your job?
Sitting back during and show and hearing the audience laugh. Laughter. The very best thing.

And the worst?
Dealing with contracts and bitter people.

And if you had to sum your working life in a word or phrase, what would it be?
A joyful struggle

Nicholas Waxman
Creative Director

Nicholas has been an avid director, writer, producer and performer for many years. He started at six by playing Peter rabbit and hasn’t looked back. Since then he has attended St. Michaels Grammar School, Peter crofts Humorversity, Deakin University, Victoria University and obtained a B.A (Music Theatre) from University of Ballarat. He has performed in over 30 productions, directed 16 shows and written 15 plays/musicals/cabarets. He is also the writer/director of Witches In Britches Theatre Restaurant.

Nicholas created Wax Acts Theatre Company an independent company that believes strongly in the power of theatre to create positive change and the importance of new, fun, affordable and entertaining theatre.

Current project
Simon & Susy playing at Cromwell Rd Theatre, South Yarra 3141, 27a Cromwell Rd, 8pm 3rd-7th of March