Theatreworks Spotlight: Nicole Hiemstra ’25
This Fall has been a jammed packed effort by the Fine Arts Department at Houston Christian. For one student, it has been even more than on-campus work and devotion to what she loves to do outside of school. Nicole Hiemstra ’25 is an International Thespian Society member, a member of DOXA, and a performer for the HC Theatreworks program. When she is not doing all of that in the Fine Arts at Houston Christian, she is also a student at the HSMT Academy of the TUTS Theater at The Hobby Center. This position has allowed Nicole the opportunity to be cast in Mary Poppin in the Teen Ensemble.
We asked Nicole to please take a moment to get to share her experience and learn about this amazing opportunity she has been able to enjoy:
HC Theatreworks: How long have you been performing?
Nicole: I have been preforming in local community theaters since 2nd grade. This is my first Regional Broadway show. I started dance when I was three years old and then started theatre when I was seven. I began competitive dance with my dance studio, Houston Academy of Dance, when I was 9 years old and at the same time started training with Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. I was training 25 hours a week in dance, vocal and acting classes as well as performing shows with Wildfish Theatre.
HC Theatreworks: For those coming to enjoy the show, what’s your favorite part/song of the show? What’s your most fun costume?
Nicole: My favorite part of the show is Step In Time for many reasons. First of all, I love getting to tap next to Mary Poppins. I am one of four teens in the tap line. So that is super special. The crowd always gets excited during that dance number which is exciting for the performers. I also love the beginning of Step in Time song because it is just having fun on stage and no stress. My favorite costume is my Jolly Holiday costume. I get to wear the cutest wig with braids and bows. The dress I wear is orange and pink with peaches on it!
HC Theatreworks: How has your training at HC prepared you?
Nicole: My training at HC has prepared me in so many ways. First of all, Mr. Linhart taught me a lot of things to use while acting in a show. Being a member of HC theatreworks and DOXA has taught me how to work as a performer in the professional world. Also, HC has prepared me to be organized and stay ahead on work.
HC Theatreworks: The show opens during a very busy time for students: How have you juggled everything? When do you study? How do you stay connected with your HC community?
Nicole: Being able to handle all the work is difficult, but all the teachers are very accommodating and understanding. The teachers at HC help me get my work done on time. I do homework during show dinner breaks, before school and after shows and during school at independent learning time. Staying connected with school can be hard, but friends and teachers that come to the show help me stay connected to HC during this crazy time in my life.
HC Theatreworks: Do you feel that there is something you bring that’s extra special by being an HC student in this show?
Nicole: Mr. Linhart has taught me so many acting secrets that I can use all the time during this show that not many people know about!
HC Theatreworks: Is there anyone at HC that has been really extra supportive/understanding that you would like to highlight?
Nicole: I feel that everyone is very supportive at HC and wants me to succeed.
HC Theatreworks: Any other statements or thoughts about this experience?
Nicole: This show is unlike any show I have been in. I get to work with amazing people, some who have been on Broadway, and I get to work closely with all of them. In the past with TUTS shows, teen ensemble has had small parts, but the choreographer for Mary Poppins has featured the teen ensemble throughout this show which is so exciting for us.
The show run is from December 6th to the 24th. In the end, Nicole will perform in all 23 performances. Rehearsed hundreds of hours and made many life-long connections to friends and the performing arts community.
