Outstanding Senior: Nicholas Schiavo
Nicholas Schiavo, a senior from Copiague, is studying Musical Theater at LIHSA. He’s been thoroughly involved at LIHSA and participated in just about everything possible. Let’s learn more about this funny, dedicated, and compassionate young man.
Nicholas is currently serving as Co-President of the International Thespian Society (after serving as its Secretary last year) as well as Vice President of Student Council. He enjoys volunteering for everything, including the shows. He loved being part of Balloon Boy last year, sharing, “It was a crazy experience…we were writing for the show while we were rehearsing it!” Nicholas thought the Verbatim performance was fun, and reserves highest praise for being part of the Big Fish production this year. “Playing Will in Big Fish was my favorite role I’ve ever done in my life,” says Nicholas.
Another favorite memory at LIHSA for Nicholas was the Family Album production last year. “It felt like we were building it from the ground up,” he shares. “I know it was written and the songs were there, but we developed our own plot line and created how it would look. There were 12 of us in the show and we were all so close from the beginning.”
The Character Study class is one of Nicholas’ favorite classes. “I’ve learned about how people see me as an actor. I usually play villain characters, but I’m learning I need to play more authority roles and be less mean.”
Nicholas shares that faculty member Chris Brick has been an incredible influence on him as an actor and director and even helped inspire Nicholas to open a theater company in Copiague. He says, “Chris put me on the directing path. It’s why I opened the theater company. I was thinking I’d go for a BFA or a degree in teaching, but now I think I will go to college for directing.” He adds he may want to teach middle school some day as well.
Another inspiration for Nicholas is Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell. “If I could have his career, I would.”
Describing LIHSA in one word, Nicholas chooses rewarding. “I use everything I learn here!”
Another important lesson Nicholas has learned at LIHSA is to be OK with being uncomfortable. “At LIHSA I get a professional experience in a setting where I can comfortably fail. Then look to see why that happened and what can be changed for next time. I learn something new every day.”
We will miss seeing you every day, Nicholas, but we’ll be cheering you on for your next steps!
