Performing Arts
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I was quite the performer growing up! I remember wrapping myself in blankets and pretending I was on Broadway, wearing the most elegant gowns and put on performances for my stuffed animals or my parents. At one point, I found myself on an actual stage for my local community theater. Now I’m sharing my love for theater and teaching youth and families of all ages about the art of play.
I wholeheartedly enjoy being Professional Make Believer!
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I’ve trained with Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, Asé Theatre (Formerly Griot Girlz), Freehold Theater, Michigan Actors Studio, Jet City Improv, Play it Out loud Improv, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Academy of Burlesque, and Drop Zone Dance.
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I use improv as a method of social-emotional learning (SEL) and healing. My workshops are guided and mostly participant-led.
Workshops include Land Acknowledgments, theater games, art projects, meditation, group discussions, reflections, and relevant social justice topics.
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Actin’ Up Improv 4-Week Series
This class is adaptable for early elementary students to adults. Below are some key concepts we explored through this course:
Improv Basics
Props & Object Work
Using vs. Becoming
Offers
Yes, And…/Accepting/Response
Rejection/Blocking
Character Development
Character Traits
Character Relationships
Dialogue
Developing an Environment & Scene
Specifics (Who/What/When/Where/Why/How)
Storytelling
Perspective
Conflict & Raising-the-Stakes
Healing
Individualized Interpretation
Being Present
Letting Go of Control
Problem Solving
Creative Collaboration
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I’m a freelance performer and teaching artist. I offer a variety of one-time workshops and class series for small groups to large camps. I educate in theatre, creative movement/dance, meditation/stretching, visual arts (crafting, painting, collage), and intro to drum and singing.
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I’ve created a shared resource library that I continue to update with resources, curriculum, and other tools for families and educators.
Look, Listen, + Learn TV
Pictured: Taylor-Nicole & Val Thomas-Matson filming an art segment for Look, Listen, + Learn at the Wing Luke Museum
I’ve always been drawn to the creativity and life lessons of children’s media. It’s been a life goal to be on a show like Sesame Street as both an actor and puppeteer. I’m extremely excited to be featured in episodes of Look, Listen, + Learn, a local Seattle children’s tv show started by Val Thomas-Matson, a Black woman born and raised in Seattle’s Central District.
This award winning show features a predominately BIPOC cast of all ages, and teaches social and emotional well-being. Being part of a Black-owned children’s show that amplifies the voices of my community, aligns with my creative purpose, and is so inspiring as I continue my journey in children’s media.
Unfortunately, recent funding limitations has paused this production.
Please consider supporting an organization that means so much to me!
Look, Listen, + Learn Photos
Season 2 Episode 7
This episode focuses on being okay with making mistakes, and things not going as we planned.
Season 2 Episode 11
This episode focuses on creative expression, celebrating diversity, and being proud of who we are.
Filming at Nurturing Roots Farm
Since hired at Nurturing Roots Farm, I’ve been able to connect the farm to Look, Listen, + Learn! This has lead to multiple episodes filmed at the Nurturing Roots.
This episode focuses on using to-do lists and making meals from farm grown produce
.Pictured: Youth talent and Taylor-Nicole filming a cooking segment at Nurturing Roots Farm
An Award Winning Short Film
A short film x Nikos Campbell
feat. Taylor-Nicole
These are real stories.
Unemployment Hotline is a personal look into people’s experience with unemployment and isolation during this global pandemic. With busy phone lines and rising unemployment numbers, millions of Americans were unheard in this crisis. In an effort to change that, this film set up an unemployment hotline where people could call in and leave their story. The whole film is narrated by immensely intimate and honest voicemails sent in from all across the U.S.
Unemployment Hotline is awarded Best Documentary Short
in the 2021 L.A. Indie Short International Film Festival.
Spoken Word at the Freehold Theater
In March 2021, I participated in a 6 week Spoken Word class at The Freehold Theater, This experience opened my eyes to all the beauty we have through language, and it has made me a better writer. Here are my performance videos.
The
Green
Building
Written & Performed x Taylor-Nicole
***Language Warning***
Stranger
Written & Performed x Taylor Nicole
Comedy at Langston
I participated in a intro to comedy crash course at Langston Hughes Performing Arts, a historically Black theatre in Seattle’s historically Black neighborhood, The Central District. The class ended with a student showcase. You can watch my performance below. Watch my first live comedy performance at Langston.