Set to be released to Netflix this holiday season, on December 11, is one of the streaming services most talked about releases of the year, The Prom. The film, which includes a variety of singing and dancing, features an ensemble cast of talented actors and actresses, who are sure to uplift your holiday cheer this 2020. We here at BELLO had the wonderful opportunity to talk with actor Nico Greetham, to discuss his character Nick Boomer and to find out more about his amazing upbringing; and let’s be honest, isn’t he someone we all wish we could have taken as a date to our own prom? Enjoy.
Your latest film, The Prom, is set to be released on Netflix this December 11 and is already creating quite a buzz amongst fans and critics alike – how did this opportunity present itself, and what was shooting like for the film?
The moment I saw the opportunity in my inbox from my manager I was jazzed! To have the chance to be a part of Ryan Murphy’s universe, (a universe I’ve been obsessed with for over a decade) was a dream in itself. On top of that, I get to sing, dance, and act for a film with such a beautiful and important message?! Where do I sign?
Can you share a little bit about your character Nick Boomer and his role within the film?
Nick Boomer is a product of his surroundings; the conservative town in the Midwest with close-minded views where the movie takes place. Being the popular high school jock with a religious background is all he knows, until he is introduced to the simple yet life altering concept of ‘inclusivity’. I always enjoy playing a role that challenges my personal moral compass and goes against what I believe in. By doing so, I am able to discover how to validate Nick’s repressed ideology. As an actor, getting in the mindset of people who don’t view life the way I do is very exciting to me!
The film also features an ensemble cast of seasoned veterans such as Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, and Andrew Rannells. What was it like acting alongside these individuals and was there any advice that they shared with you when filming?
Walking on set and having a cast chair next to other cast chairs that say “Meryl” and “Nicole” was a ‘pinch me’ moment every time. I never got used to it. Before getting to set though, we had a few rehearsals with the veterans and I’ll never forget the first day we all shared the space. They were all so kind and genuine, each one of them went out of their way to introduce themselves to every dancer and actor in the room. After that humbling moment, I knew it was going to be a safe, comfortable, and grounding experience filming with these talented people.
Did you always want to be in front of the camera? At what age did you realize acting was something that you wanted to pursue?
I got bit by the acting bug the day I could speak full sentences. My family tells me that as a toddler I would point at the TV and say “I can do that!”, “I want to do that!”. At the age of twelve, I signed with a youth agent based out of Maryland and booked a few spots on local commercials and thought I had totally made it, haha! I was certain that I wanted to do it as my long term career, I was just anticipating the move out to LA. It wasn’t until 2016 that I fully got myself in gear to commit to the pursuit of my acting career and every day since feels like a dream.
You were also cast in the acclaimed Disney Broadway musical Newsies, acting as Jojo and Darcy – what would you say is the main difference from acting on stage versus acting in front of a camera? Do you prefer one more than the other?
I feel so much magic when I perform in any capacity, but there’s nothing quite like performing for a live audience. The relationship between you and the audience is so special and unique every performance and you get to feel their energy because they react in real time. There’s also the pressure of having only one chance to get it right on stage – which is an exciting layer too! With all that said, filming is unique in it’s way that you collaborate with the director, the crew, and your castmates to accomplish the best portrayal of the story you are trying to tell. Also, with the option of multiple takes, as a film actor, you can discover new ways to tell the same story each time! I’m currently infatuated with the filming process but the stage and I have not officially broken up! I’ll be back one day. 😉
How long have you been dancing for and what inspired you to first start expressing yourself via dance?
I started out as a gymnast, which ended with a pretty gnarly injury. Once I retired from gymnastics at the age of eight, I followed my older sister’s footsteps and began dancing. I was absolutely terrified. I told my mom I would only dance if I could still play soccer. I rebelled at first – kicking and screaming any time I had to go to the dance studio, but thankfully my mom told me to stick it out until the end of the season. With my gymnastic background, a lot of it came pretty naturally; and once I got better, I started to enjoy it. I watched ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ religiously and that quickly became my purpose and reason for dancing.
What was it like to grow up in Woodbridge, Virginia, and how did you manage to launch your acting career in Los Angeles?
My household is pretty ethnically diverse; my father is Scottish and my mother is Colombian. I am grateful to have grown up in a family that promoted the learning of different cultures and the importance of their impact on an individual’s view and beliefs. Growing up in Woodbridge, VA would give people the impression that we lived a stereotypical suburban lifestyle. The truth is, the minute you entered our house, you were teleported across the globe. Being on “So You Think You Can Dance” gave me the opportunity to move to LA. I signed with an agent (who is now my manager) and he provided me with the guidance on the steps to take in all avenues. My acting career really took off when I booked a series regular role on a TV series.
Growing up, did you have a lot of family support toward your dreams, and what was your childhood like?
My family is the most supportive, loving, and understanding collection of humans! My parents are both doctors and my two sisters, while they both grew up dancing competitively, are now working in the corporate world which leaves me to be the only crazy one pursuing the arts; very much a middle child here. I don’t know where I would be without their acceptance, encouragement, and blessings. I know that I am lucky to have such easy going parents that believe in my every move and I cherish that every single day.
As a kid, it would’ve been my dream to morph into a Power Ranger and defend the world from evil; you actually had the chance to do it as Calvin/The Yellow Ranger on Nickelodeon’s Power Rangers Ninja Steel. What was that experience like and how did you prepare for that role?
Being a part of such a beloved legacy is really cool. I actually found out within three days’ notice that I had to pack my things, say my goodbyes and head to New Zealand for nine months! I was overwhelmed to say the least, but once I got there, I was welcomed by the most loving cast and crew. We had ’ninja training’ for three weeks prior to filming the first two episodes. The stunt men and women and stunt coordinator were from Japan and also did the Japanese version of Power Rangers called Super Sentai, so we learned some real, authentic ninja moves! The greatest part of the experience is the fandom – especially the young children who come up to me, fully believing I’m a superhero that defends the world from evil. It’s really special.
What other films have you worked on that have either been released this year, or will be released soon?
2020 has definitely had it’s hardships, but I’ve been very fortunate to have had a great year as far as projects being released. In January I had an independent film have its world premiere at Sundance, called Dinner In America. I also had a very special LGBTQ+ independent film called Dramarama – which was my first time being a lead in a film that had its premiere at Outfest in August. Be on the lookout for their world distribution in 2021; they are both fantastic films that I am very proud to be a part of!
If you could land your dream role, what type of character would that be and why?
It’s no secret to my friends, family, and team that I want to play a serial killer of some sort. To get in the head of a character with a personality disorder, manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behaviors coupled with a lack of consciousness sounds so challenging! Like I mentioned earlier with Nick Boomer, I enjoy roles that oppose my personal way of thinking and moral compass because it only broadens my empathy for all types of human.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I hope to have accomplished my dream of playing a serial killer in some capacity of course! I believe in the power of manifestation and the law of attraction, so what I put my energy towards will come to me in the path of least resistance. A phrase I live by is “Everything you want is already yours.” While I can’t predict the future, what I know for certain is that I will continue to work hard, surround myself with people who push me, and grow both as an individual and in my career; I will be exactly where I want to be.
TEAM CREDITS
@BELLOmag
Talent NICO GREETHAM @nicogreetham
Photographer LESTER V @shotbylester
Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph
Styling NIKKO PANTI @misterbaks
available (all pieces are available at fwrd.com @fwrdman)
Grooming DANNI KATZ @dannidoesit (using Kevin Murphy)
Interview by MATT KOGER @mattkoger
Production @BELLOmediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la x @alexbonnetwrites x @slatepr
DESIGNERS