Nicole Cassesso
Nicole developed a love for theater at an early age and began performing on stage at three-years-old. Since then, she has gone on to perform all over Southern California, most notably taking home the 2002 Macy Awards for Best Actress and Best Comedienne in a musical for her portrayal of Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Other favorite roles include Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, Sally Brown in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Mona Kent in Dames At Sea, Judy Turner in A Chorus Line, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, TiMoune in Once On This Island, and Patty Simcox in Grease. She can also be seen as the lead in the award-winning Scenarios USA short, "Lipstick" directed by Academy Award winner, Michael Apted (Nell, Gorillas in the Midst, The Coal Miners Daughter).
Nicole continues to study voice, acting, and dance and has worked at such institutions as South Coast Repertory and with renowned commercial and theatrical coach Stuart K. Robinson as well as with Jill Goodsell at The Grande-Goodsell Institute for the Arts and Humanities.
When not on stage, Nicole has found a love for working behind the scenes as Production Director for One More Productions. It is a dream come true to be creating and producing quality theater and Nicole is dedicated to bringing her passion and love for the arts to the community, especially children. Knowing the importance of theatre for children, not only as an outlet, but also as an educational tool she has incorporated a children's division into One More Productions. Teaming with Garden Grove school's and organizations, One More Productions has sponsored educational field trips and classes for the local youth to introduce them to all the aspects of theater, including performance and back stage work. Nicole had the great opportunity to co-Direct and write an original script based on Peter Pan with Damien Lorton for the Multi-Cultural Outreach Program during the Summer of 2003. Again in March of 2004, One More Productions mounted a cutting of Seussical, which was edited and directed by the team in celebration of 100 Years of Dr. Seuss at Mitchell Elementary in Garden Grove.
Outside of theater, Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Entertainment Studies from California State University Fullerton. She also devotes her time to volunteer work, knowing the importance of giving back to the community. Nicole is a past member of the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa, having wprked with them for over four years as well as working with such groups as Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, Orangewood Children's Foundation, and Race for the Cure, which she continues to participate in every year.
In April 2009, Nicole was awarded The Paul Harris Fellow honor by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world." She received the St. James Family Honors Award "for service and dedication to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community at large," on April 25, 2009 by the Board of Directors of the Orange County Imperial Court. As well as a Certificate of Appreciation awarded by the Garden Grove City Council and Mayor William Dalton on December 2, 2008 in appreciation of significant contributions made during the 2008 Garden Grove Tree Lighting Celebration.
Although a native of Newport Beach, Nicole has adopted Garden Grove as a second home and is thrilled and honored to be at the Gem Theater and is grateful for all the love and support of One More Productions. She looks forward to seeing you at the theater!