Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Nicholas.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a shy student in middle school when I first found theatre. It gave me a way to express myself when I didn’t yet have the confidence to use my own voice. I began as a performer, like most people do, but in high school a teacher challenged me to direct a scene — and I fell in love with directing.
I went on to earn my MFA in Directing from Baylor University, where I deepened my understanding of storytelling and collaboration. My connection to Centre Stage began in 2012, when I started doing production work alongside my now-husband. I even planned our wedding backstage during a production of Hairspray!
After graduate school, I returned to Centre Stage as part of the staff, and in 2020 I stepped into the role of Executive Artistic Director. In this position, I’ve worked to strengthen the theatre’s role as a space where art, community, and connection intersect — a place that not only entertains, but inspires and reflects the people we serve.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Every meaningful journey comes with challenges that shape you. One of the earliest for me was overcoming my own fear of public speaking — ironic, given the field I chose. Directing helped me turn that fear into empathy for others finding their voice.
Professionally, stepping into leadership in 2020 brought some of the hardest and most important years of my career. The pandemic knocked out so much of what we had built, and the recovery wasn’t quick. Over the past five years, we’ve been slowly rebuilding — not just our operations, but our sense of community, trust, and momentum. It’s been a steady process of redefining what Centre Stage means to our artists, audiences, and city.
Those challenges taught me resilience, patience, and perspective. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been deeply rewarding — every obstacle has reinforced why this work matters and how powerful it can be when a community comes together around art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Executive Artistic Director at Centre Stage, I oversee both the artistic and administrative sides of the organization — from programming and directing productions to strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnerships. I see my role as the intersection between creativity and leadership: ensuring that the art onstage reflects and serves the community offstage.
I specialize in directing, producing, and set design, and I’m fortunate to work in one of very few professional thrust stages in the nation. That configuration demands a distinct approach to storytelling — one that draws audiences into the action from all sides and makes every production an immersive experience. My background in directing informs everything I do — I’m constantly thinking about collaboration, pacing, and emotional throughlines, whether I’m leading a rehearsal or a board meeting.
I’m most proud of how Centre Stage has evolved in recent years. We’ve expanded opportunities for local artists, championed new works through our Front and Centre initiative, and developed meaningful partnerships that make theatre more accessible and relevant. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to cultivating local artistry — creating a professional home where Greenville’s creative voices can thrive.
At its core, my work is about connection: between artists and audiences, vision and execution, creativity and community. That’s what makes Centre Stage special — and what keeps me inspired every day.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No one achieves success alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have shaped my journey. Early on, I had teachers who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself — especially the one who first encouraged me to direct. That single moment of trust changed the entire trajectory of my career.
At Centre Stage, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team of artists, staff, and board members who believe in the power of live theatre to transform a community. Their creativity, resilience, and heart make everything we do possible.
I also owe a great deal to the mentors and colleagues who modeled what strong, compassionate leadership looks like — people who taught me that collaboration and empathy are as essential to success as vision and drive. And, of course, my family has been my constant support system, cheering me on through every late night, production hurdle, and milestone along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centrestage.org
