Today we’d like to introduce you to Andreece Nikudinovski.
Andreece, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
From the time I was young, I knew I had the ability to carry a tune but had zero interest in developing my voice. Even further in my mind was any consideration of performing as a career! Growing up I’d sung with friends in talent shows and pretended to be the next “American Idol” in my shower, but I never gave it much thought beyond that. Everything changed when I was 16 years old and found myself thrown into a beginning chorus class to fill an empty elective. I fought it tooth and nail, but alas, I had no choice. I prepared to suffer through it for the remainder of the semester and move on to something more interesting the second it was over! One day, my choir teacher heard me sing in class and asked me to sing a solo. I was nervous, but I did it! She and the other students were taken totally by surprise; Who knew the girl hiding in the back could sing? As it turned out, she thought I had real potential! She encouraged me and genuinely believed in my talent. The next thing I knew I was in our school’s most advanced choir and playing the lead female roles in all of our musical productions! I was completely hooked, and from the first moment I took an onstage bow and saw my family crying in the audience, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I decided to go to school to study music where I received invaluable training as a vocalist and overall performer. Since then, my voice has given me incredible opportunities: everything from vocally supervising artists at major corporations and singing in international cathedrals to the performing on the seven seas and now the stages of Chicagoland! It’s funny to look back and think that the beginning chorus class I dreaded taking would be the key to me finding my passion and purpose in life. I am very grateful to have discovered a fulfilling life in the arts!
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think the road is smooth for any artist, but this is especially true for minority artists. At times I have found it difficult to decipher whether or not to pursue certain performing opportunities because I never know if a creative team will be open minded with their vision or not! I believe the industry is slowly beginning to change their mindset when it comes to inclusivity and realizing there can be a seat at the table for everyone regardless of sexual orientation, mobility, gender identity, ethnicity, etc., but we’ve still got some work to do! Additionally, this is an industry where rejection is very common. It can make you question whether or not you’ve made the right career choice or if your talent is good enough. I’ve learned the key to coping with the rejection we all inevitably face is to realize there are many factors at play when it comes to casting. Being told no often times has less to do with you or your abilities and more to do with what they need for the bigger picture in that moment. No matter what, you should hold your head high and remain rooted in your purpose! Keep showing up, keep working at your craft and keep believing in yourself! The no’s are tough, but they make the yes’ that much sweeter! And trust me: what’s yours is already written. Your yes will come!
What else should we know?
In addition to being a performing artist, I am a co-founder of a woman and minority-owned performing arts company called The Hourglass Collective! I am one of 3 founders who are devoted to forging diverse onstage opportunities for minority voices in the Chicagoland area. When I am not performing, I am actively creating an inclusive and collaborative platform for other performing artists to share their vital art with the community! I take a lot of pride in what I do: as an artist, there is nothing that brings me more joy than being on stage, looking out into the audience and seeing that I’ve made someone feel something. We are living in a time where our nation is divided, people are hurting and fear/uncertainty are the norm now. Being able to share the gift of love and healing through music and theatre with others is a huge blessing to me. I know this is something many other artists feel, but they simply haven’t been given the opportunity! My company and I are excited and determined to keep bringing all voices and perspectives to the forefront, whether you’re a dancer, a poet, a musician, an actor, a playwright, a comedian, etc! The arts are incredibly important and every narrative deserves to be shared with the world!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I envision a lot more inclusive casting and women-led creative teams coming to the forefront in the near future. The Hourglass Collective is proof that the change is already happening. I firmly believe there is space for more diversity on stage. New productions are popping up every single day that prove diversity is possible, it matters and it is highly celebrated! People want to experience stories told by people who look like them! Inclusive casting provides opportunity for so many where there was previously very little. It is really exciting to witness. As a minority woman, I’ve decided to stop asking for a seat at a table not designed for me and to make an inclusive table of my own! Artists like myself are really shifting the narrative about who can create and be the face of art, which I believe is very important and long overdue! I am extremely hopeful for the possibilities the future holds!
Contact Info:
- Email: andreecew@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @reece_monet, @thehourglasscollective
- Facebook: The Hourglass Collective
- Website: http://www.
thehourglasscollective.com
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