Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Gomes.
Hi Nicole, 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 am Brazilian, born and raised in a small town called Brazópolis in the interior of Minas Gerais, a state in Brazil. My interest in the arts has been present since I was very young. At the age of six, I would gather my cousins, put together a play, assemble the whole family in the living room, and present the play. Around the same age, I began participating in theater at my school and performing in local events in my small town.
At seventeen, I moved to São Paulo to attend a university preparatory course called “cursinho.” During my time there, I studied theatrical games and fell deeply in love with the art. Upon entering university, now in the state of Rio de Janeiro, I joined a theater class. It was there that I met two great friends, Breno and Claudio, with whom I formed the Theater Group called “O BANDO.” We performed plays throughout the state of Rio in the SEC theaters.
In 2015, I was awarded a scholarship to study at The Lisbon Theatre and Film School of the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon. The months in Portugal paved the way for my years here in the United States. When I completed my course, I knew I wanted to explore more of the world of on-camera acting. So, in 2019, I came to Los Angeles, where I studied on-camera acting at UCLAx and also the Stella Adler Technique at the Actor Circle Theatre.
And that’s how I ended up here in Los Angeles, working as an actor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe that the challenges I face are not unique to me but are shared by the entire artistic community. These challenges encompass the lack of financial stability, exhaustive hours of poorly compensated or sometimes unpaid work, and, of course, the absence of cultural incentive laws in the Brazilian context. On a personal level, I would say that being a woman born in a very small town, where there are no theaters or cinemas, and belonging to a very traditional family, acknowledging acting as a profession and being recognized as such by those I love has been and continues to be a constant battle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In 2021, still during the pandemic, I conceptualized, produced, and remotely hosted a podcast in collaboration with Ifaz Filmes, a Brazilian production company. The podcast is titled “Gesto Comum,” which translates to something like “Common Gesture,” and it was launched in 2022. In each episode, we engage in conversations with individuals involved in socially oriented and volunteer projects to understand how the projects operate, how we can contribute, and what motivated them to want to change the world. Through this podcast, I had the chance to encounter numerous inspiring and touching stories that renewed my hope in humanity.
In 2023, “Gesto Comum” was nominated as the best non-fiction podcast by RioWeb Fest. This is a project that I take great pride in, and if anyone is interested in listening, you can find it on all podcast platforms.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe that a characteristic contributing to my success is being curious and observant. Curiosity about learning new things, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures and languages keeps me constantly seeking fresh experiences that later become accessible tools for character creation. The ability to be observant allows me to approach processes with respect, placing myself in the role of a learner first and then an executor. I think this combination is what makes me grow as an actress.
Regarding qualities, I believe that persistence and perseverance have been crucial in getting me to where I am and will continue to propel me even further.
Contact Info:
- Website: gomesnicole.com
- Instagram: @nicolegomesoli
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gesto-comum/id1645714439
Image Credits
Paloma Bertissolli Milanez Headshotsbyjim Priscilla Runion
