Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Koch.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My parents signed me up for a musical production of ANNIE when I was 8; since then I have absolutely loved performing. When it was time to apply to colleges, I really wanted to continue performing but was hesitant to pursue that path because I was scared of what other people would think. People like telling you that the Entertainment Industry “cannot provide you with a source of income” or that “being an actor is not a real job”. When I told my parents what I wanted to do, they were incredibly supportive. I got a scholarship to the school of my dreams and was headed to LA that October. Looking back, the support system was always there, but I didn’t realize it until I stepped foot in LA. My parents are the best, and I am incredibly grateful to have them.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like I said, people who aren’t in the industry LOVE to talk bad about it. I once had a high school math teacher tell me I was going nowhere with my life in front of the entire class. She didn’t believe that I was talented or that I had enough drive. I have been living in LA for six years now.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I have a BFA in Musical Theatre but I love being on camera, so I am currently seeking representation for TV/ Film. Besides that, I’d like to find a way to make self-love and body positivity a priority for everyone. Each person is so beautiful and spectacular in their own way. It’s upsetting to me that some stranger behind a computer screen can take away someone’s confidence with a single word. I got bullied a lot for the way I looked back in middle school. I constantly was called “ugly” because my lips were “too big”, or “fat” because I don’t have a thigh gap. It took me a long time to realize that I was never the problem in that situation. There’s too much pressure, especially on young people, to be “picture perfect”…. And what does that even mean? My idea of “perfect” could be blonde hair and blue eyes, while yours could be brunette with a pearly white smile. IT MAKES NO SENSE! I just want people to know they are extraordinary and unique exactly the way that they are. However, if you want Plastic surgery, or you want to dye your hair red, or having green contacts will make you happier, then do it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing up your look. The point is, be happy with yourself. If shaving your head and piercing your nose makes you confident, go you!!!
I try making it a point to include self-love in my social media outlets; whether it’s posting a quote on my Instagram story about self-care, or talking about my own experiences on my YouTube channel, I just want people to know they aren’t alone. I hope someone can find comfort in my words, and in turn, realize their own awesomeness.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
In this industry, you hear a lot about people being in the “right place at the right time”. While I somewhat agree with that, I think my success will come from how hard I work plus the connections I’ve made along the way. I’ve done projects with a lot of talented individuals who I know will put me in their work down the road, or refer me to an agent simply because they know I’m passionate, I have good work ethic, and they enjoy working with me. That being said, if you are not fun to work with, people will find out about that, too! So my advice is to always be on your game, whether you’re the lead in a film or a background actor with no lines. It doesn’t matter; have good work ethic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicoletkoch.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niicole.koch/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzm1P18seSQmw97m5FmIh8Q
Image Credit:
Alex Melgosa, Janee Green, Headshot by Brandon Tabiolo, Baby photo provided by Keith Koch
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
