Nico Greetham – The Prom

By starrymag | December 11, 2020

By: Kemberlie Spivey

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the upcoming film The Prom.

A: A young girl in Indiana is assisted by Broadway actors when her schools’ PTA won’t allow her to bring her girlfriend to prom.

 

Q) What was it about the role of Nick or the movie that made you want to be a part of it?

A: The moment I saw the opportunity in my inbox from my manager I was jazzed! To have the chance to be a part of Ryan Murphy’s universe (a universe I’ve been obsessed with for over a decade) was a dream in itself. On top of that, I get to sing, dance and act for a film with such a beautiful and important message?! Where do I sign?

 

Q) What did you find anything challenging about portraying Nick and in what ways can you relate to him?

A: Nick Boomer is a product of his surroundings; the conservative town in the Midwest with close-minded views where the movie takes place. Being the popular high school jock with a religious background is all he knows, until he is introduced to the simple yet life altering concept of “inclusivity.” I always enjoy playing a role that challenges my personal moral compass and goes against what I believe. By doing so, I am able to discover how to validate Nick’s repressed ideology. As an actor, getting in the mind set of people who don’t view life the way I do is very exciting to me!

 

Q) How was it working with director Ryan Murphy? Did he give you a say in how Nick would come to life or was it all in the script?

A: I think it’s an understatement to say working with Ryan Murphy was a dream! Ryan has such a brilliant, unique, and specific vision and being able to witness him make it come to life was inspiring. He also trusts his actors and gave us space to discover our personal journeys for our characters on set (in cohesion with what was scripted of course). I can’t wait to work with him again!

 

Q) Production for The Prom shut down due to the pandemic in the beginning of the year. What was it like coming back to set to finish the rest of the movie during this pandemic?

A: Crazy enough, my last day on set was March 12th, the day before quarantine began! Ironically, it was the first scene I’m shown in the film; the shirtless scene I prepped for by not eating cookies for two (long) weeks!

 

Q) Without giving any spoilers, what were some of your favorite moments from filming The Prom?

A: Everyday felt like I needed to be pinched. I’ll choose my top three moments: 1. My first scene I shot was the one in the mall with Andrew Rannells (Tent Oliver) and he was so kind and incredibly welcoming on set; it was also fun having the crowd of real shoppers in the mall watch and cheer for us while we filmed! 2. My birthday was one of the days we filmed the last big dance number with everyone and I felt so spoiled. It’s not every day Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington sing you happy birthday! 3. Yeah. I thought I could just pick three but every day was a fantasy!

 

Q) What would you say are the top key points from The Prom you hope really resonates with audiences?

A: I am thrilled to imagine that the parents, family members and friends who don’t necessarily understand or accept their queer kids, relatives and peers will watch The Prom and it opens their minds – teaching them that acceptance of your kid is the most important thing you can give a child. Love is just simply love and everyone deserves it.

This film is incredibly important for these people who live in places where it’s not okay, and where they don’t feel safe being themselves. The suicide rate in LGBTQ kids and the homeless rate in LGBTQ kids is far too high. The more awareness we can bring in cinema and TV and social media, the more that they will feel it’s okay to be who they are and who they want to be. We’ve made strides, even in the last few years. We’re definitely headed in the correct direction and people like Ryan Murphy who are actively making most, if not all, of their projects based around that awareness is a beautiful, wonderful thing. I hope to be a part of as many projects as I can be in regard to being able to bring awareness.

 

Q) What is next for you, Nico? Are you working on any projects the fans can keep an eye out for?

A: I’ve been very fortunate this year to have some other films I worked on have premiers. A punk-rock independent film called Dinner In America had its world premiere at Sundance this year and a heart-warming LGBTQ+ indie called Dramarama premiered at Outfest. Be on the lookout for their worldwide distribution in 2021! I’m endlessly proud to be a part of these beautiful films! My team and I also have some irons in the fire so once I can mention anything on those, I’ll make sure to share it.

 

Q) What advice would you give to a young person to achieve their dreams?

A: Don’t rush it. It is far too easy to compare yourself to others, especially in today’s day with social media and such, but it’s important to remember everyone’s path is different. You are exactly where you need to be, as long as you are working hard towards your goals and the person you wish to become. I am also a firm believer that surrounding yourself with genuine people that believe in you, inspire you and push you to your greatest heights is the key to staying on track. Lastly, don’t ever stop believing in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you radiate that energy and walk differently and it forces people to believe in you too!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

A: I am forever grateful for everyone who has believed in me. Like I mentioned above, having people surround you that believe in you is the key to staying on track – and that has remained true for me throughout my career. To my close friends, family and team: thank you for constantly pushing me to strive for greatness and letting me soar (and for dealing with my melt downs and dramatic self!). To my supporters from a far: I have no idea how these few words can offer more than a scant reward for such support and belief, but please know I am at my most sincere when I say I am truly touched. It fuels me to continue moving forward and I am eternally grateful! x