Nikki Cloer is a twenty-three year old recent college graduate. Born and raised in Garland, Texas, Nikki went to college at Southern Methodist University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. Upon graduation, she took a job at Moroch Partners where she interned the previous semester. A short year and a half later, Nikki has been promoted to Account Executive. Nikki performs in community theatre productions across the Dallas metroplex in her spare time. She currently lives in Uptown Dallas with her fiancé, Sam. You spent years performing in musical theatre productions before majoring in advertising in college. What have you done to keep up the artistic fix?
NIKKI CLOER
THE DAP
You were recently promoted to account executive at Moroch Partners. What made you want to keep performing, despite having a career in a different area?
NIKKI CLOER
I started my job the Monday after I graduated, so I spent a good 6 months getting acclimated to having a work schedule. In college I had loads of activities to keep me busy, but when I first started, my job was all I needed to bide my time. When I got comfortable with my routine, I felt as if I was missing something. As chance would have it, my old high school director approached me about auditioning for a show he was directing. I got the part and was hooked again.
THE DAP
How difficult is it trying to find shows that will fit into your work schedule?
NIKKI CLOER
My career is my priority. I am able to do shows because I have a wonderful job that has a lot of flexibility. When I look for shows to do, I first have to make sure that it doesn't conflict with any work. So far, it hasn't been a problem so I'm going to do as many shows as I possibly can. I work really hard so that in my free time, I am able to do the craft that I love.
THE DAP
What keeps you going as you try to balance a career and a rehearsal schedule?
NIKKI CLOER
It can get a little hectic at times trying to balance a career and my rehearsal schedule. Most of the time I get out of work right at quittin' time - 5:30pm - and have plenty of time to eat, change, and head out. It's those days that I stay late at work, or during tech week, that I don't get much time. Right now my fiance is taking night classes while working full time. My new found hobby is quite a blessing for him because it keeps me occupied and not bugging him all of the time.
THE DAP
Do you see yourself continuing to dabble in theatre as the years go on and your career progresses?
NIKKI CLOER
When I think ahead to the future, the only thing I see that is going to change my being in theatre is my family. I have been blessed with a great job that appreciates and encourages a separate life outside of work. That I am very grateful for. But I'm getting married in a year and a half and soon thereafter, we'll start to make decisions about when to start a family. I just couldn't see myself trying to raise a family, but not being there when they get home from school or tucking them into bed. Luckily, that's not for quite a few years so I'll be able to as many shows as I can.
THE DAP
After growing up in the Dallas area, and now living and working in Dallas, what would you say about the opportunities to perform in Dallas?
NIKKI CLOER
There are many, many talented people in Dallas, so competition is fierce. Luckily in my audition experiences, I've found that talent trumps familiarity. I may have not gotten the parts, but my being a new face did not stop my getting to the final rounds of the audition processes. I am very excited about my future opportunities.
THE DAP
You're showing you can have the career you want without sacrificing your interests. What advice would you give to others with a 9 to 5 job who miss performing or creating?
NIKKI CLOER
If you miss performing, there is a way to make it work. It could be difficult at times trying to balance a schedule, but you can do it. Everyone has the same twenty four hours in a day, and if it's something you love to do, it's completely possible. Don't give up on your passion!
Top photo credit Sarah Kane. Bottom photo credit Naifeh Photography.