Nicole Pastor was born to perform! Actually there was no defining moment, acting or performing was just something I wanted to do. Growing up, I wanted to be the things I watched like Wendy in Peter Pan. Or Xena the Warrior Princess (insert xenas battle cry here ha-ha) or Velma Kelly in Chicago. One of my earliest presents was a toy microphone.
From around the age of 4, I began dancing lessons at the local community hall. I was always putting on shows at home for the family. And I would choreograph dances and cast my sisters in performances. Mum even has a patch of worn carpet where I always danced, sung and performed. The lounge room was my first stage!
My love of performing continued through classes at various schools of dance. I competed in eisteddfods, and performed in end of year concerts, fetes and shopping centres. Then, I attended a performing arts high school where I had opportunity to combine dancing with singing. I also studied an Entertainment Certificate and was involved in a number of productions in front and behind the camera.
Always the drama queen, it was inevitable that I would choose this path! I have always wanted to be and do everything. A movie would aspire me to want to try things. For instance, watching Legally Blonde made me want to be a Lawyer. And Josie and the Pussycats made me want to start a band!
Doing something that everyone else does, or what others expected, didn’t sit with me. I believe I had a somewhat restless spirit, as I would always seek the different. Also, I end up putting my hand up to try things, have a go at something, and walk a different path.
I love and seek variety. And I believe one of my strengths is that I can easily adapt to new experiences. As I have always had a hunger to learn and develop my craft. Pursuing acting and performing seemed a natural progression.
Before I knew it I found myself in an Ad that would feature in public restrooms. Quite the introduction to the world of advertising! Haha! Other commercial work would follow, including opportunities as a background extra on various tv series and films. Then being the stand-in for Jessica Marais on the set of the telemovie ‘Carlotta’.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Nicole Pastor (NP): I’ve watched A LOT of films and TV series, so I’ve learnt how to act from just watching other actors and performances from Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Cher, Hilary Swank, Patricia Arquette, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, the list goes on..!
I truly believe that it is so important to never stop learning, and I will always continue to study and hone my craft. Though, I didn’t really want to do a full time course where I would have to immerse myself for a number of years, I preferred short courses that were practical and Id be able to walk out the door with the knowledge and skills that I could implement straight away – on the next shoot, the next self tape etc. I have always sought tutors who are working full time in their field and can provide the right knowledge.
Over the years I have studied at NIDA, Screenwise, TAFTA, and The Hub Studio. I still attend various master classes and workshops through The Hub Studio. It’s such a supportive place, a community where I can get the right skills, tools and resources I need to continue to develop and build my career… I love that they provide smaller classes and you don’t feel like a dollar sign, you also get to spend more time one on one time with that teacher/ guest. Then, I am also a MEAA/Equity member and am fortunate to attend their one off workshops with some of Australia’s top acting teachers, accent coaches, casting directors, voice and movement teachers.
I have had private sessions with Pip Edwards (Actor), Ben Mathews (Actor/Dir), Joel Jackson (actor) and Kim Farrant (Dir.) Having a flawless American accent is crucial so I continue to have on-going private tuition with Linda Nicholls- Gidley. Linda is one of the top voice and dialect coaches here in Australia. She is such a lovely and amazing person and her knowledge of accents and dialects is just crazy! I’m always in awe of her. I don’t think there is an accent or dialect she cannot do??!) I have also been seeing Katrina Risteska (actor) who has shot a number of my self tests/auditions lately. I’m grateful to work with a giving and talented human being who brought out the best in me.
Through an intense 6 Month Advanced Screen Course at NIDA, I was taught by Directors Craig Boreham (Dir. Teenage Kicks) and Elissa Down (Dir. The Black Balloon). I was fortunate enough to be chosen to work with Craig on his 2016 Drama Feature Film Teenage Kicks. Although, my scene was cut from the final edit (which unfortunately these things can happen!). I was stoked to have had the opportunity to work and learn from him. As well as playing opposite actors Daniel Webber and Miles Szanto whom were just lovely and are both super talented.
Craig Boreham Pip Edwards & References
Nicole is extremely unique in many respects. She has a wonderful ability to personify any character on demand and is extremely versatile. Nicole brings depth to comedy and serious drama alike, a rare quality. She has a strong screen presence and makes bold performance choices which are always a pleasure to watch. Her powerful screen presence and commitment to strong dramatic choices are rare qualities. These will no doubt see Nicole’s work engage and connect with audiences. She is an exceptionally talented young actor. And, I have no doubt she will be very successful in her pursuits… – Craig Boreham
I had the pleasure of teaching Nicole in Screen Acting Technique. As well as filming a number of her Self tapes. From the moment I met Nicole, I was excited by her unique essence & great honesty. These are qualities which I have seen translate to her presence on screen. Working with Nicole, I found her to be incredibly committed to her craft & personal & artistic growth. She is willing to take risks, which has allowed her to produce some remarkably raw & dangerous performances. I have seen Nicole create characters who are delicate & vulnerable, as well as characters who are fierce, sexy & kick-ass. Nicole’s understanding of people, openness & willingness to grow make her a joy to work with – Pip Edwards
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Nicole Pastor (NP): I am a HUGE fan of Anthony Meindl! He is god in the acting world. If I had a religion it would be him [laughs].
I think he is just amazing. I am such an in-my-head, over thinker (which I’m sure a lot of us are) and he just really simplifies acting to just being fully present and in the moment, and just really listening to what the other person is saying and responding naturally to that. To trust the process and yourself. Anthony talks about you being your technique – it’s more about being in the moment and drawing on my emotions – the pain, the love, joy, anger – and working from this really resonates with me and the way I bring characters to life.
I highly recommend taking Anthony’s classes or auditing and you should go buy his books!!! (I am not being payed to say this nor do I benefit, I’m just genuinely sharing what has helped and assisted me!)
indieactivity : What acting books do you read?
Nicole Pastor (NP): I have read various books like The Power of the Actor – Ivana Chubbuck. The Intent to live– Larry Moss, An Actor Prepares – Constantin Stanislavski and Stamford Meisner on Acting.
Like I mentioned before, I’m not a fan of method acting. The only two books that resonated with me was Book the F*g Job and At Left Brain Turn Right by Anthony Meindl – everything he is about and talks about just makes sense.
I also love The Eight Characters of Comedy by Scott Sedita. There are too many to mention but other books I love are The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin and Purpose by Lisa Messenger. These books refer to living a more meaningful and present life, and I think that’s really important.
indieactivity : How do you keep fit as an actor: mentally and physically?
Nicole Pastor : When there’s not a lot happening, that’s when you have to remain productive, attend classes, read scripts, learn a monologue and say it out loud in the shower in a different accent etc. I’ll film scenes with friends, watch great movies, watch TED talks, anything that helps me to grow and develop.
Acting can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so knowing when do slow down, and take a breather is good, Some roles can be emotionally challenging and I tend to take on other people’s energies, so shaking it off, learning to detach myself from the character once we wrapped the scene, is important. And a little TLC! Down time will see me switch off from social media and I try and meditate, not as much as I would like, but I’m working on that! Spending time with my six fur-babies and family, or catching up with friends is important to me.
Emotions and energy have to go somewhere, and boxing is a great physical outlet for me. I hate cardio haha but I love boxing!
indieactivity : How do you prepare for a role, when you get it?
Nicole Pastor (NP): I will read the script a few times, record the dialogue on my phone so I can listen to it and learn lines. But I also just read it out loud a shit load of times (occasionally my mum runs lines with me, which I think she secretly enjoys!). I also find that writing it down helps. Thankfully I am a pretty quick learner!
I break the script down, note its beats and changes, and start developing the character. If I am playing a real life person, I will research as much as I can about them so I can gain more of an understanding and portray the character truthfully.
I’m not one for wanting to rehearse and rehearse… I believe people do their best work when they’re loose and it’s not overly rehearsed, you want it to be as natural and real as possible, just being in the moment, really listening and reacting to what the other person is saying.
I always bring headphones with me to set as listening to music can help “get me there” in the scene (especially if I have an in emotional or intense scene). When you’re finally in costume you feel like the character – you become the character. Its funny how you can feel like someone else just by putting on a different pair of shoes, a piece of clothing or a change of hairstyle.
indieactivity : How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Nicole Pastor : I don’t take myself too seriously, I’m a pretty down to earth and fun person so I like having fun and a laugh on set. If it is a more serious, emotional, dramatic scene, I may be a bit quieter and give myself some space away from where the action is.
Music is such a big influence in my life, and while it provides me some time out, it also helps to calm my nerves and energize me. I also bring water, fruit, nuts or other snacks to get me through the day, I try to make healthy options as possible otherwise I will just feel sluggish!
indieactivity : What do you want most from a director?
Nicole Pastor : I would really like a Director who provides a safe space for you to ‘play’ and enjoy the process. Also allowing you to have fun and give you some leeway to see where a scene may take you. Someone who can stretch you and who gives you the opportunity to take risks.
indieactivity : What actors do you long to work with?
Nicole Pastor : Oh my God there’s just too many to name! [Laughs]. I would definitely want to work with Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence. I’ve always really appreciated their overall body of work and diversity of roles they have chosen, which are so inspiring to me.
I have fallen in love with Renee Zellweger again. She has made an awesome comeback, not only is she amazingly talented and sexy, but her recent choice of roles, such as the Netflix thriller “What If” and the upcoming biopic, “Judy”, which I’m dying to see by the way, has given me the incentive to reach higher and to consider broad subject matters and characters with my own role objectives.
I believe they all represent such strong and talented women, and to potentially have an opportunity to work with and learn the craft from any of them would be a career dream!
indieactivity : What advice do you give actors?
Nicole Pastor (NP): Firstly, I believe you have to bet on yourself first, before anyone else does. We all have our own journey and path. Everyone’s path is different. I think there is no such thing as overnight success, that’s BS!, it takes years and years of hard work and persistence. Keep learning your craft, take lessons, try everything, if you can dance, dance. If you can sing, sing. If you can write, write. I believe in the value of learning about all aspects of the production process – help out behind the camera so you can learn different things but still be able to work on set.
Overall be kind to yourself and what you tell yourself. Our brain and thoughts can make or break us, so focusing on the thoughts that keep us moving in the direction of our goal is important. And don’t give up. If this is what you’re passionate about and the ‘thing’ that keeps you up at mental hours of the night, then you have to keep going.
indieactivity : Briefly write about your career?
Nicole Pastor (NP): I am currently working with Bay Rock Films as a lead in an ensemble web series Therapy Life, that deals with mental health and every day issues disguised as dark comedy, which critics have likened to The Office (US) and Arrested Development. In this series I play Kimberley, the Therapist. She is a strong independent woman who needs to be more mature than she looks in order to be taken seriously – which I can totally relate to (laughs!)
From my work on Therapy Life, the Director Kacey Baker, asked me to star in his upcoming feature film Hellavator. I can’t say too much at the moment haha but Baker stated, “Comedy is the trickiest genre for an actor to perform, they either nail it or fall flat, Nicole really brought a believable comedy element to Therapy Life, she nailed it, so I can’t wait to see her flick the switch to suspense horror”. In a country where Home & Away or Neighbours is the portal to America’s blockbuster roles, we’re taking initiative at Bay Rock Films to deliver Hollywood/Netflix quality projects on Australian soil. Too many Australian Indie filmmakers settle for ‘story’ as ‘storytellers’ and dismiss the production quality of their films. We focus on more than just story, we focus on the entire film making process as a whole, and Nicole will be a huge asset to helping deliver the quality of Hellavator to the big screen.”
Horror is my favourite genre so you can imagine how exciting it is to have a role in an upcoming horror movie and I am super stoked to have been given the opportunity to work with Kacey Baker again. I will also be working on a coming of age drama “Muscle and Bone” a feature film Directed by Izaak Love. I will play the role of Nikki, a wild and free -spirited girl, a single mum with addiction problems. It is a small but memorable role.
I am very much looking forward to being a part of and supporting Izaak’s debut feature film. His first directorial experience was a short film called ‘I Never Really Left’ (2018), which he wrote, directed and starred in. This year it screened at both the Fargo Film Festival, and at the West End Film Festival. Which is just amazing!
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