Shakespeare and Beyond: Nick Rose's Dual Legacy in Theater
In the heart of the Nighthawk Theater, where dreams take center stage, stands Nick Rose, a director whose unwavering passion for the arts who has not only shaped young talent over the years but who also co-founded the renowned Cincinnati Shakespeare Company over three decades ago.
Nick's passion for theater began at an early age and by the time he was in high school he knew without a doubt that he wanted to act and be a part of the theater scene. After high school, Nick graduated from James Madison University (JMU) with a bachelor’s degree in theater. During his time at JMU, he was actively involved in directing and participating in at least two theatrical performances annually. He also toured with the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, performing three Shakespeare plays across the eastern United States during his final year.
Building on his extensive theater experience at JMU, Nick's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the Fahrenheit Theater Company in 1993. The company, conceived from an idea shared among a group of friends at Waffle House, aimed to provide a place for actors to perform Shakespeare, as well as new works, for a live audience. The company later evolved into the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where Nick played a pivotal role until 2017. “I wasn’t making an impact the way I wanted to anymore; I had performed theater for 25 years at that point and thought it was time to pass the torch to the next person,” says Nick.
Never one to sit still for too long, he decided later that year to pursue a master’s degree in education with a focus on secondary education at Xavier University. After a professor at Xavier recommended him for a job opening, he applied to Cincinnati Country Day School and in August 2020 Nick joined the school as the voice and speaking teacher and head of theater. During the 2023-24 school year, Nick also added “head of the arts department” to his list of titles.
His dedication to education and the arts was clearly evident in his new role. This year’s fall production of A Midsummer Night's Dream – a whimsical Shakespearean comedy about love, magic, and mischief in an enchanted forest – captivated the audience. When discussing his choice for the first Shakespeare play to be performed live during his tenure at Country Day, Nick says, “I asked myself, ‘What would be a great introductory piece that everyone of all ages could enjoy?’ and I knew this was it. It has something for everyone.”
Nick emphasized the importance of giving high school students the opportunity to perform Shakespeare, saying, “Performing Shakespeare not only gets them comfortable with stage presence, speaking on stage, and utilizing the mechanics of language, but it’s also easier for them to understand and interpret because of the lack of subtext involved.” And the students certainly delivered, showcasing their talents, commitment, and passion on stage and behind the curtain.
Nick's dedication to fostering student growth through theater is clear, and his appreciation for the school's supportive community underscores his commitment. “We have an entire community devoted to supporting not only the arts but every program we have here at Country Day,” says Nick. “I have made it my mission to provide an arts program that the whole community can rally behind. Because we are all on one campus and have such a tight-knit community, we can engage all students, from grade K through12, and that is such a unique gift.”
Nick's passion for theater is matched by his practical advice for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “My advice to students wanting to pursue theater in high school is to show up and be ready to have fun but to also understand that there is work involved, like memorizing lines and being able to tap back into when you were a kid and have that carefree approach.”
From an enthusiastic high school student to a revered theater director and educator, Nick’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the arts. As he continues to inspire today’s generation of actors at Country Day, his legacy of creativity, passion, and community support shines brightly, ensuring that the magic of theater at Country Day will thrive for years to come.