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Nick Adams    

Broadway Star, LGBT Advocate & Anti-Bullying Activist; Known for "Priscilla Queen of the Desert"

Famed Broadway star, Nick Adams, fell in love with acting at an early age. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he earned a degree in fine arts from the Boston Conservatory of Music. After graduation, he moved to New York where he steadily booked a stream of small parts in musicals like "Chicago" and "The Pirate Queen." But, before becoming the star that he is today, Nick grappled with the social perils of his sexuality while growing up in a small town.

Having been the target of mockery, bullying and abuse as a child, Nick began hitting the gym hard in college to develop an "...armor against the elements in the outside world that didn't want to be so kind to him because he was gay" and also at the advice of his college professors in order for his "...look to match [his] acting and singing skills." As his inner confidence and outer physique transformed, so did his life and the roles he was being offered. Nick originated/starred as the role of Adam/Felicia in the Bette Midler-produced Broadway production of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." As his career has taken off, Nick has used it as an opportunity to lend his name and voice to organizations such as Live Out Loud, one of New York's up-and-coming LGBT organizations.

His work on and off the New York stage champions younger generations to be true to who they are and become comfortable in their own skin no matter outside influences. By sharing his story and his courage to live his life openly and fully, Nick is an inspiration to others undergoing similar challenges and continues to encourage a safe space for individuality and tolerance to grow and develop.

Nick was nominated for the 2011 Astaire Award for Best Male Dancer and won two Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards for Favorite Breakthrough Performance and Favorite Diva Performance. He was also honored by the American Theater Hall of Fame with a fellowship for his performance in "Priscilla." He originated the role of Angelique in the Tony Award winning 2010 revival of "La Cage aux Folles." His film credits include: "Sex and the City 2," "An Englishman in New York," "As the World Turns," "Guiding Light," "Dancing with the Stars," "Rosie Live," The Kennedy Center Honors and The Tony Awards. Concerts have included Birdland in New York, Erie Philharmonic, Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops. He has been featured in several national media outlets including the covers of Dance Spirit and Instinct Magazine.

Speech Topics


Artistic Endeavors

Without an arts education, Nick Adams may have never become the talented, successful artist he is today. Although his passion for the theater was sparked at a young age, it was because of the knowledge, guidance, and support that he received from numerous teachers and mentors that allowed him to blossom and find his voice as an artist and a continued support system, not only his professional, but also personal life. In this impassioned presentation, Nick dissects the importance of continued education in the arts as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead if there is continued deterioration or removal of arts programs across the country.

Celebrating Differences

At an early age, Nick Adams knew he was different from the other boys. His feelings of insecurity were increased by bullying from his peers. As he started to mature in early adolescence, he took his internal concerns—the frustrations and emotions—and focused on what he could change on the outside—his physique. In this personal and revealing presentation, Nick highlights the hidden strengths of learning how to play to your differences in order to combat the pressures of the outside world. By dealing with how he looked on the outside, Nick was able to improve his confidence on a superficial level in order to combat those deeper issues of being different. Nick shares some of the life lessons he has learned over the years on his journey to becoming an accomplished actor as well as a confident individual.

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