By Anastasia Kadiyala and Abby Lass
As the school year comes to a close and only one more theater season remains, it’s almost time for those Seniors who have been a part of South’s theater program for nearly four years to say farewell.
While the Class of 2015 includes many vibrant members of South Stage, perhaps one of the most iconic faces in the Seasholes Auditorium is that of Nikki Caminetsky, who has participated in every season of South Stage theater since she arrived at South in 2011.
“The theater program has become my home,” Caminetsky said. “I think that everyone finds their niche, and theater was mine.”
When she was just eight-years-old, Caminetsky auditioned for The Little Mermaid at her summer camp. She got the part, and from there her love of acting grew.
“I auditioned, and I was one of the youngest kids who got a part, so I just stuck with it,” Caminetsky said.
By the time she arrived at South, Caminetsky had had many previous acting experiences, even performing in plays at various summer camps including Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York.
Caminetsky’s love of acting has always been driven by the opportunities it provides her to be someone new or someone she is not.
“I get to put on a costume and act like someone who I may not be able to act like on a daily basis,” she said. “I’m only one person, so by acting I can be other things.”
Although Caminetsky is often cast as the younger sister in her performances, she prefers playing older characters that allow her to address those issues that are prevalent in her life as a young adult.
“I like being seen as older because I’m seventeen-I’m not a kid anymore, so I think having those older parts makes you come across issues you’re going to have in your own life but in a situation where you’ll be able to deal with them safely,” Caminetsky said. “Though, being the annoying sister is always fun.”
Caminetsky’s experiences in theater have not only come from her acting roles, but also from those working on the set. After not receiving a role in the spring play her freshman year, Caminetsky started working in the costume room. The next fall she was the assistant costume designer for the Frosh Play.
“I still wanted to do something after school, so I started in costumes,” Caminetsky said. “The costume room is my safe haven. I like going down there and hanging out and I feel comfortable there.”
Upon entering high school, Caminetsky hoped to take her theater career to the next level and to eventually become an actress, even joining an acting agency for a time. However, the uncertainty in waiting for a role and the instability of the profession concerned her.
“Through freshman year I thought I was going to be an actress,” Caminetsky said. “But I want to be doing something where I can be making a living for myself.”
Now, as her time as an actress comes to a close, Caminetsky hopes to pursue a career in criminology. In fact, Caminetsky’s WISE project involves working with the Newton Police, and she has decided to study criminology in college.
“I’ve always been good at problem solving, and I’m always good finding small details, and criminal investigation is an area I’d be well suited for,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in crime, and I’ve always wondered what drives people, so I think that going into that field is something I’ll enjoy.”
Caminetsky feels that her time spent on South Stage has not only given her amazing memories, but also helped her gain more confidence in other areas of life.
“I can go up to random people and start a conversation. I can stand at the front of the class and give a speech. It’s just helped me a lot,” she said.
While Caminetsky has seen herself grow and gain confidence as an actress over the years, her family and friends note that she has never been shy.
“[She] absolutely loved getting up in front of a group of people to sing,” Caminetsky’s older sister Sydney said. “Nikki has always had a bubbly and outgoing personality, but I feel [that] acting has allowed her to feel more comfortable in new situations.”
Head of South Stage Jeff Knoedler has witnessed Caminetsky develop as an actress over the years and believes that Caminetsky has always worked hard and been eager to improve.
“I think she has grown more confident in her abilities,” Knoedler said. “She is often interested in feedback about her performance and she constantly strives for improvement.”
But whether it’s onstage, behind the scenes, or in the classroom, Caminetsky has shown herself to be a dedicated and conscientious individual.
“Nikki’s preparation and attention to detail is second to none,” Knoedler said. “I’m not sure I have ever seen her unprepared for any assignment or activity, big or small. Nikki is sensitive to her peers mistreating each other in social situations. She has a muscular sense of integrity, and holds others to a high standard of behavior.”
Caminetsky is ending her South Stage acting career with a lead role in The Rocky Horror Show and she plans to work on costume design in the spring season.
