Nicole Disson

SPINE OF THE EARTH 2012

2012-01-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Nicole is thrilled to be joining the SPINE OF THE EARTH 2012 team as producer to help artist Lita Albuquerque re-create her seminal artwork Spine of The Earth at the breathtaking Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City.

This large-scale outdoor project is in conjunction with 18th Street Arts Center and the Pacific Standard Time Performance and Public Art Festival organized by Glenn Phillips of the Getty Research Institute and Lauri Firstenberg of LAXART. Funding provided by the Getty Foundation.

To participate in this historical piece on Sunday, January 22nd from 8am - 2pm, please sign up at:

SPINEOFTHEEARTH2012.COM

Spine of the Earth was originally created on El Mirage Dry Lake bed by Lita Albuquerque in the Mojave Desert of California in the Fall of 1980. It was an ephemeral pigment-based Land Work incorporating a performance in which participants laid red, yellow and black pigment on the desert floor in a geometric pattern over six-hundred feet in diameter. Albuquerque used the Earth as an almost two-dimensional drawing surface. The final piece could only be seen in its entirety from an aerial view.

For Spine of The Earth 2012, Albuquerque is re-imagining her seminal project from 1980 in an entirely new context. This large scale new work embodies a spectral line connecting the Earth's core to the sky above. Albuquerque needs over 500 people to participate in this performances. So sing up, sing up a friend and join us! All participants will be involved in a very simple walking based movement (choreographed by LA-bases choreographers WIFE) and will receive a signed, limited-edition artifact of the performance.

New Years Eve Performance at the Soho House

2012-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Nicole welcomed in 2012 with song and dance at the Soho House West Hollywood this Saturday, December 31st. Inspired by the 1920's theme of the party, Nicole sang some of her favorite standards from the period, accompanied by pianist David Bickford and Oliver Newell on bass. Photo by Austin Irving.

THE SERIES XI PHOTOS

2011-12-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

Photos taken by Stefan Silvers at THE SERIES: SHOW XI "ELECTRIC SHIVERS" on the rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA

THE SERIES XI "ELECTRIC SHIVERS" DEC 6TH

2011-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; ELEVENTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON DECEMBER 6TH!

NICOLE DISSON PRESENTS: THE SERIES

PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION. BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDI...E...NCE AND PERFORMANCE.

FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF
.........

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
DANCE
PERFORMANCE ART
THEATRE
INSTALLATION ART
VIDEO ART
POETRY

FEATURED ARTISTS:

* AMERICA MARTIN
* AMY JO DIAZ
* DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD
* HIMIKU
* HYSTERICA DANCE CO./KITTY MCNAMEE
* JACQUELINE SUSKIN
* JASON TURBIN
* JENNY GREER
* JOHN GOLD WITH TRIO ELLAS
* KRISTIN CAMPBELL-TAYLOR
* MANDY KAHN
* the MOVEMENT MOVEMENT
* NICOLE DISSON
* OUROBOROS DESIGNS
* PHARAOHS
* PHILLIP KING
* POOR DOG GROUP
* TOUCHE VIDEO BY SUR REALISMO
* VUM
* ZOE MOORE

The event will be directed by MECCA VAZIE ANDREWS

All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme
"ELECTRIC SHIVERS"

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine

THE SERIES is free and all 21 and up are welcome. RSVP required.

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
SHOW XI "ELECTRIC SHIVERS"
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 Doors 8pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

2011-10-14T16:51:00.001-07:00

Nicole Disson

Actor/Producer/Curator

nicoledisson
... (thecollectedthem)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Describe what Creativity means to you:

Handwritten letters. Shaping space. My own space. Connecting the pieces – be it people, furniture, the art of business, the art of business for art, calling on my personal experiences and imagination when developing characters and understanding scripts or navigating relationships with multiple personalities and making the most of every situation. Finding new sources of inspiration, that are fulfilling, keeps me going.

What influences your work?

My surroundings. My friends. Other artists. People I know, people I don’t. My physical and emotional state of being. My desire to be on stage.

What challenges do you face in your work, and how do you overcome them?

Focusing my energy on what truly matters to me most. Staying true to my heart and learning to listen to what I really want as I am evolving.

ideasarelikerabbits.com

THE SERIES: X

2011-09-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

	LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; TENTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON OCTOBER 11TH! NICOLE DISSON PRESENTS: THE SERIES PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION. BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDIENCE AND PERFORMANCE. FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF ......... MUSIC PERFORMANCE DANCE PERFORMANCE ART THEATRE INSTALLATION ART VIDEO ART CLOWNING MATHEMATICS FEATURED ARTISTS: * ALEX LILLY OF OBI BEST * ASHLEY HENDRA * BEN HEATHCOAT * CHARLIE BIDWELL * COLIN O'BRIEN * CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER * DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD * EBEN STEWART * EMMA RUTH RUNDLE * JASON RITTER * JOHANN CARBAJAL * KATE BERGSTROM * LUKE STRAUSS * MANDY KAHN * MAJKEN CHRISTENSEN * MAX GOLDBLATT * MEAGAN JUDKINS & JACQUE SALADINO * NICOLE DISSON * OHARA * SAM SPENCER * SHEILA VAND * SNEAKY * TEN WEST * ZOE REBECCA PETRULAS NISSAM The event will be directed by D'ARCY F-M All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme "X" Media Partners: LA RECORD and Foam Magazine Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES SHOW X Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA 550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071 Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 Doors 8pm RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com FREE, 21+

LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; TENTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON OCTOBER 11TH!

NICOLE DISSON PRESENTS: THE SERIES

PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION. BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDIENCE AND PERFORMANCE.

FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF
.........

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
DANCE
PERFORMANCE ART
THEATRE
INSTALLATION ART
VIDEO ART
CLOWNING
MATHEMATICS

FEATURED ARTISTS:

* ALEX LILLY OF OBI BEST
* ASHLEY HENDRA
* BEN HEATHCOAT
* CHARLIE BIDWELL
* COLIN O'BRIEN
* CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER
* DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD
* EBEN STEWART
* EMMA RUTH RUNDLE
* JASON RITTER
* JOHANN CARBAJAL
* KATE BERGSTROM
* LUKE STRAUSS
* MANDY KAHN
* MAJKEN CHRISTENSEN
* MAX GOLDBLATT
* MEAGAN JUDKINS & JACQUE SALADINO
* NICOLE DISSON
* OHARA
* SAM SPENCER
* SHEILA VAND
* SNEAKY
* TEN WEST
* ZOE REBECCA PETRULAS NISSAM

The event will be directed by D'ARCY F-M

All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme
"X"

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
SHOW X
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 Doors 8pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

SERIES IX REVIEW:

2011-09-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

"The Series" Gathers Wildly Divergent Artists Posted on Amoeba's blog by Billy Gil, September 8, 2011 01:33pm

I checked out the latest iteration of Nicole Disson’s “The Series” Tuesday night, which aims to put disparate performance artists, dancers, musicians and other artists together in an LA nightlife setting — at Downtown LA hotel The Standard.

It’s a great idea, and something I’d like to see more often. From what I can tell, the artists and musicians I saw perform had little to do with one another, other than for this show, performing under the umbrella of the concept “An Ocean in Fathoms” for the ninth edition of the show.

We saw performance artists wearing dresses massive kelp clumps dangling from their heads, creating sort of oceanic swamp-thing cocktail party personas. Paper hats sat atop the lights illuminating the Standard rooftop pool area. Swimmers mimicked amphibious noises. Opening the show was a single looping shot of a sailboat off in the distance while the camera sits at ocean level, occasionally submerged, while the accompanying music moved from incredulous sounding keyboard squelches to more melodic tones, strings and such.

Elsewhere, the performances and décor diverged from the theme. Yellow Red Sparks played a set of stripped-down harmonic folk on banjo, acoustic guitar and single drum. Bloody Death Skull played broken-down, recombinant electro folk from inside one of The Standard’s waterbed-style pods, with Daiana Feuer’s vocals emulating a bewildered and primitively sexual child. Raw Geronimo played a wild set of tribal, ferocious sound that marries surf rock, desert folk and art rock, topped off by Laena Geronimo’s swooping vocals and flailing, formidable stagepresence.

Possibly my favorite thing about the event: the setting. The Standard’s posh digs and $10 dollar drinks don’t exactly attract the art elite, yet its ultimately bizarre setting, surrounded by skyscrapers of financial institutions and towering over Downtown’s alternating dodginess and bougieness, adds to the commentary of interaction and sly confrontation implied by the show. Plenty of folks who didn’t know what they were in for and wandered in or had been present before the show started for the most part seemed to blend in and give it a chance. Given Disson’s concepts of using unconventional spaces and incorporating a nightlife aspect, I liked that the crowd itself seemed a bit oceanic, uneven and ebbing, with art kids decked out in nightlife attire and nightlife people perusing performances they might not otherwise have seen.

www.amoeba.com/blog

SERIES IX PHOTOS

2011-09-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Photos by Anna Elledge

THE SERIES: SHOW IX "AN OCEAN IN FATHOMS"

2011-08-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION;
NINTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON SEPTEMBER 6TH!

PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION. BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDIENCE AND PERFORMANCE.

FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF
.........
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
DANCE
PERFORMANCE ART
THEATRE
INSTALLATION ART
VIDEO ART
POETRY

FEATURED ARTISTS:

* ALEXANDRA PELLY OF THE MASSES
* ALI HELNWEIN AND HIS STRING QUARTET
* ASHLEY HENDRA
* BEN KUTSKO AND DUBLAB'S LA LADIES CHOIR VIDEO
* BLOODY DEATH SKULL
* CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER
* D'ARCY F-M
* DAVID SHOOK
* DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD
* ELAINE RENSING
* KATE DURBIN
* KATE BERGSTROM
* KEITH PATTERSON
* MANDY KAHN
* MATT RUSSEL
* MATHEW TIMMONS
* MEAGAN JUDKINS & JACQUE SALADINO
* THE MOVEMENT MOVEMENT
* NICOLE DISSON
* RAW GERINOMO
* RT N THE 44'S
* STEPHANIE KIM
* SUSANNA BATTIN
* TENDER
* YELLOW RED SPARKS

The event will be directed by MECCA VAZIE ANDREWS

All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme
"AN OCEAN IN FATHOMS"

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine

THE SERIES is free and all 21 and up are welcome. RSVP required.

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
Show IX - "AN OCEAN IN FATHOMS"
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 Doors 8pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

"GONE"

2011-08-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

"GONE"
Choreographer/Creative Director: Majken Christensen
Featuring: Cristine Tatomer, Nicole Disson and Majken Christensen

Performed at the Vortex Immersion Dome in Downtown Los Angeles on August 19, 2011 as part of Cosmic Prom

Pop & Hiss video premiere: Dublab captures L.A. Ladies Choir

2011-08-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

LA LADIES CHOIR "Ocean and Ground" (dublab VisionVersion) from dublab on Vimeo.

LA Times premiers the L.A. Ladies Choir video for Ocean and Ground. Produced by Dublab as part of the Vision Version series and directed by Benjamin Kutsko of The Masses, the video was filmed in the Machine Project's Sea Nymph Installation in the fall of 2010.

For the complete article visit Pop & Hiss, The LA Times Music Blog.

Article in French Elle

2011-08-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Nicole was interviewed for French Elle on her lifestyle in L.A.
Photo by Shelby Duncan; Story by Clementine Goldszal

Festival Coverage in the Los Angeles Times

2011-08-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Writer Dima Alzayat covered the happenings this past Saturday's New LA Folk Festival for the Los Angeles Times. Dima took a few minutes to sit and chat with Nicole about her involvement with the festival and THE SERIES alike.

"Performers led by local experimental artist Nicole Disson, dressed in a medley of overalls, velvet jackets, large-brimmed hats and feathers, dubbed themselves the "Zorthians" and spent the afternoon playing practical jokes on visitors as a welcome to the ranch. A horse corral, a chicken coup, llamas and goats completed the nostalgic rural setting, taking attendees back to a slower-paced, easier time where the deer and the antelope played, so to speak."

For the complete article visit: New Los Angeles Folk Festival sets toes tapping at Zorthian Ranch

The New LA Folk Festival

2011-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, August 6th, Nicole will be gathering a slew of actors and performance artists to add some theatrical antics and flair a la THE SERIES style - at The 2nd New L.A. Folk Festival.

As posted on the festival's site:
"You might run into some people comfortably exhibiting strange behavior. If they’re not your friends, they might be “The Original Zorthians,” a guerrilla theater production happening around and among guests of The 2nd New Los Angeles Folk Festival featuring Nicole Disson, Mecca v.a., and D’Arcy F-M, and many more we shan’t unmask.

It’s brought to us by THE SERIES, an experiment in theater as a party where scenes, songs, and other performances break out among us suddenly, sometimes obviously, sometimes we can’t be sure but we think we’re seeing something… It’s a great concept that Nicole Disson has established over the year at The Standard Downtown rooftop."

Doors at 1pm / Music at 2pm

Zorthian Ranch, 3990 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, 91001

***VISIT THE LINEUP***

The 2nd New Los Angeles Folk Festival is a fun filled day of music and entertainment at Zorthian Ranch, a surreal hideaway at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Guests will follow a map across 45 acres of junkyard treasures to experience live music by almost thirty bands performed on natural stages provided by the property itself. Spend the day roaming the grounds with llamas and turkeys, visit art installations embedded in Zorthian’s junk & old car sculpture garden, splash in the pool overlooking miles of trees, then picnic beside a giant blue head before hitting up a square dance in the horse ring.

Classicfest 2011 at Antaeus

2011-07-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

Nicole will be participating in Classicfest 2011 at The Antaeus Company, in a reading of Ceasar and Cleopatra written by George Bernard Shaw and directed by Michael John Garces.

Workshop production is on Sunday, August 7th at 2:30pm
For more information visit www.antaeus.org

LA WEEKLY Feature "Nicole Disson's THE SERIES: Rooftop Performance Art Parties at The Standard Hotel Downtown, Explained"

2011-07-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Performance artists making out in the lobby, belly-dancers popping out of the ether, acrobats flexing pool-side, Mia Doi Todd serenading the audience from atop of the fireplace -- Nicole Disson's performance art extravaganza THE SERIES descends upon the rooftop of the Standard Hotel in Downtown L.A. to inject a bit of wildness and wonder into a breathtaking location attempting to get its groove back.

The eighth and final (for now) installment of THE SERIES last week combined dance, performance art, music, video and shtick in an eccentric production worthy of a Matthew Barney film. Each act was rather short (one to eight minutes) and Ms. Disson played the role of emcee in character as "Susan," directing the audience from one performer to the next like a surrealist's version of America's Got Talent.

This desire to create a new platform for performance -- one that blurs the line between audience and performer and that has the potential to surprise an unsuspecting group of people -- characterizes much of Disson's work and keeps THE SERIES exciting. Her choice to invite dancer/director Mecca Vazie Andrews of the group MOVEMENT Movement led to the theme "The Sky's Gone Out."
Dozens of performers created site-specific works as a response to that theme. Mia Doi Todd played an intimate set, standing with two percussionists on top of the rooftop fireplace. Kevin Litrow (formally of the band 60-Watt Kid) performed a few meditation rock tunes from his solo project. Ariana Delawari (of David Lynch's label David Lynch MC) combined music and video to set the mood for entrancing belly-dance by Russia. Our most divine moment of the evening was spent watching two sparkling dancers slither and stomp around one another to a brand new track by Triangle Method while floating in the saline pool.

Producer/performer Nicole Disson talked to LA Weekly about what she looks for when choosing artists to direct these one-night high art hootenannies:
"I look for directors who are up for the challenge -- someone who is willing to work in an unconventional setting and excited by the concept of THE SERIES: to create a new platform for the performing arts in Los Angeles, by merging social nightlife experiences with a variety of art (theater, music, dance, and so on) and, in doing so, introduce artists to collaborate, creating new pieces with one another. I love working with people who have a background in theater, be it dance, acting or directing, who work well with a wide variety of personalities and can grasp the overall picture. When the director can communicate their overall creative intention effectively to the cast members and have a clear understanding of what they want, it makes my job as producer so much more enjoyable and easier.
Mecca is the first returning director I have had on THE SERIES and working with her is an utmost pleasure. She has such a wonderful sense of timing when building the overall show and knows how to hold an audience's attention. Not to mention, her ability to execute her job effectively has allowed me to enjoy myself as an actor again -- which has been a personal goal of mine with this production since the beginning."
Link to read the complete LA WEEKLY article online.

Danceplug Interviews at THE SERIES

2011-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Danceplug came to THE SERIES: Show VII "THE SKY'S GONE OUT" and interviewed members of the cast. Above is the complete interview with Nicole, below is a montage featuring Nicole along with other members of the cast (clip starts around 3min 20sec).

THE SERIES: SHOW VIII "THE SKY'S GONE OUT"

2011-06-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

EIGHTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON JUNE 28TH!

PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION.
BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDIENCE AND PERFORMANCE.

FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
CONTEMPORARY DANCE
PERFORMANCE ART
THEATRE
INSTALLATION ART
VIDEO ART
SHADDOW PUPPETRY
BELLY DANCING
AND MORE!

FEATURED ARTISTS:
* ALLISON KUNATH
* ARIANA DELAWARI
* ARIANA NATALE
* BKOB
* CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER
* DREW DENNY
* DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD
* DREW DENNY
* EZRA WOODS
* IDALIA VALERO
* JOSEPH MATTERSON
* JULZ THE HUNTRESS
* KENNEDY KABASARES
* KEVIN LITROW
* LETTERS VS. NUMBERS
* MAJKEN CHRISTENSEN
* MANDY KAHN
* MARILINDA RIVERA
* MATT AMATO/THE MASSES
* MIA DOI TODD
* THE MOVEMENT MOVEMENT
* NELLIE BETHEL
* NICOLE DISSON
* RUSSIA HARDY
* STEVEN WENDT
* TOMMY SANTEE KLAWS
* VUM

The event will be directed by MECCA VAZIE ANDREWS

All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme "THE SKY'S GONE OUT.”

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine

THE SERIES is free and all 21 and up are welcome. RSVP required.

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
Show VIII: THE SKY'S GONE OUT
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday May 24th, 2011 Doors 8pm, Show 9pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

Video Footage of THE SERIES VII

2011-05-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

THE SERIES SHOW VII: "HUMANITORIUM" from Nate Lindaman on Vimeo.

THE SERIES- SHOW VII "HUMANITARIUM"

2011-05-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; SEVENTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON MAY 24TH

PAIRING ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES IN COLLABORATION.
BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN AUDIENCE AND PERFORMANCE.

FEATURING LIVE, SITE-SPECIFIC NEW WORKS OF
.........
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
CONTEMPORARY DANCE
PERFORMANCE ART
THEATRE
INSTALLATION ART
VIDEO ART

FEATURED ARTISTS:
* ALIA PENNER
* CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER
* D'ARCY FRENCH-MYERSON
* DJ JUNG HOLLYWOOD
* JESSE NOLAN AND CAUGHT A GHOST
* KALI KENNEDY
* HEATHER PORCARO
* MEAGAN JUKINS
* MECCA VAZIE ANDREWS
* MANDY KAHN
* NICOLE DISSON
* OPERA DEL ESPACIO
* QUINN OF CORRIDOR
* TESSA THOMPSON
* VANGUARD REPERTORY COMPANY

The event will be directed by MATHEW KELLEN BURGOS

All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme "HUMANITARIUM”

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
Show VII: HUMANITARIUM
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday May 24th, 2011 Doors 8pm, Show 9pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

THE SERIES VI - Show Photos

2011-04-22T22:37:00.001-07:00

All Photos taken by Anna Elledge, courtesy of Foam Magazine
On April 12, 2011 at The Standard, Downtown LA
THE SERIES, SHOW VI "SUPER.NATURAL"

Video Footage of THE SERIES VI

2011-04-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

THE SERIES Show VI: SUPER.NATURAL from Nate Lindaman on Vimeo.

Special NOMERICA!

2011-04-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

Special NOMERICA at El Cid!

First off we say goodbye to our favorite resident guest DJ Mr. Bruno Malone as he takes off on a Nationwide book tour. Over the last few months Bruno has helped us make Nomerica LA's best Thursday night party. We will miss him dearly and he will will always have a spot in our DJ lineup.

In his honor we have invited special musical guest Heather Porcaro to perform a unique acoustic performance with covers of some foreign language standards, along with special guest DJ, and dear friend, Max Goldblatt.

The goodness doesn't end there. We are welcoming our friend Elijah Wood for a special guest DJ set. Beyond being an obviously incredibly talented actor he is also a real connoisseur of quality world music and happens to be a skilled DJ to-boot. We're all really looking forward to his first DJ set for Nomerica.

To top it all off... if you get to to El Cid early enough you'll be treated to a special stage experience by touring performance company The Missoula Oblongata (http://www.themissoulaoblongata.com/) performing "Daughter of Father of Time Motion Studies"!!! Arrive by 9:30pm for the performance, show lasts an hour long.

NOMERICA

4/21/11
9PM-LATE TONIGHT
@ El Cid 4212 Sunset Blvd. (Silverlake)

Best non-American music night in all the land.
Dance until your dashiki falls off!

Hosted by:
Nicole Disson & Ana Calderon

Resident djs:
Ana Calderon
William Lemon III

Live music:
Heather Pocaro

Live theater:
Missoula Oblongata

Guest djs:
Max Goldblatt
Bruno Malone
Elijah Wood

optional $2 donation to keep the tunes alive
All non-American music, all night!
World! Afro-pop! Psych! 60s French! Cumbia! Brazilian Garage! Peruvian Chicha! Turkish Funk! + More!

THE SERIES! SHOW VI - SUPER.NATURAL

2011-03-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Standard, Downtown LA is set to host and sponsor the sixth show of the monthly special event NICOLE DISSON PRESENTS: THE SERIES, which pairs top talent in the fields of contemporary dance, performance art, playwriting, poetry, music composition and performing—most of whom haven’t worked together previously—to collaborate on original pieces that will be performed only once. These pieces are commissioned to be site-specific to the event’s location—the stunning rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA.

April’s show will be directed by Kate Hutter, co-founder and artistic director of the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, and will feature Hutter’s original choreography and eleven dancers from her award-winning troupe, the L.A.C.D.C. The night will also feature an installation by director Ace Norton and an original score by composer/cellist Eric Mason —plus performances by singer/songwriter Amanda Jo Williams, experimental music trio Laco$te and Evan Koga of the band Chief (Domino Records). Sultry dance troupe The Pin-Down Girls will be performing as well—plus, poet Mandy Kahn will contribute original text, director Peter Monro will project new video art and actor Will Harris will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies alongside actress Nicole Disson. All of the evening’s pieces will be interpretations of the theme “SUPER.NATURAL.”

The list of collaborators for April’s event—all envelope-pushers from LA’s vibrant arts scene—also includes contemporary dancer Christine Tatomer among others. Performers will wear costumes by designer KITTINHAWK, and dancers from the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company will wear KEDS.

THE SERIES is presented by The Standard, Downtown LA, LA RECORD, Foam Magazine and the event’s producer, Nicole Disson.

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
Show VI: SUPER.NATURAL
Located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Doors 8pm, Show 9pm
RSVP theseriesLA@gmail.com
FREE, 21+

LA WEEKLY FEATURE ON THE SERIES

2011-03-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

By Daiana Feuer, Wed., Mar. 9 2011 @ 11:22AM

Nicole Disson "can" do it all...

One often leaves The Standard Hotel questioning reality, for many reasons, which makes the hotel's Downtown rooftop an appropriate setting for experimental performance and the fashionably interested. That's what The Series is all about. This monthly party-slash-theatrical event put on its fifth "show" last night, embedding actors, musicians, and artists who spontaneously perform among "regular" people. Performances might include aerobics on the couch, pool dancing, clowns doing sign language, puppet shows, and hidden sound effects. For The Series V: Sound Off, producer Nicole Disson invited L.A. Record to contribute some performers who would effectively use the space like maniacs or children.

The Series is a playground for strange theatrics AND a hip party. It's often unclear who is performing and who isn't. A scene might just be a clean-cut actor who's kind of fratty looking coming up to a (non-actor) guy in the crowd with long hair and telling him he has a good vibe. Or whether to know if it was planned for Yasmine Kittles to later put the clean-cut guy in a headlock after he heckles her. Were all the people doing sign language in the elevator planted there? Or was one of them a hotel guest from a foreign country playing along?

Everybody became a suspect, potentially performing just by being there. Five Japanese guys in matching black suits walked around giddily, snapping photos of each other. In one corner, a group of uniformed military recruits sipped martinis. And by the bar, an older well-dressed couple stormed off, agitated and disturbed by Jason Grier playing the clarinet and girls running around swinging cans in the air.

Some performances were easier to recognize but found other ways to create illusions. Ariana Natale, a video director from The Masses collective, turned a dancer into a hologram by projecting onto her body as she spun around. Proof:

There were hidden sounds. Shouting erupted out of the ground by the pool once. And every time someone walked from the pool to the bar, Carl Sagan was there waiting on the stairs, courtesy of a soundclip by, artist with an summer show at REDCAT, Aaron Drake. Morgan Gee had sound effects everywhere, in the elevator, which she made with Lola Loshkey bandmate Drew Denny, and in the waterbed pods, made with Dylan McKenzie, and also cued the audience with sounds on the big speakers if a performance took place ... somewhere.

Tell pipe and synth wielding Tearist to do something wild and the duo delivers. Before leaping in the pool, Yasmine Kittles appeared in the crowd mic-less and pantless, making tribal calls. She pushed her way around. That's when she tussled with a guy, who was potentially one of the Poor Dog Group actors. The experimental theater collective performed by pretending to be regular people acting strangely at the event. We heard someone say, "Is that part of it?," and turned to see a guy standing near the bar with his head hanging down to his belly, just standing there frozen.

It was Dim Mak's Ana Calderon who asked that. She and Disson throw the weekly El Cid party Nomerica and both of them dictate a fair share of other social calendars. The Series is Disson's way of uniting her talent for gathering people together with another type of scenemaking--that'd be theatre. Disson is in the show, too.

To read the complete article online visit:
The Series Makes a Splash with "Experimental Pool Theatre" at The Standard

LA RECORD FEATURE

2011-03-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

NICOLE DISSON: MAKE A GOOD MOMENT

Interview by Drew Denny
Photography by AMMO

Producer Nicole Disson takes theater out of the ‘theater’ and drops it out of the sky into places like the rooftop of the Standard Downtown, where confused and bemused businesspeople wonder at the dancers in the pool and the actors in the fire pits. Her March performance of her one-night-only THE SERIES put L.A. RECORD alumni like Julia Holter in strange new performing environments—even for them!

You’ve got a thing for rock operas, eh?
I was talking to Rachel Kolar. She and her partner in crime, Lauren Brown, were reviving a script that she wrote called NEW. Those past two years I was working at a brand-marketing firm as my second or third job. I thought I’d come on board as director of marketing so I could apply all this knowledge I’d gained in my day job to something I cared about. I succeeded in finding corporate sponsorship which was my first money deal—you know, not a trade. I brought the Standard on. Got Million Dollar Theater—a 2,500-seat house. We worked endlessly for months. There were only two shows but it was so special. It featured different musicians. I performed in it as well—a minor role but super fun. Around that time—April of 2010—I felt it was time for me to spearhead my own independent project. I was starting to see what my friends were doing and join their team and help build up the projects but not feel like I was taking on enough risk. … I had been doing cover shows, like I would do an entire show dedicated to Gershwin or Ella Fitzgerald. Becky Stark inspired me—she did a show at Largo and asked me to sing the opening and closing songs. I realized I had found my niche. Instead of show tunes, it was standards. That’s what I enjoy singing. All the while I was finding opportunities to perform. I wanted something bigger. I was shooting independent shorts for friends but it seemed like live events was where it was going on for me. The Standard approached me about really wanting to work on something else together—they liked my work and said they’d continue with me. From a marketing standpoint I realized I could really leverage this. I thought of this as an opportunity to help build their image by doing what I really wanted to do, which was more curating and producing than promoting. By making a show that was site-specific and avant-garde. It was an experiment to see how we could merge the nightlife-social element of L.A. that people flock to endlessly with the performing arts. Basically, I wanted to use the space and the budget to give the performing arts a new platform in L.A. to be produced and to be seen more aggressively than how they are at a theater or a dance hall or a museum. Not that those places aren’t frequented but … sometimes it’s hard to get people to come. So I launched THE SERIES, and that was just a really crazy wild experiment. August of 2010 was the first one and it was so exciting and so fun and so nerve-wracking. I didn’t know if anyone would come. We were taking people on this ride on the rooftop through all these performances.

No dancers drowned in the pool?
No! There were glitches, but we learned from everything. The second one featured a sixteen-piece orchestra. The talent has continued to grow, and I’m really excited about the people who have come on board. It’s a great concept, but at this point I want to further develop it. Refine it. The cast is huge for this next one! It’s gone from ten names to … I don’t even know! I don’t know if there’s anything like this going on in L.A.

Like a recurring group show for performance?
It’s more like a great party where everyone who’s involved invites their friends to enjoy pieces they’ve created with artists that they’ve never worked with before presenting it for the first and only time on a rooftop in the middle of Downtown L.A.!

Has the hotel ever gotten scared?
They totally think I’m crazy, but they’ve been great. They all love me and laugh at me but that’s part of my job. I really present to them what I want to do. I don’t try to brush anything under the rug. I respect their space. This is our theater. And we‘ve really been working together to use the space in a way that is seriously unorthodox.

What’s gonna happen at The Series in March?
D’arcy French-Myerson is directing this one. Our theme is ‘Sound Off’—the relationship that sound has with social interactions, exploring the different dynamics of sound in a social space through musical performance, sound installations, and some intriguing multimedia performances. We’ve got an amazing cast! Julia Holter, Aaron Drake, Jason Grier, Tearist … two clowns, there is a sign language performance, some movement …

Have any hotel guests accidentally stumbled into any of your performances?
The show caters to art enthusiasts, but the hotel welcomes and is open to guests, businessmen, people looking for a good time, the general public … The businessmen have been—not problematic but funny. They love the dancers in the pool. You hear women talking in the bathroom about ‘that weird thing with the people talking over there!’ I have people planted, listening to audience reaction. People were coming back again and showing their friends where to go. People are picking up on it. But each one is its own show that’s never gonna be done again.

What’s different about producing an ‘art’ event in a commercial space versus an art institution?
I have zero interest in promoting a party for a brand launch or something. They want people to come to the space. They need some energy up in there. I thought, ‘How can we use this quirky rooftop Downtown with this beautiful view? Let’s get a dancer in the pool, a performer in the elevator, an actor in the fire pit!’ When I lived in London, I saw a wide variety of theater, and the stuff that moved me the most wasn’t in the theater—like a play in an old abandoned tube station. Or this Argentine troupe with acrobats performing in an old bank. I really respect, love and enjoy traditional theater, of course. People don’t regard this city as a theater hub but there are so many performing artists here who are innovating and who are hungry to work!

You’re a theater girl at heart?
I want to work in the theater again at some point. I like to make people laugh, to give them the opportunity to be self-reflexive and if it can be a cathartic experience, even better! But I also just like to make people laugh. … While THE SERIES was going I started NOMERICA with Ana Calderon—which was really fun. No American music Thursday nights at El Cid. Then I did this show at the Soho house in West Hollywood—I brought Mandy Kahn on as my trusty writer and Mecca Andrews came on as my choreographer/director. We created this character Susan, and it was our opportunity to test this in front of a live audience. I got a standing ovation which I was pretty surprised by. I did this long melodramatic classical monologue then I did a zany dialogue with the audience and I had a three-piece band and I jumped on the bar and sang ‘Love for Sale’ and did a full dance piece in four-inch heels. Totally unique. … I like to make a good moment. It’s a bit of a drug in itself. To have an audience. To navigate their emotions, take them from really quiet to really loud. It’s an incredible gift and it’s what I love to do. Part of why I produce is because I can give myself an opportunity to perform! I don’t deny that. I’m super-driven. It’s hard for me to sit and wait for someone else to give me an opportunity. I find ways to create my own stage. In turn, it’s led me to giving a stage to a lot of others.

Do you learn from studying or from trying?
I think there’s value in both. I learn from watching people every day—both mistakes and achievements. It’s trial-by-error, but I’m young and I have a lot to learn. There are things I’ve done—even in the past two years—that I’m like, ‘What?’ But it’s all good. I’ve created this opportunity for myself and I’m learning all the time. I’m just now growing in to my own skin. I’m not a veteran! I think I’m up-and-coming.

L.A. RECORD AND NICOLE DISSON PRESENT THE SERIES WITH TEARIST, EMILY LACY, JULIA HOLTER, DREW DENNY, SOPHIA MORTE AND MORE ON TUE., MAR. 8, ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN, 550 S. FLOWER ST., DOWNTOWN. 8 PM / FREE / 21+ / RSVP AT DTLA@STANDARDHOTEL.COM. VISIT NICOLE DISSON AT NICOLEDISSON.BLOGSPOT.COM.

You can order this issue here at www.shop.larecord.com

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE SERIES - SHOW V

2011-03-12T00:11:00.000-08:00

THE SERIES PAIRED ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; FIFTH SHOW TOOK PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON MARCH 8TH, 2011.

* POOR DOG GROUP (the LA-based experimental theater collective who recently wrapped residencies at the Getty Villa and REDCAT)
* JULIA HOLTER (voted Dublab’s favorite musician of the year)
* JASON GRIER (experimental musician and performance artist who has collaborated with Ariel Pink and Linda Perhacs)
* AARON DRAKE (lighting artist whose work has been featured at the Hammer, REDCAT and Machine Project)
* TEARIST
* MAJKEN CHRISTENSEN (choreographer)
* ALEX LILLY (Obi Best and The Living Sisters)
* DREW DENNY + MORGAN GEE (instillation artists)
* SHARON PIERRE-LOUISE (actress and sign-language interpreter)
* ARIANA NATALE aka AIR (a member of the directors collective THE MASSES)
* CRISTINE DIANA TATOMER
* MEAGAN JUKINS
* MANDY KAHN
* NICOLE DISSON
* SOPHIA MORTE
* AI FOR AI

The event was directed by D’ARCY FRENCH-MYERSON

All of the show’s elements were interpretations of the theme “Sound Off.”

Media Partners:
LA RECORD and Foam Magazine
- - -

this video was made by
johnnyroc [ at ] johnnyroc [ dot ] com

Feature on The Blog at Boston Court

2011-03-11T00:17:00.000-08:00

From the Desk of…Nicole Disson
Posted on March 7, 2011 by weplaydifferent

by Sara Israel

I aspire to be as genuinely cool as Nicole Disson. When she wears a fedora it looks beautiful and totally legit. I met Nicole after being thoroughly impressed by her performance in a staged reading of a play about Charles Darwin. Little did I know then that in addition to being a terrific actress, Nicole is truly an L.A. performing arts trendsetter.

Nicole is the creator and producer of THE SERIES, which pairs talented dancers, performance artists, playwrights, poets, composers—most of whom haven’t worked together previously—to collaborate on original pieces that will be performed only once, site-specifically on the rooftop of The Standard, Downtown L.A. She’s also so cool, she’s figured out a way to make the admission free.

For insight on how a producer uses a desk—and how sometimes she just needs to chase someone down the street—read on. . . Continue reading →
From the Desk of…Nicole Disson

THE SERIES - SHOW V "SOUND OFF"

2011-03-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

LIVE SERIES PAIRS ARTISTS FOR CROSS-GENRE COLLABORATION; FIFTH SHOW TAKES PLACE ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STANDARD, DOWNTOWN LA ON MARCH 8TH

Los Angeles (February 15, 2011)— The Standard, Downtown LA is set to host and sponsor the fifth show of the monthly special event NICOLE DISSON PRESENTS: THE SERIES, which pairs top talent in the fields of contemporary dance, performance art, playwriting, poetry, music composition and performing—most of whom haven’t worked together previously—to collaborate on original pieces that will be performed only once. These pieces are commissioned to be site-specific to the event’s location—the stunning rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA.

March’s event features a massive slate of exciting new contributors, including the LA- based experimental theater collective POOR DOG GROUP, who recently wrapped residencies at the Getty Villa and the REDCAT. Also on board are musicians EMILY LACY (who has performed at the Whitney, the Hammer and LACMA, and works closely with the Machine Project) and JULIA HOLTER (voted Dublab’s favorite musician of the year), experimental musician and performance artist JASON GRIER(who has collaborated with Ariel Pink and Linda Perhacs), lighting artist AARON DRAKE (whose work has been featured at the Hammer, the REDCAT and the Machine Project), the band TEARIST, videographer ARIANA NATALE aka AIR (a member of the director’s collective THE MASSES), dancer/choreographer MAJKEN CHRISTENSEN, singer ALEX LILLY of Obi Best and The Living Sisters, installation artist DREW DENNY and actress/sign language interpreter SHARON PIERRE- LOUISE. The event will be directed by D’ARCY FRENCH-MYERSON, who produced site-specific experimental theater piece Sneaky Nietzsche in downtown LA layear. All of the show’s elements will be interpretations of the theme “Sound Off.”

The exceptionally strong and music-heavy lineup for March’s event is due in part to the involvement of the LA RECORD, which is co-curating Series V and is also onboard as a media sponsor. The list of collaborators for the event—all envelope-pushers from LA’s vibrant arts scene—also includes videographer ARIANA NATALE aka AIR (a member of the director’s collective THE MASSES), actor NICOLE DISSON and writer MANDY KAHN—among many others. Performers will wear jewelry by SOPHIA MORTE and clothing by AI FOR AI.

THE SERIES in Details Magazine

2011-02-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

THE SERIES is featured in the February issue of Detail's Magazine!
View the article online here.

LA Ladies Choir in Whole Living Magazine

2011-02-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

The current issue of Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Magazine features six page spread on the LA Ladies Choir. With images taken at Trails Cafe in Griffith Park, Nicole and other members of the choir speak about their experiences singing with the group and life in LA since joining. To read the article click the link here at: wholeliving.com

Reform Gallery

2011-02-12T16:17:00.001-08:00

Recently I have had the pleasure of spending my mornings and afternoons at Reform Gallery, a lovely Mid-Century Modern furniture and art gallery off the Highland Design and Dining District. Featuring an impressive collection of post-war Studio Craftsman pieces, predominately by California designers, Reform has now opened phase two of their new location: a library. Come enjoy the art, comfy chairs and have a read; there are many a great books to choose from! -Nicole.

You can read more about Reform Gallery in the LA TIMES Magazine's Article "Printed Matter."

For gallery details Visit Reform's Website.

Full Page Feature in Foam Magazine!

2011-02-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

Foam Magazine printed a full page color spread of THE SERIES - Show IV "IN TRANSIT" in their February - March 2011 issue!

NOMERICA at El Cid!

2011-01-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

To kick off the new year, Nicole is back hosting NOMERICA in Silverlake at El Cid alongside Miss Ana Calderon and Resident DJ William Lemon III!

NOMERICA!

A fantastic fun night of spinning NON-American jams straight from the collections of your favorite local DJ’s. World Psych! Afro-pop! Turkish Funk! French pop! Brazilian garage! Much more! With special live guests performances and screenings too!

Every Thursday evening, 10pm-2am

EL CID
4212 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Workshop Reading at The Blank Theatre

2010-12-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

Nicole participated in The Living Room Series once again at The Blank Theatre in Hollywood this past Monday, Jan. 10th.

PILGRIMAGE
Written by Michael Richey
Directed by Sabrina Lloyd
Michael Richey writes of an overlooked casualty of war, the death of
dreams, in his bitter-sweet, often funny play, Pilgrimage, in which a
Vietnam Veteran attempts to salvage his life at the grave of William Faulkner
Starring
Dawn Alden, Dennis Delsing, Nicole Disson, David McElwee, Matt Welton

The Blank Theatre
6500 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Video from THE SERIES, Show IV "IN TRANSIT"

2010-12-14T09:27:00.001-08:00

THE SERIES - SHOW IV "IN TRANSIT"

2010-11-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

THE SERIES - SHOW IV "IN TRANSIT"
Tuesday, Dec. 7th at 8pm on The Rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA.

Directed by Zoe Aja Moore, the night featured a host of exciting new contributors, including musicians Henry Wolfe, Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs, Diva Dompe and Leona Marrs, performance artist Corey Fogel, puppeteer Yelena Zhelezov and musical/spoken word duo The Park Sisters (Jenny Park and Jena Malone) —plus a handful of returning favorites, including composer Oliver "Oliwa" Newell. Nina McNeely of We Are the World and Hysterica Dance Company is the evening’s featured choreographer and performers will wear one-of-a-kind hand knits from Katie Casey’s clothing line ΔΔSB (As Above So Below).

The show’s primary text—a mix of poetry, prose and script—was composed by writer Mandy Kahn and all pieces are interpretations of the evening’s theme, “IN TRANSIT.”

To view pictures from the show click here!

NIGHTMOVES at The Soho House

2010-11-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

Nicole made a special performance Thursday, November 18th at The Soho House in West Hollywood at the debut of NIGHTMOVES, a special sight-specific theatrical event featuring a variety of artists. Nicole debuted SUSAN, a very special woman, with a lot to say and lot to sing.

Script for SUSAN was written by Mandy Kahn.
Choreography and creative direction by Mecca Vazie Andrews.
Above image taken by Shelby Duncan.

Video Footage of THE SERIES

2010-10-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
In Partnership with The Standard, Downtown LA and Foam Magazine
October 26, 2010

Partnering Artists from Different Disciplines in Collaboration
Blurring the line between Audience and Performer

Save the Date: THE SERIES December 7, 2010

THE SERIES III

2010-10-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

THE SERIES is continuing in full swing, with the next just around the corner for this Tuesday, Oct. 26th, on the Rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA!

This time the show is blurring the line between performer and audience with a rooftop show directed by Neil Patrick Stewart featuring choreographer Kate Hutter, writers Mandy Kahn and Rhian Rees, tap dancer Kristen Leahy, musician Oscar Santos of Sister Mantos, Megan Quashie of Black Cherry, Musician Tawnee Lilllo, Artist Maria Holland and actors Kristen Frazier, Finn Wittrock, Michael Dunn and Nicole Disson. Additionally, the entire cast of performers will be dressed in pieces by Them Atelier and Blood, Flux & Locket jewelry by Michele Miskovich.

To Read FOAM Magazine's Current Post on THE SERIES, visit their website at foammagazine.com

L.A. RECORD Reviews THE SERIES

2010-10-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

THE SERIES @ THE STANDARD ROOFTOP
September 27th, 2010

THE SERIES is a monthly theatrical experiment slash party on the Standard, Downtown LA’s rooftop. Producer Nicole Disson fuses her talents as mover and shaker, putting on a social event and dancing in it. We’ll call it a dance because overall, during the last one, movement played a part in every stop at this party theater. In a succession of follow-the-leader, girls wearing balloon-legged designer sack outfits led the audience to different locations on the roof; each spot a new scene. The show began as Disson stared at a guy by the bar. They started moving towards each other. After a long eye courtship, they finally hugged then something went sour and she ran off. Rather than chase after, he ordered a drink, typical guy move. The audience was “cast” as party voyeurs, actually stalking the performers by following them from place to place. It began with that discreet barside scene and progressed to actions under spotlight in which typical L.A. poolside bar party behavior got atypical performative twists. A couple sits at a table, a group tromps through the bushes and pulls imaginary strings from their mouths, another group cuts their way through a building made of paper—with coordinated dance moves throughout and all of them dressed in designs by Diaz of Clothesline.

The performers included Disson, Hecuba’s Isabelle Albuquerque, and multiple pieces by her choreographer-dancer sister, Jasmine, guest director Mecca Vazie Andrews, and Ali Helnwein and the Traction Avenue Chamber Orchestra, among others. The girl in 1980s leotard with sunglasses, on a pedestal, posing under her own handheld fluorescent light, while Anna Oxygen and Oliwa jumped on the couches in post-aerobic electro triumph, was definitely one of the dancers in the musical New. last Spring. All the pieces in one way or another referenced buildings, structures, and being where we were: The Standard, Downtown LA, a place for abstract behavior by the city’s stylishly experimental.

—Daiana Feuer

Link to Article

VIdeo Footage of THE SERIES II

2010-09-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

THE SERIES

SHOW II - "A. BUIILDING"

Nicole Disson Presents: THE SERIES
In Partnership with The Standard, Downtown LA and FOAM Magazine

Music No Age
Film Alan Sova
Edit mecca v.a.

PICTURES FROM THE SERIES

2010-09-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Photos By: Rick Mendoza and Evel Dean for Insurgency, Inc.

THE SERIES II

2010-09-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

After a wildly successful first go, Nicole Disson produces part duex of THE SERIES at The Standard, Downtown LA. This time with the collaborators list consisting of all envelope-pushers from LA’s East Side arts scene—including composer Ali Helnwein and the Traction Avenue Chamber Orchestra, clothing designer Diaz of Clothesline, choreographer Jasmine Albuquerque Croissant, writer Mandy Kahn, sound designer Ian Ross, singer/songwriter Anna Oxygen, Artist Bethany McCarty, performers Isabelle Albuquerque Croissant, Oliwa and Nicole Disson, among others, with special guest director, Mecca Vazie Andrews.

LA Ladies Choir EP 'Sing Joyfully' is Released

2010-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

After nearly a year, the LA Ladies Choir's first EP, 'Sing Joyfully,' is now available for purchase through Tear Drop Records. EP Release party was held at Family Bookstore on September 12, 2010.

THE SERIES

2010-08-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

As posted by Foam Magazine:

THE SERIES at The Standard
Inaugural Event on The Rooftop of The Standard, Downtown LA

The Standard and Foam team up to sponsor the new event THE SERIES. Inspired by rule-breaking productions of surrealist theater and experimental immersive modern dance, THE SERIES will be part show, part game, and part event.

THE SERIES, and it's producer Nicole Disson, aim to create a new platform for the Arts in Los Angeles by merging live entertainment and the fine arts with a social destination and nightlife experience. Collaborators—all envelope-pushers from LA’s East Side arts scene—include choreographer Mecca Andrews, poets Mandy Kahn and Jacqueline Suskin, sound artist Ian Ross, video artist David Zuckerman, costume designer Miss KK, actors Nicole Disson, Aurelien Wiik and David McElwee among others.

Tuesday August 10th
Nicole Disson presents
The Series at The Rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA
550 South Flower Street at 6th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071
Doors 8PM, Show 9PM
RSVP REQUIRED
dtla@standardhotel.com
21+

Ladies Choir in Elle Magazine

2010-07-02T14:41:00.001-07:00

Along side other members of the LA Ladies Choir, Nicole can be seen in this month's issue of Elle Magazine.

Chaplin Shoot

2010-06-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

A picture from the series Shelby took this past April.

Photographer: Shelby Duncan
Makeup: Sarai Fiszel
Hair: Kristen Shaw
Stylist: Rachel Kolar

Pocket Music Video

2010-05-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Nicole recently collaborated with director Andy Neuhues to choreograph and perform in Pocket's latest video, "Someone to Run Away From," featuring vocals by Craig Wedren and additional dancers Ryan Falkner, Mary Roth, and Alex Lilly.

Pocket (featuring Craig Wedren): "Someone to Run Away From" from Skyrocket Studio on Vimeo.

NEW. Behind the Scenes Documentary

2010-05-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Read All About It

2010-05-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Post Fact Productions' NEW. was a resounding success and brought in some really terrific press. Some quotes and links to several articles recently published on the production for your reading pleasure below:

"If you're hungry for a post-modern, hyper-colored dose of culture, Post Fact Productions' "NEW," an experimental rock opera, is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite while assaulting your senses." LA Times' Brand X Daily

"NEW.'s playwright Rachel Kolar, Lauren Brown and Nicole Disson operate under Post Fact Productions, 'a community for the Avant Hard' that understands corporate marketing. No one simply hands out money these days, but companies seek branding opportunities. The stylish factor certainly worked to Post Fact's advantage in getting The Standard's sponsorship. This Production's cast, crew and friends include some of Echo Park's hippest rising talent." LA WEEKLY

"New. tells a story about destruction and transcendence. Over-the top neon clad party snobs seek power and hierarchy, destroy civilization, and try to conquer the afterlife. This twisted tale describes a world saturated in synthetic desire, a culture desperate for recognition without effort or compassion, and Mother Nature's ever-increasing power to move us to become better people or put us in our place, realized through song and dance." LA RECORD

FREE ART FOR THE PEOPLE!

2010-04-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

This April, 22nd and 23rd at 8pm, in Downtown Los Angeles, the historic Million Dollar Theater will open its doors at 7pm and welcome in the public, FREE OF CHARGE, for Post Fact Productions' NEW. Nicole will be performing in the production as well as heading Marketing as an Associate-Producer within Post Fact Productions.

Overview:

"New.", the epic post-apocalyptic Rock Opera originally created by the artists of East LA. FREE OF CHARGE, for the citizens & into the future.

“Free Art For The People” aspires to make the arts accessible to all audiences, regardless of their ability to pay, building community in the process. Our mission is to transform the historic Los Angeles Broadway District into a community where the arts and audiences can flourish.

"New." will feature Original Music & Performances by: Anna Oxygen, Amanda Jo Williams, Featherbeard, Ariana Delawari, Mecca Andrews, Oliwa, KP Thomas, Max Guirand, Aska, The LA Ladies Choir, Cortney Alexander, Cristine Tatomer, Jamila Glass, Melissa Schade, Nicole Disson, Lauren Brown & Rachel Kolar.

Written by Rachel Kolar, Directed by Satya Bhabha, Choreography by Mecca Andrews, Costumes by Miss KK, Set Design by Milo Reice, Make-up by Sarai Fiszel, Hair by Candice Birns, Photography by Shelby Duncan, Poster Art by Alia Penner.

Sponsored by The Standard, Downtown LA & Post Fact Productions.

Additional sponsorship provided by Grand Central Market & Pale House Press.

Partners: Bringing Back Broadway, Downtown Center Business Improvement District & GoldenVoice.

FREE ENTRANCE: RSVP@postfactproductions.com

Behind the Scenes -- Mini Documentary on NEW!

I can fly!

2010-03-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

Photo by Todd Weaver

Reading at The Blank Theatre

2010-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

This Monday evening, the 18th at 8pm, Nicole will be reading the role of Emma in William S. Leavengood's new play, Charley and Emma. Directed by Monica Raymund, the reading will be held at The Blank Theatre in Hollywood (Santa Monica and Wilcox) as part of their weekly Living Room Series.

To make reservations, call the theater at: 323.661.9827.
For more information visit: The Blank Theatre

Ladies Choir Show at Club Nokia

2009-11-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

On November, Saturday 21st, Nicole performed at Club Nokia with the LA Ladies Choir as a special guest of Peter, Bjorn and John. More shows to come in December with the choir, along with the release of the group's self titled EP.

NEW News: POST FACT PRODUCTIONS GALA

2009-10-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Nicole has recently teamed up with Post Fact Production, an LA based theater company that creates wide spread experimental work through the marriage of local progressive music, dance, visual art and theater. As co-producer, performer and head of marketing, Nicole will be collaborating with the lovely Rachel Kolar and Lauren Brown to remount their original, post-apocalyptic production, NEW.

First on the calendar is the Annual Costume Gala Fundraiser, Tales From The Cryptic, It's Post-Apocalyptic!, scheduled for Friday, October 30th at 8pm. All profits from ticket sales will go towards furthering the development of NEW, as artists from around the community join the cast to create a truly outstanding ensemble. Hosted by Peter Mehlman (writer/producer of Seinfeld), the evening promises fun festivities and performances from a selection of the cast.

Nicole is scheduled to both sing selections from her 'Cabaret set' (performed previously in LA at M BAR) and will be performing in an original dance piece choreographed by Mecca.

The link to purchase tickets.

THE ILLUSION's A 'GO!'

2009-10-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Reviews on THE ILLUSION are out with The LA WEEKLY giving the show a "GO!"

GO THE ILLUSION
'Disson ...deliver the goods."

"The lofty, formal, rhetorical tragedies of Pierre Corneille (1606–84) have never gained much of a foothold outside of France, but this philosophical comedy-fantasy has earned a welcome place in the English-speaking theater.

[As] the beautiful Isabelle (Nicole Disson),... Wills and Disson skillfully capture the romantic ardor of the young lovers..."

Disson and Wills as the 'Young Lovers'

Kendra Chell (left) with Nicole Disson
(Left to Right) Disson, Willis, Chell and Andrew Schiessgner

THE NOBLE AWARDS

2009-10-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

Nicole took part in the inaugural NOBLE AWARDS, this past Sunday, October 18th at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. THE NOBLE AWARDS kicked off a global year-round movement created to harness the growing focus, dedication and inspiration of the non-profit organizations, celebrities and public. Along with THE SHARPE ALLIANCE Marketing Firm and the entire NOBLE Team, Nicole was an active participant in the creation of the Awards Show.

Pictures taken on the Red Carpet and in the Green Room:

Nicole alongside David Foster, Emily Bear,
Janeen Batal (founder of the NOBLES) & Lionel Richie

Nicole and Terri Hatcher (Children's Hospital Los Angeles)
Janeen Batal, Nicole and Joel Madden (Art of Elysium)
Nicole and Brett Ratner (DoSomething.org)

Laila Ali (Woman's Sports Foundation)

Feature on Performing Arts Live

2009-10-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

This week THE ILLUSION was featured on the front page of Southern California's Performing Arts Live Web Page!

The Illusion

Tenuously straddling the intersection between reality and fantasy, The Illusion, French playwright Pierre Corneille’s Baroque masterpiece, debuts at the award-winning Open Fist Theatre Company September 25th through November 21st.

Written in 1636, the play was considered far ahead of its time with its use of meta-theatricality, or “plays-within-a-play.” The Illusion follows a repentant father seeking word of his prodigal son. With the help of a sorcerer, he witnesses three vastly different visions of his son that blur the line between love and hate, truth and fiction, illusion and certainty. Only when the divergent tales conclude does the father confront the ultimate - and unexpected - truth about his son.

David Bridel, whom the Los Angeles Times calls “one of the most inventive, scholarly, and vastly challenging voices on the current theatrical scene,” directs the play, which was translated by Ranjit Bolt and is produced by Martha Demson. Bridel is Associate Director and Head of Movement at USC School of Theatre's MFA program and Commedia dell'Arte Movement Specialist for the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. "I have long admired The Illusion, a play of great mystery that investigates the art of the theatre,” said Bridel. “I love the fact that comedy, tragedy, truth and trickery are so closely entwined in the play that it's often impossible to separate them; I think that the paradoxes at the heart of this piece are part of its magical appeal.”

The Illusion stars Benny Wills as Clindor; Nicole Disson as Isabelle and Jon Monastero as Matamore. Also joining the cast are Kendra Chell, Jason Greenfield, Kevin McCorkle, Andrew Schlessinger, Rod Sell, Alex Wright and Jonathan Oldham.

Presenter / Producer: Open Fist Theatre
Listed Categories Theater > Drama
Event Phone: 323-882-6912
Regions: LA - Hollywood / Westside
Venue
Open Fist Theatre Company
6209 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90038

Event Date: 9/25/2009 - 11/21/2009

Ciatrice

2009-10-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend Nicole shot an Independent short film entitled "Cicatrice." Written and directed by Ashley Halloran and Sasha Bergstrom-Katz, the short features Nicole alongside actor, Jesse Johnson.

THE ILLUSION - NOW RUNNING!

2009-09-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Nicole performed this past Saturday, September 26th, 2009 in the opening night of THE ILLUSION at The Open Fist Theatre. Directed by David Bridel, the show runs through November 21st with performances every Friday, Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm (more information in previous post below).

Pictures taken backstage by photographer, Annie Racz:

Fool's Gold Video 'Surprise Hotel'

2009-09-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Surprise Hotel," the latest music video for Fool's Gold, directed by Matthew Lessner, was recently released and Nicole's featured sax solo is generating quite the buzz.

The video can now be viewed through youtube (link above) and various blogs, including IFC.com's Blog, The Independent Ear. Indie Ear's writer, Brandon Kim, refers to Nicole's solo as, "...one of the most memorable scenes of saxophone one-upmanship ever put to video."

Stills from the shoot below:

Sax Solo with Matthew Lessner giving direction
Sax off with Brad Culkin

With Percussionist Salvador Placencia

LA Ladies Choir Live Radio Broadcast and El Rey Show!

2009-09-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Nicole performed on KPFK Radio with the LA Ladies Choir this week as part of The Future Roots Show, hosted by the Dublab Collective. To hear Nicole speak and listen to the recording of the live broadcast, tune in to the KPFK.org Link (the set begins about a third through).

Nicole in the KPFK studio with the Ladies

Nicole also performed Tuesday Night, September 22nd at the El Rey Theater with The Ladies Choir, along with Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros. Pictures from backstage:

Nicole and fellow member Tessa Thompson

Nicole, Ariana Delawari and Miss Simone LeBlanc

To read more on the Ladies Choir in a recent NY Times article, visit, 'The Moment Blog's: Perfect Harmony- The LA Ladies Choir.'

Coming Up: THE ILLUSION

2009-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Nicole is currently in rehearsals for THE ILLUSION, a classic French comedy, originally written in the 1630's by Pierre Corneille. Under David Bridel's direction, with producer Martha Demson, Nicole can be seen as leading lady Isabelle, alongside actors Benny Wills, Jon Monastero and Kendra Chell.

Opening night is set for September 25th at The Open Fist Theater with a run through mid November. For tickets call the Theater's Box office at: 323.882.6912 or visit OpenFist.org

2009-09-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Edited by Alex Sax; May 2009

Shooting: Independent Short Film NOLA

2009-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Nicole shot NOLA, a short film written by Jenny Suen and Directed by Karishma Jhalani. Other featured actors include: Tom Schanley, Zosia Mamet, Nicole Steinwedell and Deborah Ramalho.

Pictures taken on Set

Feature Story in Citizen LA

2009-07-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

More Than Rabbits In Nicole Disson's Hat

by J.B.Jones

I first met Nicole Disson at the fashion week shows in LA. We ran into each other twice, which isn’t extraordinary, I ran into everybody every night, but the second time was at Varnish off sixth just after the last shows had wrapped. Nicole came up to me like I was an old dear friend, gave me a hug, which unlike most hugs I receive from people in LA, let me know she meant it.

Nicole isn’t the shy type; rather strong and forth right. It’s attractive, attractive in the sense that you want to hang out with her, you want to get to know her; she is so passionate about life in general, that it makes you want to be that passionate as well.

At the time I ran into Nicole at Varnish, she had a show coming up, which she was passionate about me attending, called All Together Now, a multi-media, mutli-chaptered, mutli-showcase of women artists through-out LA. Honestly, because it was in Hollywood, I doubted my arrival at all. I dreaded it for weeks. I’m a long-time, dedicated, down-towner and pretty much any trip involving driving is not on my agenda. It wasn’t obligation that eventually secured my arrival, it was curiosity, curiosity because Nicole not only danced in the show, choreographed a piece in the show and sang in the show, she also produced the show.

Nicole has been studying theater, all aspects of theater: dancing, singing, acting, for years, and she’s far from reaching thirty. Born in Washington DC, Nicole showed interest in performing from the get-go. Both her parents are involved in the entertainment industry and were always supportive, which is a huge benefit when you decide you want to study in Florida under Ann Reinking before graduating high school. Nicole apprenticed under the Fosse protégée for three years before jumping ship to study theater with Pasty Rodenburg in London.

Attending the theater as an audience member, in addition to her regular studies, at least once a week while in London, instilled a burning‘ desire to learn’ every aspect of her craft, or rather crafts in Disson’s case. She returned to Florida with a renewed energy, snagged her BFA in acting from FSU, and spent all her free time in the dance studio. “At the age of seven I knew I wanted to be a dancer, a singer and an actress…I love to share the human story.”

The theater is probably the outlet to share the human experience, to engage with the audience in a search for what Nicole terms ‘a universal truth.’ “It’s always about something greater [than it appears to be.]” It’s the ‘something greater’ that drew Disson to LA. She chased her dream across the country, stopping in San Francisco, among many others across the nation, where she joined the B-Street Theater for a stint performing up and down the coast. It seems she knew she would catch her dream in LA…

“One of the reasons that I specifically moved to LA is that LA can be whatever you want it to be. There was a whole pool of new exciting people to meet and work with here. The theater emphasizes that, it is a community/a family, and you are building something with these people, it’s a collaborative effort. I really thrive off of that.” Although still fairly new to LA, Disson is already a member of the Open Fist Theater and performed in one of their most successful shows to date, Joe’s Garage, which is currently in talks of a nationwide tour.

When I ask her if she has a favorite genre of talent, she wavers between all three, maybe leans a bit more to the actor calling, but they are all about the same thing to her: ‘collaboration with the audience.’ It shows. Her performance dance piece at All Together Now created an energy in the air that was heavy with anticipation and satisfaction. She was questioning the audience; the audience returned responses, you could see it on their faces and feel it in the air. It was a very personal experience, a very honest experience. I asked Disson about the motivation behind it and simply enough she was just telling her own story, “It’s just: This is who I am and this is what I’m bringing to the table now.” If only we were all so brave….and talented. When probed about the producing aspect of her last show, talk moves to her wanting to start her own production company someday, simply: “I just love bringing people together.”

Here’s the thing about Nicole; she's so grounded, and she works hard, a rarity in LA. She realizes she is the only one who can make her dreams reality. “Some people say ‘if its meant to be, its meant to be,’ but I have a difficult time with that, – its just putting it too much in someone else’s hands. I try to just be so self-aware. It’s really important to realign and re-check in with yourself.” I asked her if she has a mantra to which she lives by. “I don’t have a specific mantra. I think it changes. “For the show is was most definitely, ‘The show must go on.’ I think that’s so appropriate on so many levels, not just theatrically, but on a personal level, too. No matter what happens, it is just a matter of the show that is my life – just continuing to live it! “I’m also trying to tell myself lately to trust in myself, trust that it will happen…make the most of every situation and see the positive.”

Staged at Space 15 Twenty, Disson’s All Together Now was a collaborative effort between herself and an endless list of artists, including The Ladies Choir, (of which Disson is a member and refers to the experience as ‘life changing’), who joined together to share the experience and teach the value of creating and cultivating an ‘artistic community.’

Me: What is your definition of an artist?
“Someone who lives to create. I’ve heard some actors refrain from calling themselves artists, I’m not really sure why –”

I interrupted: Do you think you’re an artist?
“Yes. And I’m an actor.”

It seems that a true artist would need to exude joyous unrestraint when working. To get to the point of being a working artist, one would also need creativity, drive and control of medium.

Nicole has captured this essence of being a true artist through all her mediums. So what’s next for the omni-talent? There’s that production company, and an interest in cinematography. She was just cast in the lead role of Isabelle, in the Open Fist’s production of The Illusion, due to hit the stage in September. Also, there is an art show she wants to produce focused around a project she has been working on over the past few years involving mail art: Ornithology a universal collaboration between artists exchanging letters, art, communication. And another she was approached about putting together focused around mail in which stage performance intermingles with love letters. She muses about starting a tap dance troupe, as well, and a few upcoming performances with a band she has recently started singing with.

Whatever Disson pulls out of her hat next, in Hollywood or not, I’m there. You should be, too.

To Visit Citizen L.A. and read the article go to http://www.citizenla.com

Solo Cabaret Night at M BAR

2009-07-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

This July, Nicole performed a cabaret show featuring a set full of Gershwin and songs sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline and other old time favorites. The evening opened with Henry Gummer and Tay Strathairn, who Nicole then sang along with before performing her own set while accompanied by pianist David Bickford. Several pictures from the evening below

Henry, Nicole and Tay performing 'I'll Never Be Free'

Nicole singing 'Keepin' Out of Mischief Now' from Ain't Misbehavin'

Nicole and David after finishing their set

The Phoenix Project (Part III)

2009-06-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is the third sequence of The Phoenix Project, a work in progress, conceived and created by Nicole Disson, KT Comkowycz and Jaqueline Suskin. Edited and Shot by KT. Produced by Nicole Disson. Debuted at 'All Together Now.'

Shot in the Mountains surrounding L.A.

April 2009.

All Together Now Review -- Disson Produces Winning Women's Night

2009-06-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Shelby Duncan, Nicole Disson, KT Comkowycz, Jacqueline Suskin Photo:Oliver Newell

Space 15 Twenty hosted the night. Described as a “mixed-media event introducing emerging female artists”. But, really it’s more. Produced by Nicole Disson, it’s a cultured Hollywood event displaying a solid feminine unity, but also a strong experimental tone.

It’s a Friday night in the City of Angels much like any other evening, except there’s a tease of rain in the humid air. Enough that some might re-think an outside festival. But no, from a block away you hear the music. Not the thump of a nightclub, but rather a harmony. And a colorful, blissful, single harmonized theme describes the entire evening. ...

Nicole Disson is a name you’ll hear often this evening. Along with producing tonight’s event and performing in it, she’s many things. Talented, photogenic, precise, shrewd. She welcomes the crowd in a high energy manner that’s reminiscent to anyone who’s seen her work at the Open Fist Theater.

Jacqueline Suskin, Nicole Disson, Shelby Duncan Photo:Oliver Newell

The night ends with performance art. Nicole Disson and Jacqueline Suskin ascend the stage. Over the next burl of time, we see these two women work the platform. Passionate as they were, the audience’s eyes were fixed. ...

... And that’s entirely what Nicole Disson did. She produced an event that brought it all together. A group of women collaborated and found a thriving, interested and ultimately engaged audience.

To read the complete review, written by by Joe Wehinger, click Here.

Joe's Garage Promo Reel on Zappa.com

2009-06-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

"Packard Goose"

Here's what some of you missed . . .
And for the rest of you we hope this
brings back wonderful memories.

(click to play)

Visit Zappa.com for more news on Joe's Garage or click here to read past press and reviews.

The Charmed Life - Citizen LA's Recent Blog

2009-06-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

"I recently had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Miss Nicole Disson. She is the one responsible for the recent all women's art/music dance extravaganza 'All Together Now.' She is a smart, talented and charming actress, dancer and singer that makes you feel as though you could achieve anything if you hang out with her long enough. I feel so lucky that this is my life, hanging out with cool people and talking about their cool projects - watch out for Nicole's future ones - I will be writing up a feature on the multi-talented Disson in the July issue of Citizen LA, so you will know all about them! Thanks, Nicole for the lovely afternoon at the Casbah. We talked the past, the future, the present, love, fashion, dance, arts, dreams and diaries. Can't wait to share all about her with you guys...She is so inspiring!"

Citizen LA's Interview with Nicole about recent production: ALL TOGETHER NOW.

2009-06-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Disson's last project, 'All Together Now,' was a mixture of dance, live performance, photography, fine art, film and music. Not only was it a collab of mediums, it was a collab of women artists: Nicole who headed the pack as producer, Jacqueline Suskin, whose work inspired the event's birth, Shelby Duncan who portrayed the life force of women involved in the arts via her stunning portrait photographs and a slew of other artists: jenny o., Crystal Moselle, Aska Matsumiya, KT Comkowycz,
Ana Calderon and The Ladies Choir.

I stole the following from the show's program, I couldn't have said it better:

"All Together Now represents not only the strength of the women involved and of all the artists connected to them, but the idea that in order to successfully create and reach one another, a community must be apparent and accessible. The event is an affirmation that this community does indeed exist and thus, our artistic efforts are brought to life and shared."

We chatted about her last event recently and here is the outcome:

JB: Why was the concept of doing an all women's show important to you?

Nicole Disson: There are so many incredible artists living her in LA, men and women alike, who are creating new work everyday and I often find myself collaborating with many of my lady friends- especially since the conception of the Ladies Choir (which introduced me to a wide range of individuals who are multi talented and I was pretty blown away). Plus, I was in a place in my life where I needed to surround myself with good female friends and find the strength/support that we have to offer one another. I think it is important that women come together and celebrate the beauty, strength and power that we possess - both as individuals and collectively.

JB: How did this specific project come about?

ND: Jackie came to LA a year ago to perform 'The Balance of Old and New,' which KT shot on live camera and Shelby took a series of pictures immediately after. I was there as an audience member and when Jackie told me she was coming back to visit us in LA (nearly a year later) and screen what KT had edited together- she expressed wanting to make an evening out of it and place emphasis on bringing together a community.

Simultaneously, I had been wanting to produce a show featuring a variety of mixed-media and when I approached Jackie about it - she instantly thought YES! So I took the initial conception to screen her piece and opened the night up to other artists, themes, audiences, press, etc.. Around that same time, KT and I had been working on 'The Phoenix Project,' a series of vignettes featuring me and Jackie dancing and KT's amazing stop-motion technique-- which I had been wanting screen somewhere too. Later when I mentioned to Aska about what I was doing, she expressed interest in getting involved and we thought having the Ladies Choir perform would work well within the theme of the event. After which she asked if she could screen some solo projects that she had been working on with Crystal and I said, again, yes! From there it just continued to evolve.

As for Shelby Duncan's piece feautring nearly 50 women living in LA- she wanted to open her work up to other women than the featured seven which I thought was a great way to invite other talent/individuals to be more directly involved in the show. So Shelby and I hosted a Tea Party for our invited lady friends and asked that each women think of a message she would like to convey to the universe/the night/a moto or slogan that she lives by, etc and write it on either a prop that we provided or one that they crafted. All and all, the day turned into an event of its own- bleeding into two days and more women then either of us anticipated, all of whom had so much fun and were excited by the opportunity to meet other, new women, fordging their way as artists in the city of Los Angeles!

JB: Tell me more about the dance piece you choreographed and performed.

ND: Dancing is something I am very passionate about and have been doing a lot of in my professional career, especially over the past year. I thought choreographing a piece would provide me with a nice challenge while allowing me to communicate some personal struggles/thoughts/contemplations/STUFF that was pulling focus in my life at that specific time. In other words, I needed a creative outlet STAT.

I came upon Lhasa De Sela's music when I was acting in San Francisco and fell in love with it instantly. About a month or two before the show I was at home listening to 'The Living Road' album when the song 'Anywhere on This Road' came on and I connected to it deeply. I must have replayed the track at least 10 times and immediately started writing down ideas for a dance/performance piece.

When I mentioned my desire to perform an original dance piece at the show, Jackie took to it like crazy and wanted to do the same- so we began to create! We would meet downtown at KT's loft, where I would share my ideas and movement with her and then visa versa- just bouncing ideas off one another until the piece started to take shape. When choreographing, it was really helpful for us to identify what our intention was at any given point in the scene of the dance so not to just be moving arbitrarly through the space but to have a specific action to play. As soon as we specified who our characters were (in relation to one another) and what our objectives were throughout the piece (which were determined in part by the lyrics and in part by our own interpretation of the song), the movement just began to fall into place.

JB: What was your mission behind all of this?

ND: To draw attention to a community of artists, women, and individuals that exists here in LA. To showcase the work that the featured artists had been working on over the past year and more recently. To gather people for a night of sharing art and having fun! And for me personally, to challenge myself as a first time producer - something I had been wanting to do for some time - and create a space for me to share my work as a performer.

Check Nicole here and learn more about all her other projects. Congrats, Nicole on your recent casting in 'The Open Fist!'

Pick up a Citizen LA next month to read our full feature on Ms. Disson.

For complete interview visit Citizen LA's blog, Hawkeye.

ALL TOGETHER NOW!

2009-05-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

On May 1st, 2009 Nicole produced and performed in a mixed media event introducing a community of emerging female artists. Held at Space 15 Twenty in the heart of Hollywood, the evening featured a photography exhibit, instillation art, cinematography, a performance by the LA Ladies Choir and guest vocalists, in addition to a dance performance that Nicole choreographed and performed in with friend and writer/performance artist, Jacqueline Suskin. Immediately before the dance piece, video footage that the two ladies co-created with cinematographer KT Comkowycz entitled 'The Phoenix Project' (which will be available to view online soon) was screened as part of the program.

The Featured artists from ALL TOGETHER NOW. Top Row, from left to right: Shelby Duncan, Ana Calderon, KT Comkowycz, Crystal Moselle, Jacqueline Suskin, Nicole Disson, Aska Matsumiya. Bottom: jenny o.

Jacqueline and Nicole performing in 'Anywhere On This Road.'

EP Recording with the L.A. Ladies Choir!

2009-04-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

This past week the L.A. Ladies Choir recorded their first EP with producer Jim Scott. Nicole, along with the other ladies, can be heard singing the choir's original music once the album released this summer.

Here are some select pictures from the recording session taken at the Plyrz Studios in Valencia, California. More photos are available on the L.A. Ladies Choir myspace page and facebook account. Website coming soon!

Music Video Released

2009-04-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Kero One - "When the Sunshine Comes" feat. Ben Westbeech was the video of the week on the front page of MySpace. Check out the video here on youtube.

Also watch: Behind the Scenes Video.

Pictures from on set of the shoot with Nicole as Jane.

Susan Cianciolo Fashion Show

2009-03-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

This Saturday the LADIES CHOIR presented designer, Susan Cianciolo's 2009 Winter collection "Trees at Night" while performing a selection of their songs at Space 15 TWENTY in Hollywood. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the venue, Space 15 TWENTY's website or by clicking here.

Nicole with the Ladies Choir and designer Susan Cianciolo as she addresses the audience.

SKINNY MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT

2009-03-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nicole choreographed a music video featuring Devendra Banhart and Adan Jodorowsky. Directed by the Skinny's, Nicole can be seen dancing in the video as well. More information on release dates soon.

Upcoming Kero One Music Video

2009-03-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Nicole was cast as the female lead in Kero One's upcoming music video for his new song 'When the Sunshine Comes.' Set to release April 7th as part of his new album, Welcome To The Bay, you can learn about the shoot by clicking here.

You can listen to Kero One's Music visit his myspace page here: http://www.myspace.com/keroone.

Nicole with Kero One

The cast and crew after wrapping on the beach in San Diego.

'Changing Hollywood' Shoot

2009-02-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

Pictures from 'Changing Hollywood' shoot, in which Nicole played the Maitre D at the Ivy in a scene with actors, Modi Rosenfeld and Dov Friedman.

LADIES CHOIR Performances

2009-02-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

As a member of the newly formed LADIES CHOIR, Nicole performed Saturday, February 14th at 'Passion for the Possible: The Work of Sister Corita.' The ladies will be singing select songs, including original works by singer/songwriter Becky Stark of Lavender Diamond. In addition, the group will be performing at the Hammer Museum, Wednesday, February 25th.

See flyer below for location details.

The Soap Network's 'How to Get The Look for Less'

2009-01-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 28th, Nicole worked on the SOAPnet's show 'How to Get The Look for Less.' Along side host, Alison Deyette, Nicole modeled how viewers can shape their wardrobes off the ladies in General Hospital with clothing provided by Sears.

Make Up Artist Tifanie White.

On Set with Host, Alison Deyette.

Director Tudor Aplen.

LA SPLASH Holiday Article

2009-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

LA Splash Magazine's Creative Director, Joe Wehinger, interviewed Nicole for a Holiday article published in the magazine this week on favorite holiday songs. To view the complete article click here: The Holidays 2008- Your Favorite Songs.

The following picture and text was published this week:

"Nicole Disson, a Los Angeles-based actress who as been in one, two, three productions Splash has covered at Open Fist Theatre: "I am going to have to go with White Christmas, as my top contender for memorable songs. While I am not one to play Christmas tracks on my own, or Hanukkah for that matter (apart from Adam Sandler's Hanukkah album that I used to listen to with my dad and brothers), I am a big fan of the Michael Curtiz film, White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. That song really reminds me of all the times I would watch the film as a child and then imitate their dance steps, performing the song endlessly in front of my family." To learn more about Nicole, visit her at: www.NicoleDisson.com."

JOE'S GARAGE EXTENDED!

2008-11-27T08:26:00.001-08:00

Performing to sold out audiences nightly, the hit new musical, JOE'S GARAGE, has now been extended through December 20th! Get your tickets now while you still can (available on eventbrite).

LA OVATION AWARDS!

2008-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nicole attended the 2008 LA Ovation Awards with the cast of her last show, deLEARious, as they received two nominations, including Best New Musical in an Intimate Space. Pictures from the award ceremony below.

On the Red Carpet.

The partial Cast of Ron West and Phil Swan's new musical, deLEARious.

The deLEARious crew!

Nicole, along with producer, Caitlin Renee Campbell and guitarist, Kevin Tiernan.

Director Ron West.

JOE'S GARAGE PRESS

2008-10-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

The show has opened and is running to sold out audiences every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in Hollywood. Generating quite the buzz, here are some more recent articles on Joe's Garage at The Open Fist Theater with press photos from the show featuring Nicole:

Rolling Stone Magazine

Variety Magazine

LA Times

LA Weekly

Photo in Variety Magazine and LA Weekly.

Behind the Scenes at Joe's Garage

2008-10-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nicole was recently interviewed for a special trailer by LA Splash Magazine running on YouTube and the magazines website: lasplash.com.

LA Weekly Cover Story & LA Times Articles

2008-09-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

As seen in the LA Weekly Article, 'Frank Zappa's Joe's Garage Gets Its Premiere 29 Years On,' by Steven Leigh Morris.

This week's LA Weekly Cover story is on the show with multiple pictures of the cast, including Nicole. To read the article online visit: www.laweekly.com

The show also a nice feature in Sunday, Sept. 21st's LA TIMES: http://www.latimes.com/
along with a front page feature on Frank Zappa and his wife, Gail: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-zappa

Stormin' Music Video

2008-09-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Music Video for Webisodes Serries.

2008-09-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Sept. 14th, Nicole worked as a dancer in a music video for a new webisodes series, Revenge of the Bimbot Zombie Killers. Directed by Joe Camareno, the shot took place in downtown LA and is set to release early next year.

Getting into costumes and makeup.

Posing with Choreographer, Jennifer Lettelleir.

JOE'S GARAGE UPDATE

2008-09-11T16:55:00.001-07:00

With the show's opening just weeks away, the cast and crew of JOE'S GARAGE are in the midst of rehearsals at The Open Fist Theatre. A variety of press was in attendance for last night's run through, including the editor of LA Weekly's Theatre section who has been following rehearsals for an upcoming cover story. In addition, Nicole was interviewed by LA Splash Magazine for a video trailer that will be on the magazine's website soon.

For Tickets:
323.882.6912
www.openfist.org
September 26 - November 22

Nicole also attended the show's Benefit Party on Thursday, August 14th where she performed selected songs from the show. Pictures below:

New Theatrical Representation

2008-08-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Nicole is now represented by Steven Jensen and Justin Evans at Independent Group.

To view the company's website visit: www.indygroup.tv

good reviews!

2008-07-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Nicole received a nice mention in LA Splash Magazine's recent review of deLEARious:

"A big surprise happens early on in act one. We meet Nicole Disson’s “Fool” and unfortunately delegate her to a background role. She’s there, but she’s never front and center. That’s our big mistake. She comes out for “Breaking the Rules”. My, my, my. She. Owns. It. Remember our three rules back in paragraph four? Well, she’s all three. Silly, sexy and hits all the right notes. For the next ninety minutes, you’ve always got one eye on her. Waiting to see what she surprises you with next."

To view more photos from the show and read the complete article, click Here.

Opening Night Success!

2008-07-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Along with fellow cast and company members, Nicole celebrated a opening night of deLEARious at the Open Fist. The show is now running through August 28th, with performances on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To come see Nicole as The Fool, purchase tickets by calling the theater directly at 323.882.6912, or visit the company's website: www.OpenFist.org

To read a review of the show on Backstage West visit:

http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/la/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003830964

Hostess for X BOX'S E3

2008-07-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Nicole helped host this years E3 kickoff event for X BOX and Microsoft, downtown at L.A.'s Convention Center.

Short Film

2008-07-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Nicole shot a short film entitled "Conversations," written and directed by Jacob Motz.

TODAY IS BORING.

2008-07-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Nicole shot the beginning of a webisodes series today in Venice Beach that she acted in and helped create.

Entitled, 'Today Is Boring,' the project is being directed by Ross Clare, who formerly shot the documentary Skid Row with Praz from the Fuggies. In addition to Nicole, the episode features Marc Rae of DJ 'Yes King', and Stand-Up Comedian Brandon. Nicole can be seen as Madeline, the central female character, and is co-writing the series.

Images from the shoot:

JOES'S GARAGE.

2008-07-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

Nicole was just cast in JOE'S GARAGE, a world premier adaptation of Frank Zappa's classic album. The show is scheduled to premier September 26th at the Open Fist Theatre.

Filming Gary's Walk.

2008-06-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

On Monday Nicole participated in the filming of 'Gary's Walk,' an Independent Feature Film currently being shot in various parts of Los Angeles. Based off of playwright Murray Mednick's trilogy: 'The Gary Plays: Tirade for Three & Gary's Walk,' and directed by Guy Zimmerman, Nicole made an appearance as an Internet cafe waitress who confronts the lead multiple times asking him to leave the cafe.

deLEARious

2008-06-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Nicole is currently in rehearsals for deLEARious, a satirical musical comedy poking fun at the works of Shakespeare, specifically KING LEAR. Written and directed by Ron West, with music by Phil Swan, the show is scheduled to open July 18th at The Open Fist Theatre in West Hollywood. Performances will be held on on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through August 28th. For more information, and to reserve tickets visit www.openfist.org

Nicole will be playing the part of The Fool.