What does it really take to build a career in independent theater?
On this episode of Respect the Goats, Ya Favorite Cuzzin and CEO P sit down with playwright, director, actor, and founder of Passageway Productions, Niclous P. Howard, for a conversation that goes far beyond the stage.
Niclous takes us back to where it all started—writing an inspirational production while serving in the Navy—and explains how an unexpected beginning eventually grew into more than a decade of stage productions, traveling shows, award-winning performances, and opportunities for other actors and creatives.
We get into the REAL side of independent theater: self-funding productions, finding committed actors, paying your cast, recovering when somebody forgets a line LIVE on stage, and creating characters audiences actually connect with.
Niclous also breaks down the inspiration behind Undivided, his approach to faith-based storytelling without hiding from uncomfortable realities, and why he believes there is “no healing in lies.”
Then the conversation gets even deeper.
Can independent actors actually make a living from acting? Is “exposure” worth working for free? Is AI helping creatives—or slowly making us dependent on technology? Why does Virginia have so much creative talent but struggle to build the same entertainment infrastructure seen in larger markets? Niclous also opens up about experiencing racial tension while producing theater and what he has learned about leadership, directing, and protecting his vision.
And because this is Respect the Goats, it wouldn’t be complete without a little chaos—including forgotten lines, questionable Jamaican accents, and Niclous casually revealing that a 1,500-seat venue “wasn’t that big.” 😂
This isn’t just a conversation about theater. It’s about creativity, faith, discipline, business, sacrifice, and building opportunities for the people around you.
Chapters
0:00 Welcome Back and Vacation Stories
4:15 Introducing Nicholas P. Howard
8:30 The Current State of Acting and Industry Shifts
12:00 Writing for the Navy in Iraq
16:45 Finding Inspiration in Real Life Traumas
21:30 Managing Stage Mistakes and Rehearsals
26:00 The Reality of Funding and Paying the Cast
31:15 Faith Based Storytelling and Realism
36:00 Breaking Down the Themes of Undivided Part 1
41:45 New Characters and Dynamics in Part 2
46:30 Celebrating Success and Acting Awards
51:00 The Struggle of Independent Actors
55:15 AI Technology and the Future of Theater
59:00 Arts Funding and Politics in Virginia
1:02:00 How to Support Passageway Productions
If you enjoyed the conversation, LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to BNT Network, and let us know in the comments which part of Niclous P. Howard’s journey stood out to you the most.
Respect the work. Respect the journey. Respect the Goats.
#RespectTheGoats #NiclousPHoward #PassagewayProductions #IndependentTheater #Acting
