Zara Nikou Sichani's (‘25) journey in acting began almost by chance but it quickly grew into a passion that has shaped her life. Born in Manila, Philippines, Zara first stepped in front of a camera at just four years old. Her mother enrolled her in a commercial, and while the details of that early experience are a little hazy, Zara clearly remembers the joy of putting on costumes and playing a role—a simple beginning that would set her on an exciting path.
When Zara’s family moved to Canada around the time she was six, her interest in acting followed her. She began working on short films, an experience she describes as crucial in her development as an actor.
“With acting, experience is so important,” she explained. Short film sets, often with smaller, close-knit crews, allowed her to build connections with directors and learn the essentials of working on set.
“It’s a great environment for forming connections and learning the basics of acting on camera,” she added. This foundation, she believes, made the transition to bigger sets less intimidating.
One early project that solidified her love for acting was a short film called Aperture.
"Watching it all come together and ultimately winning an award for it was incredibly rewarding," reflected Zara. "It made me realize that this was something really special that I wanted to continue pursuing."
The award she refers to is her recognition as Best Child/Young Actress at the 2018 Indie Short Fest, part of the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival.
Learning from Professionals on the Set of Happy Face
Recently Zara landed a role in the upcoming television series Happy Face, a true-crime drama under Paramount+ to be released in early 2025. This role marked Zara’s first experience working with well-known, award-winning actors including Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid. The project spanned several months and gave her the opportunity to observe how seasoned actors approach their work.
“It was not just about how they acted, but how they interacted with directors and adapted to the set,” Zara recalled. Each new episode brought a different director, exposing Zara to various directing styles—some calm and methodical, others more fast-paced and intense.
“It was fascinating to see how each director brought their own energy to the set,” she said.
Back at school, Zara’s participation in SMUS musicals provides yet another valuable layer to her training. While her work on film and TV usually involves smaller groups, musicals continue to teach her how to collaborate with large ensembles.
“[SMUS Revue '22] was my first time working with such a big group. I had to communicate and coordinate not just with other actors, but with teachers and production crew,” she explained. Acting in front of her peers added a unique pressure, too—one that was both nerve-wracking and deeply rewarding.
“It’s a vulnerable experience, putting yourself in a character’s shoes in front of people who know you. But it also taught me a lot about resilience and self-confidence," she added.
Balancing Academics with Artistic Aspirations
Despite her passion for acting, Zara is pragmatic about her future. Right now, she’s focused on schoolwork and university applications, with her sights set on studying business.
“Acting is something I’ll always be open to, but it’s an unpredictable industry,” reflected Zara.
“Having a stable goal like business feels important,” she said. Still, she’s quick to add that if an acting opportunity came along, she wouldn’t turn it down. For now, though, she’s taking things one step at a time.
To students interested in acting, Zara offers a grounded piece of advice: learn to handle rejection.
“In this industry, rejection is such a big part of the process," she explained. "Sometimes you will audition and won’t get a callback, or you will be cut from a final selection. But it’s important not to let that define your ability.
“Think of rejection as redirection—just keep going and keep trying,” she affirms.
Zara’s story is one of creativity, courage, and connections. Her journey reflects the values of a school that encourages students to pursue their passions while also staying grounded in their academic goals. For Zara, acting isn’t just about being on screen—it’s about building relationships, learning resilience, and discovering new sides of herself. Whether she’s performing in front of a camera, rehearsing for a school musical, or studying for an upcoming test, Zara embodies a balance of ambition and dedication that promises a bright future.
