Teaching Artists

Nick Cains: Get ready, Tulsa! I’m Nick Lannon Cains and I’m thrilled and honored to be the Teaching Artist leading the charge for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s inaugural Regional Next Narrative Monologue Competition! My passion for empowering young artists stems from my own journey, which began with a BFA in Theatre from Southern Methodist University and a whirlwind of performances across our vibrant city.

You might have caught me recently as the lovable Cal in Theatre Tulsa’s regional debut of Waitress, the hilarious Grandpa in The Trail to Oregon, or even battling a carnivorous plant as Audrey II in Tulsa Project Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors. But my love for the stage started long before that! As a high schooler, I was one of only 20 national finalists in Theatre for the YoungArts National Foundation competition. That experience ignited a fire within me, a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts. That’s why creating opportunities for students to shine, especially those who might not always find the spotlight, is so incredibly important to me.

I’m beyond excited to guide these talented young storytellers as they share their unique voices. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the next generation of theatre artists!

Nicole Billups: I am a graduate of the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. I’ve had the honor of performing in a wide spectrum of work — from classical theatre to new play development, musical revues to full-scale productions — as well as teaching for several years. 

I have been featured as Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, Timoune in Once on This Island, Grace in Annie, and Reggie in Some Girls. I’ve collaborated with Theatre Tulsa, World Stage Theatre Co., American Theatre Company, among others, and participated in TPAC’s Any Given Child Program for Tulsa Public Schools’ kindergarten students. Contributing to art in my local and regional theatre community is my passion.

Last year was a whirlwind experience, as I was invited to go from judge to shadow artist to an official teaching artist for the Tulsa Region. I am so excited to see more students participate from the 918 — 😉 — and now, I get to see them grow from the beginning of the process all the way to NYC!

Obum Ukabam: Obum Ukabam is the founder of Black Broadway Tulsa, an organization dedicated to providing professional theater and workforce development opportunities in North Tulsa. As an Arts Commissioner for the City of Tulsa, he advocates for greater accessibility to the arts for underserved communities and works to elevate local talent. Outside of theater, Obum coaches speech and debate, soccer, and tennis, guiding the next generation of creatives. He is also an active board member of Leadership Tulsa and the Greenwood Cultural Center, and is proud to work at Central Performing Arts Middle and High School, where he helps nurture the artistic growth of his students.

Jade Mia Lambert: Jade Mia Lambert is a theatre practitioner who is intentional about curating opportunities and increasing visibility for innovative creatives. She is a proud director-dramaturg, who previously served as the theatre director and troupe director at Tri-Cities High School, instructor of acting at Spelman College and as artistic associate, dramaturg, and teaching artist at the Alliance Theatre. She is the master motivator and arts advocate behind media company Lambert-Smith Media. Through the mission of LSM she currently manages an arts coaching and consulting firm, The Everyday Actor that encourages creative visionaries to take consistent daily steps towards their dreams. Jade’s Living Authentically Method of Artistry or LAMOA, is a groundbreaking training experience for the 21st century artist grounded in performative practices that encourage creatives to develop their authentic voice. She is also the founder of PG Entertainment, a family-focused production company committed to developing innovative and inspiring arts experiences for today’s modern family. www.jademaia.com