FMTA Director, Nikki Tillotson, has been educating youth and producing quality children's theater in Benicia since 2003. A graduate of Solano College's Actor Training Program (ATP) and the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) BA program, she has since become an instructor, director and award winning scenic designer (BHS). Nikki has also been a certified coach and teacher (ASCC) thought the California Teacher Commission since 2010 and a member of California Educational Theatre Association where she adjudicates for the Northern California Middle School Stage Fest Competition each year.
Nikki's love of children's theatre began when her own children participated in and grew confident through small skits in the family backyard. Beginning with a small "backyard" children's ensemble in 2003, she has since created and established the dramatic art department for all Benicia Unified Elementary Schools, including an after school repertory theatre training program at each Benicia elementary school, Benicia Middle School Drama Club, BHS Improv, BHS Drama Productions (scenic design instruction), SCC Theatre (master painter), and a variety of summer camps for children 7-18 yrs. old. The flying family continues to grow with the THE BENICIA UNIFIED PLAYERS, a district-wide ensemble designed to integrate and connect the drama departments at all 6 Benicia schools!