About Nico
Nico Taljaard is a vibrant young South African artist with a passion for storytelling. Classically trained in acting and theatre making at the University of the Free State, Nico completed his degree in Drama and Theatre Arts, after which he completed his honours in Film and Visual Media under the mentorship of Chris Vorster. Since 2016, he has been part of 40 productions ranging from theatre, television, short films, music videos and voice work.
Nico’s acting highlights include portraying Ruan, the town gossip, in Die Portret, the 2019 Best Free State Vrynge Production. He played a supporting role in the international award-winning short film Cleanse (2021). Recently, Nico filmed his first television roles as Fanie in the Showmax mini-series Horisonne (2024) and Jake in the KykNet soap opera Diepe Waters (2024).
Notable stage credits include the role of historical figure Sarel Cilliers in Moagi Modise’s adaptation of Sol Plaatje’s Mhudi (2023) and a rowdy inmate in The Hate Crime Project (2017). Nico is also set to star in Discovery Health’s 2025 summer ad campaign as the lead in the “No, you go first” cut-down.
In 2024, Nico joined Riverside Theatre Company as the tour manager for their national tour, where he portrays William Shakespeare in the Mastering Shakespeare series, engaging high school learners across South Africa.
Apart from acting, Nico is also an avid writer who has written dozens of poems (three of which have been published), short stories, short films, and his debut stage play, Skin Deep, has been funded by the National Arts Council, and produced during March 2023 at the Andre Huguenet Theatre in Bloemfontein with acclaim, and media coverage. He is currently producing his one-man show, Doodnormaal, that will debut in February 2025 with the support of PACOFS.
Other projects that Nico is working on include a children’s book and a psychological thriller for stage and film. Nico is also skilled in videography, directing and editing, and has worked with well-known brands such as Grey College, Eunice, and RugbyTots to name a few.
Quirky and energetic, Nico enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking walks out in nature, and is currently learning French via the Duolingo app.
Let's Tell Your Story
What I Do
Acting
A classically trained actor with experience on stage and screen.
Writing
Strong fiction and non-fiction writer in various mediums: stage, screen, literature or academics.
Workshops & Public Speaking
Preparing and presentation of industry related workshops and motivational speaking to educational institutions.
Videography
Directing and producing of audio-visual content such as showreels, short films, promotional videos, and social media content.
Editing
Skilled in video editing of fiction and non-fiction projects using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Audition.
What People Say About Nico
It is a rare pleasure to encounter someone who embodies contradictions in a way that is positive and balanced. You’ll see this in Nico. A first impression of him suggests a shy, unassuming character who prefers to keep to himself, and then you’ll see him performing on stage with all the confidence and skill of a veteran actor! In one moment he appears chilled, casual and lost in his own world and then, in the next moment, he confronts you with an intense, sharp and challenging intelligence!
As a theatre director I worked with Nico on a number of projects in which I required him to challenge himself as an actor – he never failed to deliver! During this time he showed a willingness to push his own boundaries without ever losing his core self. He showed a sincere commitment to his own creativity and development. And he was always a team-player.
Dion van Niekerk
Nico’s work is superb. His creativity blows me away every time. He has done several videos for me and has proven to go above and beyond to provide a quality end product which exceeds my expectations every time. I can with honesty recommend his work.
Dr Marelize Vergottini
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