N.L. Starr

N.L. Starr, known professionally as Nic Starr, is an author, director, producer, actor, and educator whose work spans theatre, film, television, and arts education. Based in metropolitan Atlanta, he holds a master’s degree in education and has devoted his career to storytelling, artist development, and community service.

A retired United States Army Sergeant First Class (SFC), Starr served twenty years in the military, including as a Signal Officer Basic Course instructor. His experience preparing military leaders helped shape the discipline, preparation, and accountability he brings to the classroom and rehearsal room.

Starr is the founder and artistic director of Young Voices United, a nonprofit organization through which he has spent more than thirty years educating and encouraging young artists. He also serves as a Managing Director of the New African Grove Theatre Company and owns Starr Enterprises. His educational background includes fifteen years in the school system, serving as an educator in Gwinnett and Cobb counties, along with work as a Teaching Artist at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.

His written works include To Tell the Truth—The Adaptive Truth Method (ATM): An Actor’s Guide to Truth and its Companion Workbook. Through these books and his Acting… NOT! classes, he helps performers connect preparation and technique with truthful human behavior. Directing the Truth and Managing the Truth extend that instruction to directors and stage managers. His Super Kai children’s series, illustrated by LaMarr Starr, introduces young readers to kindness, thoughtful choices, and everyday life skills.

His film directing credits include Things Not Forgotten and The Amazing Ninja. His producing credits include Unconditional, Mosaic, and #WATCh. His lifelong engagement with the work of August Wilson continues to inform his respect for language, cultural memory, and stories rooted in community.

A husband, father, and grandfather, Starr draws purpose from family and a belief that teaching means helping others recognize what they have to offer. Whether writing for children, training actors, or guiding a production, his instruction remains direct: “Tell the Story! That’s your job!”