North East ISD Student Finds Success in Hollywood
Students in North East ISD learn fine arts starting in pre-k and kindergarten, and this former Stone Oak Elementary has taken his passion to a career at a young age!
Nicolas Cantu is doing what he loves, and soon you’ll be able to see that passion on the big screen. The former Stone Oak Elementary School Bobcat has been cast in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film The Fablemans, a semi-autobiographical take on the Oscar-winning director’s childhood. Cantu will play one of his childhood friends in a cast that includes Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen.
Public School Arts Programs Prepare Students
Nicolas’ dreams of acting started at a young age, and he still remembers many of the teachers who inspired and supported him along the way.
“I remember my second-grade teacher Mrs. Dromgoole went to see one of the first plays I did at The Magik Theatre,” said Cantu. “My fifth-grade teacher Mr. Jenn was a big influence on my love of storytelling and comedy. Shoutout to all my other teachers too – Mrs. Boeck, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Koepke, Mrs. Terrel, and Mrs. Milam. Also, Mrs. Snodgrass and Mrs. Elizondo, my music teachers. Their classes helped break little me out of his shell.”
Advice for Other Students in the Arts
Cantu has the talent, the passion, and the support to fuel his dreams. He has some words of advice for the young aspiring actors and creators across North East ISD.
“If any little creative kids are reading this, don’t stop doodling in your notebooks and on the sides of your papers,” said Cantu. “Don’t quit trying to make your friends laugh in class, and don’t give up playing those instruments. Feed the creative side of your brain and get good at what you like.”
Nicolas has also appeared in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, The Rookie, 9-1-1: Lone Star, Dragons: Rescue Riders, and many more. To learn more about Nicolas Cantu and his past and future projects, visit
Story posted by NEISD Facebook
