Let me introduce Niki Cairns, a creative force who turned her lifelong passion for music and theater into a deeply fulfilling career. What began as a love for singing and acting grew into a calling rooted in storytelling, education, and community connection. Niki’s journey is a beautiful reminder that when you follow what lights you up, passion can become purpose — and a dream can truly become a career doing what you love.
Currently, Niki is a Freelance Theater Director, Teaching Artist, and Private Vocal Coach, sharing her talents with performers of all ages. After many rewarding years teaching Spanish and Theater at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School, she made the bold decision to “retire” from the classroom at the end of last school year to focus fully on theater and music. Today, Niki directs productions for The Box Theatre Company of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Civic Theater, and Lake Country Playhouse, while also working with multiple local schools — continuing to inspire, educate, and nurture creativity throughout the community.
About Niki Cairns
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family and I have lived in Waukesha County for just over twenty years, seventeen of those years have been in the Lake Country area. We currently reside in Pewaukee and absolutely love it. I am a native Illinois girl and grew up in a community very similar to where I am now. I feel like I have one of the best jobs around and am so excited to share a little bit more about what I do.
My husband, Patrick, is a commercial real estate developer by day and the lead guitarist for Rustbucket by night. We have been married for 25 years and met at Carthage College. Our daughter, Audrey, is a student at UW-Milwaukee and is employed as the Special Events Manager for Discovery World. We have an 8-year old mini Labradoodle named JoJo Rose and she is absolutely nuts.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am currently a Freelance Theater Director, Teaching Artist, and Private Vocal Coach. For many years I was a teacher at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School teaching Spanish and Theater, but was able to “retire” at the end of last school year to focus solely on theater and music. I grew up loving to sing and act and never really thought I could find a career doing what I loved, but I was certainly wrong. I direct for The Box Theatre Company of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Civic Theater, and Lake Country Playhouse, along with multiple local schools.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I get to use my imagination every single day! I love introducing young students to theater and giving them the skills they need to succeed. Theater kids are brilliant kids!
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I truly never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’ve held so many different jobs and my degrees are in Psychology and Spanish. I think it took me a long time to step out of my comfort zone and to trust that I could become fully self-employed.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The best part of my job is working with my vocal students on audition pieces, hearing that they received the role they were working so hard for and then going to get to see them perform. I am at a lot of local theater performances!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My goal is to continue to be booked for gigs! Right now I am working on Junie B. Jones at St. Charles and this Summer I will be vocal directing Rainbow Fish the Musical at LCP and Little Women at The Box Theater.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Hustle! Honestly, if you’re just starting out in the freelance realm, you really can’t turn down gigs. You have to use every hour that you can to get your name out there. It’s so much work in the beginning but it’s worth it when you can finally say “My schedule is booked for that month” and 100% mean it.
Niki Cairns & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love being surround by lakes! I love opportunity to be in the water so most summer days you’ll find me in my pool or on a friend’s boat. One day I need to live where it’s warm year round.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Allison Chicorel, Katie Berg, and Rhonda Schmidt! Three wonderful women who are making a real impact in community theaters!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
We are blessed with so many unique locally owned coffee shops. My sister-in-law even drove up from Illinois to check out Inclusion Coffee to support their mission. I also love Lumber Inn for breakfast.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, Active, Beautiful.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am endowed with a ridiculous amount of trivial knowledge. I was an alternate for Teen Jeopardy and I have been trying to get on the show ever since.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
My favorite current movies are Zootopia and Zootopia 2 because they’re so fun. My favorite song is “Wait For It” from Hamilton. I even have a lyric from the song tattooed on my arm.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students. It may sound cliche but they really do. They challenge me to listen to new musicals and even got me interested in KPop.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
My favorite drink is an Arnold Palmer because it’s fun and friendly.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Leslie Odom, Jr., the original Aaron Burr from Hamilton. He’s easy on the eyes and could sing for me while I sip an Arnold Palmer.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Seeing a musical on the West End London.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My job requires me to be “on” at all times so I am happiest floating in my pool with a really great novel in hand.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
You’re never too old to do what you really wanted to do when you grew up. If it challenges you and keeps you interested, go for it.
Where to Find Niki Cairns
Email: cairnsfamily3@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 510-8265
