Entrepreneur + Talent Agent +
Public Speaker + Non-Profit Director

Nicole Pryor Dernersesian is the President and CEO of Firestarter Entertainment, a talent agency based out of Los Angeles and New York that represents actors for television, film, commercials, print and theatre.  Nicole founded Firestarter in 2013 and her company now represents over 1700 actors in Los Angeles and New York. And in 2019, Nicole launched a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization called, Inclusion Media Group: Striving to make a more inclusive world by creating content that tells diverse stories.

In addition to managing her talent agency and non-profit, Nicole has contributed her expertise to the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a decade. With a remarkable 10-year tenure, she currently holds the position of Talent Relations Producer for The Oscars.

Nicole is also the host of the entrepreneurship advice YouTube Series: NICOLE TALK.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Nicole performed in the Las Vegas Company of "The Phantom of the Opera" directed by the incomparable Hal Prince for 6 ½ years and over 2600 shows. Other favorite acting credits include: Ragtime (Sarah), Children of Eden (Yonah) and Footloose (Rusty). 

As a vocalist and songwriter, Nicole released 2 albums, both available on iTunes: "I'm Here" and "The Long Way Home".  In addition to her stage work, Nicole taught private vocal lessons for over 14 years, including a two year stint as an Adjunct Professor of Vocal Performance at her alma mater, Pepperdine University (where she holds a BA in Advertising and Music). Whenever possible, she continues to lend her time to teach master classes at Universities and Organizations around the country.

Nicole feels blessed to be a part of the entertainment business and will continue to work tirelessly to make a positive impact for as long as she is able.