Actress Nicole Alyse Nelson appears in Jane Austen’s Period Drama, the Oscar-nominated live-action short that offers a bold and satirical take on traditional period romances. Set in 1813, the film challenges long-standing taboos through humor, with Nelson portraying Vagianna Talbot. Known for her work in series such as I Am Frankie and GLOW, Nelson now takes part in a project that blends classic aesthetics with contemporary social commentary.
Jane Austen’s Period Drama received a 2026 Academy Award nomination and offers a bold satirical take on period storytelling. What first stood out to you when you read the script?
Beyond how witty and funny it was, I was struck by just how boldly it tackled a taboo subject. The script has such a strong point of view that I immediately thought, people are either going to either love this or hate it. And I think that’s what the most brilliant stories do, get people talking! It certainly sparks conversation and refuses to be ignored.
Your character, Vagianna Talbot, exists in a story that uses humor to challenge long-standing taboos. How did you approach balancing satire, comedy, and the authenticity of a period setting?
Great question! I think the key to comedy is treating the circumstances with complete sincerity. What’s funny to the audience is very real and urgent to the character. The stakes feel high, even if the situation is absurd. When you fully commit, that’s when it actually becomes the funniest. As for the period authenticity, so much of that comes from the incredible work of the costume and production design teams. My main focus was getting the accent right. Film is such a collaborative art form, and every department really showed up to bring that world to life. We all worked together to make the time period feel authentic, and I think we really did!
Period pieces set in the early 1800s often follow very traditional storytelling rules. What makes Jane Austen’s Period Drama stand apart from the classic period romances audiences are used to?
What makes Jane Austen’s Period Drama stand apart is that it plays by the rules of a traditional period piece, but inserts a bold, modern perspective that challenges the genre’s usual boundaries. It still has the elegance, structure, and aesthetic of a classic romance!
You first gained recognition as a series regular on I Am Frankie, appearing in 42 episodes. Looking back, how did that experience shape you as a performer?
Oh, in so many ways. That job really taught me how to be a working actor. The skill set you use on set is very different from auditioning, and it forced me to grow quickly. It sharpened my memory, deepened my understanding of continuity, and taught me how to track and commit to choices from wide shots through close-ups. It also gave me confidence. I learned how to communicate with directors, ask questions, and advocate for choices I believed in, whether it was for a line or a piece of blocking. It was an incredible experience, and I carry those lessons with me every day.
You also appeared in GLOW on Netflix in an episode that Rolling Stone named one of the Top 5 TV episodes of the year. What do you remember most about that experience?
My car getting towed while I was on set. Wish I was joking! But truly, it was such a great experience. I was already a fan of the show, so getting to step into that world, even in a small way, was an honor. They absolutely nailed the 80s aesthetic. I loved the vintage costume we went with, and the hair department gave me a full fake perm. Everyone was so kind and the on-set crafty was top-tier. These little moments are what stuck with me from a short but special job like that.
Your career spans different genres, from comedy to drama and fantasy. How do you decide which projects you want to explore as an actress?
I really try not to put myself in a box. While some genres come more naturally to me, like comedy, I want to explore it all. What draws me in first is the people behind the project and how strong and believable the writing is, particularly the dialogue. Bonus points if the story is exploring themes like identity, self-worth, or the pros and cons of technology. That said, I’ll be honest, availability plays a role too. If I’m free, I like to be a “yes” person and choose the experience over sitting something out. I genuinely love what I do, and I value every opportunity to keep working. To me, the ultimate goal is reaching a point where you can fully handpick your projects. I’m not entirely there yet, but I’m working toward it. Hopefully soon!
At this moment in your career, after being part of an Oscar-nominated project, what kinds of stories or roles are you most excited to pursue next?
I’d love to dive in to more female-led, complex comedies like Bridesmaids or Legally Blonde. Stories that are funny but grounded in real character journeys. I’m also stepping more into writing and producing. I have a feature I’ve written that’s currently in development, and we’re putting together an incredible team. I’d love to get that made in 2026 and continue expanding my skill set behind the camera. And I’ve been saying this for years, but I’m going to keep saying it until it happens, I would love to do a project set in space. I’m from the NASA area of Houston, and being an astronaut was my first dream. At some point, I’ve got to fulfill that inner child version of myself and manifest my way into being an astronaut somehow.
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