I was born in San Francisco, and grew up in the Bay Area. My Nonni, along with my parents, raised me for the first part of my life. I learned Italian living in Italy during my childhood summers . I also learned about the long terms repercussions WW2 had on my family, and on me.

In my early 30s, I went through a panic attack era that made me confront my lifelong anxiety and PTSD from childhood trauma. As it turns out, fear eats the soul. I came out as non-binary and pansexual at the same time, which in many ways saved my life. Being queer is such a gift, and so is being an artist. I saw and felt my work as a writer, director, and performer blossom as I healed and became more comfortable being all of myself, in life, and in my art. And I do all I can to create a working environment that inspires and supports radical presence, collaboration, freedom, and joy in all those with whom I’m fortunate to share space and create.

I like bold , unique stories, and eccentric, earnest, vulnerable characters. Stories that confront the divine absurdity of life (& its profound impermanence). Stories that explore the many faceted question: how do we live? I’m drawn to the crunchy, overlooked, under-appreciated, and misunderstood corners of our universe, our existence, and our humanity. Sometimes I think of myself as a queer futurist, even when I’m writing about the past. But that’s an abstract concept meant for a longer discussion over pasta and pot brownies.

My work is something of a queerdo lovechild of The Holy Jo(h)n Squad: John Carpenter, Jon Cameron Mitchell, John Sayles, John Cassavetes, and Jon Waters.

For work samples, please visit my Short Films, Media, and Articles page!

Writer & Director CV:

Nico has focused on SCREENWRITING & FILMMAKING in recent years. They co-wrote a Feature Film with Award-Winning writer J. Nicole Brooks, based on their acclaimed play Her Honor Jane Byrne. Nico is currently developing their First Feature Screenplay on their own–a queer, crime gone wrong, dark comedy with the working title: Per Un Sacco Di Soldi..

Nico co-wrote the Pilot The Triumph of Tatty Bojangles with Nidia Medina, based on her play, which was a Finalist for The Orchard Project’s Episodic Lab in 2022. Nico is also developing a few TV projects on their own, one of which, Territorio, has been on Coverfly’s Red List in the top 27% of discoverable projects, and a 2nd Rounder for Launch Pad’s Pilot Competition. Nico’s short film script End Times is also on Coverfly’s Red List. and received an Honorable Mention from Big Apple Film Festival’s Screenplay Competition.

AS A FILMMAKER, Nico wrote, produced, and directed 2 short films as a student at London Film School, and multiple shorts and segments for their webseries: Pier Valentino’s: Show Without End! Nico also directed 3 episodes of the acclaimed webseries: BULK, by C.Julian Jiminez and Deneen Reynolds-Knott.

As a PLAYWRIGHT, Nico has had Residencies with Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Grange Hall Cultural Center, The Tank, and has been had their work developed and supported by Theatre Breaking Through Barriers, Emerging Artists Theatre, Theatre 167, NY Madness, The So-Fi Festival, and One Minute Play Festival. Nico has most recently been the Dramaturg for J. Nicole Brooks’ new play in development: Black Moon Lilith, supported by HowlRound and The Mellon Foundation.

Nico has DIRECTED readings, workshops, and small productions for places like The 52nd St. Project, NY Madness, Core Theatre Ensemble, The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and self-produced projects that they’ve developed with collaborator Nidia Medina. Nico was also a professional fight director for a number of years, and has staged violence in acclaimed Off-Broadway, Regional, and Indie theatre productions.

As an EXPERIMENTAL COMEDIAN, Nico conceived, created and performed appearances and Solo Shows as the character Pier Valentino at places like Bowery Poetry Club, Symphonics Live, So-Fi Festival, The Tank, Fear/Love. and more. Here’s a link to one of their live appearances: Pier Valentino at Fear/Love

Nico also dabbles in storytelling, podcasting, and article writing! Check out this interview from the Unusual Creatures Podcast: Nico Grelli Discovers Their Artistic Voice.

Nico has lived in NYC for over 20 years. They’ve also lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and London. They attended UCSB as a creative Writing major, transferred to NYU where they earned a BFA in Acting and English & American Literature in 2005. Nico apprenticed with Ensemble Studio Theatre and Labyrinth Theatre Co in their 20s, and more recently attended one term at London Film School. Nico also has been mentored in Screenwriting by Andrea Ciannavei (whose classes you should most definitely take!).

**Hey party people: This page is under construction, but check out my CV below. And Stay Tuned for work samples & more!!*****