I met Nicholas in 2016 during SRT, and we immediately bonded. I was going through a rough summer and he helped me so much along the way. Nicholas was always a positive light to everyone in the company. He truly cared about everyone and their well being. I will forever cherish our times in the wings of Rock of Ages together, where despite the stress of the show, we were always singing and dancing in the corner while we waited for our next prop hand off. Nicholas dubbed us the #DreamTeam. I always felt in my heart that we would do a show again together. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until the next life, but it’ll be worth the wait to see that smile again. I will miss you, Nicholas, I hope you are at peace. You will always be in my heart and memories. 
My condolences to the family, I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. But you raised a beautiful person, and I thank you for that. 

 I had the honor and privilege of being Nickolas’ Art teacher when he  attended Saint Charles Catholic School. He was an exceptional young man and always a bright spot in my day! My heart is heavy to know he is no longer with us. I will keep your family and Nickolas in my prayers. 
Sincerely,
Mrs. Becky McDonald

A  thought of comfort that i wanted to extend to the family.  Though i do not know you all,  the pangs of death are all to real and always to soon!  May you all find comfort from our heavenly father and know that he does not take our loved ones from us becuase he knows the pain to loss a loved one and especially a child.  One day at a time! 

I had the pleasure of working with Nicholas on Beetlejuice. He was such a positive light — so kind, hard-working, and joyful. He lit up whatever room he was in. We were so lucky to have gotten to collaborate with him, and he will be sorely missed.

Nicholas was a light in my life when I needed it most.  Not only was his smile a welcome sight as I came into work every day, but there were also moments when he would say the kindest thing that was just what I needed to hear, just when I needed to hear it. At the first preview of our show, I was feeling a bit invisible as one of the understudies. But then, at the celebration afterward, he sought me out to tell me how much he looked forward to seeing me at the theater each day, and the joy I bring into HIS life. He just seemed a conduit of happiness. 

Nick. What an incredible, enthusiastic, talented young man. He was my stage manager for Frog and Toad kids, the first show I directed at Encore. The cast consisted of children 13 and under - there were no adults backstage, only Nick (who was then 14) and a few other teens. That show ran like clockwork with Nick at the helm. He was so honored to be my stage manager, but the honor was all mine. It was a joy to work with him at drama camp and watch him grow as an actor and a director. His direction of Mulan was brilliant! No one could  believe it had been directed by a teenager. What a gifted young man. He loved fiercely and that smile of his could brighten any day. My heart breaks that he is gone from us so soon. You did it, buddy! You made it to Broadway and we are all so proud of you! 

I attended a drama camp a couple times when I was younger. Nick was one of the teachers who gave tips and advice to all who were there. I was very shy then and had a hard time talking to other people, but he helped me come out of my shell. He called me “Emma DD Girl” and I smiled every time he said that. Even though I didn’t know him well, he still impacted my life and helped me to overcome my fear of speaking in front of others. 


I had the honor of directing Nick as Stuart Little at Encore Theatre. His smile lit up the room, his energy was boundless.  He touched the lives of so many. There is another bright star in the Heavens.....I will miss him. I send love to his family. Hold on to each other and God will see you through this. Bless you Cheeks. 

When  I last spoke with Nick a few years ago at my bank, he shared with  me his hopes and dreams for the future and how he planned to reach his goals .  I was struck by his enthusiasm and optimism.  Knowing him for years as he attended school with one of my sons, there was no doubt in my mind that he  was going to do great things.  And he most certainly did!  By all accounts he was respected, loved and admired by hundreds of people he met and got to know in his short but amazing life.  He was a remarkable young man and the lights of Broadway are a bit dimmer now because he is gone.  May his spirit live on in all who knew and loved him.   He truly made a difference in this world.   Rest In Peace, Nicholas.   My deepest condolences to his family at this sad, difficult time.

My heart breaks hearing the passing of this bright, beautiful young man. Nick was one of my very first students and I will always remember his contagious smile and the way he lit up the room!  I send my prayers and love to you all! 

I grew up knowing Nick. We attended the same church and elementary school. Though he was a few years younger than me, we got to know each other through Vacation Bible School and Encore Theater. 

As you all know, Nick had a contagious smile. At Encore, we called him Cheeks. He was kind to everyone and was eager to help however he could.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that he made it to Broadway. In fact, I think most of us wouldn't expect anything less! Nick was talented, hard working, and determined. I'm so proud of him for pursuing his dreams. 

We will miss you, Nick! We are praying for you, and we're praying for comfort and consolation for your family. Rest in peace.

I grew up knowing Nick. He was so fun to be around, and brought smiles when he walked in a room. I know behind that smile was pain, and he tried for other people. I get how that is. When i was about six, I was Maybelle in Bridge to Terabithia, and Nick played the father. I remember him picking me up when he "got home." He was also stage manager for my mom in Frog and Toad. He was such a nice guy, I love him so much, and he was so talented.

Nicholas was an amazing person. The first time I met him I was the new girl at elida high school 2018-2019 year. And he came in and talked to our musical theater class. I was afraid to do the
Mock audition but Nicholas made me feel comfortable so I went for
It. He helped me through it and it was An amazing experience to work with him. I am so appreciative of him and he caused me to fall in love with Broadway even more and I am going to Pursue a career such as his own. He was
An inspiration and I will miss him dearly 

OBITUARY

Nicholas James Bader

October 14, 1994 – June 21, 2019

Siferd-Orians Funeral Home

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