He became a projectionist the following year and two years later bought his first theater. He was the manager of two theaters in Omaha, Nebraska. The chain that owned the theaters soon went out business and Nicholson found himself unemployed.
He transitioned to a projectionist role the following year, and two years later purchased his first theater. He managed two theaters in Omaha, Nebraska. The theater chain that owned the theaters went bankrupt, leaving Nicholson jobless.