Lucas Near-Verbrugghe

I have a BFA and an MFA in acting. That's over $100,000 and 7 years worth of training at some of the top institutions in the US. And yet, as a professional actor I find that I draw on my years as a student of SPACE just as much as I do on my professional training. At SPACE I learned to create and perform with an open heart and a respect for others; I developed a cultural awareness that broadened my world view; and I learned to look for and listen to the stories in history and in our daily lives that aren't always told but should be heard. SPACE was a formative experience for me as an artist but more importantly as a person and I know that the world would be a much better place if every child (and adult) had access to that kind of education. We should all be so lucky!

— Lucas Near-Verbrugghe, Alumni