Benjamin J. Luczak ’09, ’15 returned to Shenandoah for his master’s degree because he was granted an assistantship with former Conservatory Managing Director Kendra Whitlock-Ingram. Whitlock-Ingram served as a mentor to Luczak and he looked to her for advice as a friend and for career guidance. His fondest memory of Shenandoah is his four seasons as an actor with the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre.
Luczak is currently the director of development for the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. As the director of development, he is responsible for managing an eight-person team to fundraise for Asolo’s annual fund and capital/endowment campaign. “I work closely with administration, board committees and task forces to advance the mission of Asolo Repertory Theatre,” said Luczak. “I lead my team with resonant emotional intelligence and strategic design.”
The most rewarding part of the position for him is securing numerous five- and six-figure gifts to support performing arts education and community engagement programs.
Luczak believes Shenandoah provided him with a well-rounded, liberal arts education. “With my BFA in Musical Theatre and my MS in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from SU, I am uniquely qualified to raise funds for performing arts,” said Luczak.
And, he wants Shenandoah students to know that he is available to answer questions regarding the arts administration business.
Luczak’s advice to students is: “Sometimes dreams change. Also work hard, be persistent, be open to new ideas, and keep dreaming. Work hard, play harder.”