Luczak ’09, ’15 Appointed Development Director at Des Moines Performing Arts

Benjamin Luczak ’09, ’15 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership & Management) was recently appointed the director of development at Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Prior to relocating to Des Moines, Luczak held leadership positions at Asolo Repertory Theatre (development director), Broadway Dallas (director of development, annual giving, special projects and strategy), Omaha Performing Arts (associate director of development, donor relations), the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Shenandoah Conservatory. During his time at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Luczak completed the first phase of a multiyear capital and endowment campaign which raised $15 million for new rehearsal and education facilities.

“Benjamin has built an impressive career connecting donors with the important missions of the performing arts institutions he has served,” said President and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts Jeff Chelesvig. “We are excited for him to bring his expertise to DMPA as he connects with our community and generous donors.”

Luczak has served on the board of directors for Houston-based Social Movement Contemporary Dance, co-chaired the League of Resident Theatre’s executive search (a subcommittee of LORT’s EDI Committee) and was a grant panelist for Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. Luczak has also served as an adjudicator for the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards, a grant maker for the Equality Fund of Omaha, and a board member for Nebraska AIDS Project.

In addition to his degrees from Shenandoah, he holds a Certificate of Fundraising Management from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida. Luczak is also an Eagle Scout. Originally from Pittsburgh, Luczak resides in downtown Des Moines with his husband, James, and three dogs, Noah, Buck and Gustavo.