LUBBOCK, Texas– When he first started musical theater, Luke Weber did not know it would lead him to winning the Kennedy Center American College Musical Festival in Washington, D.C. and a full scholarship to a summer theater program in New York City.
Weber, a sophomore musical theater student at Texas Tech University, said he was shocked when he won the scholarship.
“It was kind of surreal,” Weber said. “It was hard to believe at first. Out of all people it was me.”
Weber said he competed in the competition last week, taking home first in the Musical Theater competition. Thousands of people fought for this same title.
“I guess figuring out who I am through other people I am playing on stage really helped me establish my sense of self,” he said.
Weber started musical theater as a sophomore in high school, and was recruited to Texas Tech by Dean Nolen, the head of the Acting and Directing Program.
“There is a sincerity, an earnest about his work,” he said.
During the competition, Nolen said even the panel recognized this.
“One of the leaders of the Kennedy Center Music Festival said directly, Luke was outstanding, very special, and that he was the best he had seen at the Kennedy Center since 1999,” Nolen said.
As a result of this national accolade, he also received a full scholarship to the Open Jar Institute in New York City.
“I don’t know exactly what I’m doing or how I’m going to get there, but I’m going to be a professional actor someday, and I’m very excited for all the possibilities that come with it,” said Weber.
