Spotlight on Lucas Coura

When Lucas Coura signed up for the Patel Conservatory’s summer Vocal Arts program last year, he was just looking for something to do.

What he found was a world of possibility.

Lucas Coura with Kristen Walker

“There are so many opportunities available, so many things to do,” said Lucas, who plays Fred in the upcoming PCYT production of Kiss Me, Kate.

Shortly after that first summer at the Patel Conservatory, he began taking private voice lessons, then became a member of the Opera Tampa Chorus.

This year, he’s added acting and musical theater to his studies. He’s again a member of this year’s Opera Tampa Chorus, as well as the Conservatory’s Senior Choir.

“When studying music and theater, you learn as much about yourself as you do about the craft. It’s been a fantastic journey that has allowed me to learn what I’m on this planet to do,” said Lucas.

Lucas grew up on Long Island, NY, where theater was a way of life for him at school.

“Maybe because we were so close to the city, it was a cultural thing, but everyone was into theater,” said Lucas.

He moved to Riverview with his family five years ago and graduated last year from Riverview High School.

This, he’s immersed himself in studying the performing arts at the Conservatory.

In Kiss Me, Kate, he plays Fred, the director, producer and star of the play within the play.

“This role is the biggest challenge I’ve had so far...I’ve never had to take on a part that was this broad...Fred is not a bad guy.  He’s someone who likes to win, is stubborn and headstrong, but he really does have a good heart,” said Lucas.

“I’m having a lot of fun with it. Diving into all these facets in a person really makes a character come to life.”

The cast and crew have been hard at work polishing everything from character to choreography, and set and light design.

“The show is going to be a huge event,” said Lucas. “It’s funny, dramatic, witty, outrageous, realistic - all at the same time. This makes the show extraordinarily challenging, yet incredibly fun and rewarding to play.”

Kiss Me, Kate runs through Nov. 8 - 17, 2012. For tickets, click here.

You can also see Lucas perform in the Christmas with Opera Tampa Chorus concerts on Dec. 2 and 3, 2013, and in the Vocal Arts concert on Dec. 11, 2012 at the Straz Center.