Lucca Scarpace

Lucca Scarpace, a 2026 graduating Senior from Collierville High School, began his showmanship at six years of age. In the decade-plus to follow, he has performed in the Memphis area at theatres other than his high school including Germantown Community Theatre, Harrell Theatre, Opera Memphis, Playhouse on the Square and Theatre Memphis where he performed in the Summer Petite Sondheim Cabaret, served as a Swing in the production of Something Rotten! and he volunteered for the Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival. He was awarded Best Supporting Actor in the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2024.

Aside from his acting career, Lucca has trained as a vocalist and was named to the Tennessee All West and All State Choirs in 2023 and 2024, successively. At Idlewild Presbyterian Church he was the Bass Section leader as a paid position. He also plays the piano, guitar and harmonica. Academically, he was on the Honor Roll every semester at Collierville and was a member of the National and Tri-M Honor Societies.

In Lucca's application for the scholarship, his honesty and passion for theatre and what theatre did for him to overcome personal challenges was impressive. In his interview he was eloquent when expressing his desire to "return the favor" to others who may experience similar obstacles as well as his intentions to develop as a performer and as an example and mentor to them.

In the Fall of 2026, Lucca will be attending Ithaca College where he intends to research the way theatre and music affects those who have suffered the same and similar diseases that he has confronted. He says, “When I am on stage, I am free to express myself and make others feel the same way…. I would love for theatre to be a safe place for all who wish to participate and truly love theatre.”