We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noah Lucé . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noah below.
Noah, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is an interesting word because it has two connected meanings – toughness and elasticity. Coming from a theatrical background it makes me think of fabric and how it can protect, stretch, and yet sometimes pair. Sometimes it can be repaired and sometimes it can’t. In the intricate fabric of my life, resilience threads its way through every twist and turn, shaped by the powerful influences that have surrounded me.
I was lucky to start with a good base, my parents, who imparted to me the value of hard work and determination. While my father’s struggles with cancer were undoubtedly a defining moment, it was watching him and my mother through the process that taught me a huge lesson in reliance. Going from having the “American Dream” to being fully financially decimated in the span of a few years, but not losing their gratitude for life made a huge impact on me.
Growing up in a household filled with foster children offered a unique perspective on resilience and empathy. While I wasn’t a foster child myself, the experiences of over 30 children passing through our home left an enduring impression on me, shaping my understanding of resilience and compassion. Among those foster children is my sister, whose journey from a turbulent childhood to achieving the rank of Senior Chief in the Navy, served as a powerful example of resilience in action. Her determination to overcome obstacles inspired me to push myself beyond my limits.
Through the entirety of my adulthood, I have had to hold down multiple jobs — often three or four at a time, including those related to my artistic and educational pursuits — which had taught me true meaning of dedication. There was a time where I did give up theatre in lieu, of a paycheck, but I was never truly happy. Dedication in art, is hard because you never truly know if your merits will equate to financial freedom.
Amidst life’s challenges, storytelling emerged as my refuge and passion. Theater became a sanctuary where I could explore the depths of the human experience and connect with others through the art of narrative. As a storyteller, I cherish the opportunity to share stories that resonate with audiences, bridging divides and fostering understanding.
In the tapestry of my resilience, each thread represents a chapter of struggle and triumph, woven together to form the fabric of those I admire such as my parents and sister, later my partner and mentor. From the lessons learned from the inspiring people around me, the solace found in storytelling, resilience is the common thread that binds it all together, shaping me into the person I am today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a lecturer in drama at the University of California Santa Cruz and the Associate Artistic Director at New Canon Theatre, I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of storytelling through theater. At UC Santa Cruz, I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring aspiring theatre artists, fostering their creativity and guiding them on their artistic journeys. This past November I had the privilege of directing our Mainstage production, Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl.
At New Canon Theatre, our mission is to produce bold and meaningful theatrical works that showcase the diverse voices and talents of our community. We believe in the educational potential of theater and strive to make it accessible to all, regardless of financial means. By rejecting the notion of the “starving artist” and implementing equitable wage practices, we ensure that our artists are valued for their contributions.
Last year, I had the honor of directing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at NCTC, which received the Production of the Year award from Monterey County Weekly. This year, I am thrilled to be part of the cast of Hamlet and the curator our New Works Festival, where we will showcase some amazing new plays.
In addition to my work at UC Santa Cruz and New Canon Theatre, I am also an assistant faculty member at Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE), and I adore creating intimacy choreography for live performances. This aspect of my work allows me to contribute to the consent-based practices of productions while exploring the nuances of human connection on stage.
I invite you to visit New Canon Theatre’s website at newcanontheatre.org to learn more about our upcoming productions in 2024.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey thus far, three qualities have been particularly impactful in shaping my path: adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
1. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new circumstances and embrace change has been crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of the arts. Whether facing unexpected challenges or exploring new creative avenues, my willingness to adapt has allowed me to thrive in a constantly evolving industry. I am not anywhere near where I thought I would be by this point in my life. Many of the best experiences I have had, were ones I didn’t initially set out on. However, by being adaptable, they have led me to wonderfully unexpected places.
2. Empathy & Kindness: As a storyteller and educator, empathy and kindness are at the core of my work. Understanding and connecting with the experiences and emotions of others allows me to create authentic and, I hope, impactful performances that resonate with audiences. Not to say I haven’t struggled with this. Have I felt petty, jealous, and resentful – absolutely. I am human, but I think it’s what we learn from those emotions and how we channel them that can make an impact. How can we turn the sour to sweet?
3. Lifelong Learning: The theatrical landscape is ever-evolving, and a commitment to lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant in this field. Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced opportunities for continuous growth and development, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-directed study. My advice to those starting out is to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, seek out opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge, and remain open to new ideas and experiences.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been working on the art of saying “no.” In the world of theatre, where opportunities often feel scarce and so declining an offer can feel extremely scary. This deep set fear lingers inside me: if I say no to someone now, will they still consider collaborating with me in the future? If I decline a student’s request, will they hesitate to seek my guidance again?
Navigating this intricate web of considerations has been no easy feat, especially for someone like me, who has always been a people pleaser. The motto improvisation is “yes, and…” and it has been go – sometimes to the detriment of my relationships and even physical health.
However, as my responsibilities and commitments have expanded, so too has my recognition of the need for balance. Learning to say “no” has become a dance of diplomacy and self-preservation. It’s about finding the delicate harmony between seizing opportunities and safeguarding my time and energy.
In this journey of self-discovery, I’ve come to understand that saying “no” isn’t just about setting boundaries; it’s about honoring my own worth and priorities. It’s about carving out space for the projects and relationships that truly resonate with my vision and values. Shifting from the scarcity mindset to one of abundance.
Have I mastered this yet? Absolutely not. I still want to work on everything with everyone, but it’s something I have been and will continue to work on for a long time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.noahluce.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenluce/
Image Credits
Bekah Lynn Photography Glen McDowell Photography
