My story as of now…

As an artist who happens to be Gay and Latino, I set out to make art that is not only inclusive to characters so rarely seen, but for their stories to be universally felt. I was raised in Harlingen, TX and for those who have never heard of it, it resides in what is colloquially known as The Rio Grande Valley. It’s as far south in Texas as you can get, bordering Mexico; It’s entirely its own culture. Self-Identity is sadly something I have struggled with through the years (and continue to do so). Where do I, as a chubby, Mexican-American man who speaks limited Spanish, has little Latin flair outside of my name and skin tone, and will always be the big brown guy to most people, fit in to the vast Latine culture? Where does my story fit when it’s not mainstream? How do I cope with life when it throws so many curveballs? Those are the questions I look to answer within my artistic endeavors.

Growing up as the youngest of 5 boys, and the only gay one, I learned how to adapt. My family was known for being star athletes; whereas I played the tuba in the school's band. My 4 brothers were popular; whereas I participated in mathlete events. My brothers were popular with women; whereas I hid in the closet. I learned how to be someone other than "another Lucio". I made my goal growing up not to fit in, but to show that I belong as I am. I did end my high school career as the first openly gay band Prom King, so I'd say I accomplished that goal.

When I went to college I first went for a degree in Mathematics. At the time, math and music were the two things in life I felt natural at. I was successful in both, and I assumed that meant either was what I was meant to do. After some years studying math, I realized just because I could do it, did not mean I wanted to. With a hail-mary throw (my brother's taught me that one) I reached out to different departments in hopes one had an open spot for a student transferring majors. To my utter delight, the theatre department had open slots and allowed me, a person with limited theatre experience or knowledge, to sign up for classes. It was then that I finally saw what my future could hold: theatre arts.

I finished undergrad at the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts, focusing on performance and costume construction (who knew I could sew?). There I was given the metaphorical keys to each facet of theatre and was told any door would be open for me; theatre was my sandbox and there were no limitations to the art I could create. I had opportunities to write, direct, act, costume design and construct, and even Manage Front of House for our productions. I took advantage of each opportunity and treated them like that was my calling in life. I loved it all.

Like most artists, after school was completed, I found myself in the real world where even with keys, doors stayed locked. All of a sudden those opportunities I had in a scholastic setting were no longer available. I sought to continue my art by doing the one thing I knew how: building my own sandbox by writing original shows about characters I relate to, self-producing them with my funds, directing them, and sometimes even starring in them. Through self-producing my own work, I learned many-a-lessons on what it takes to build a production from the ground up. I hired designers, actors, crew. We collaborated to bring forth the stories I had written. I was doing the thing...but I knew there was more.

Turning 30, wanting more for myself, my best friend asked me to move to NYC on a whim with her...and I said YES. We both attended the Atlantic Acting Conservatory together, 5 and through the process, grew as artists. Even though it's a program focusing on acting, my writing and directing have also expanded. I feel as comfortable on-stage as I do behind the scenes. I will only continue to work hard for the career I want, and I know one thing: This world is unforgiving, but so is my desire to be the best artist I can be. - Duran A. Lucio