Lucas James Nelson is a theatre director, educator, actor and playwright with a focus on developing new work and reimagining classic plays. Driven by a passion for language and endless curiosity, Lucas aims to provoke the imagination of his audiences through intimate, gritty, and rhythmic storytelling. A product of the Midwest, Lucas brings his Midwestern charm, work ethic, and "bend don't break" attitude into every aspect of his work. Lucas received his MFA in directing at UC Irvine under the mentorship of Juliette Carrillo.