Aster Lufkin ’23 is the head of the Magic: The Gathering, Crafting Hands clubs, head and founder of Pastel, the school’s trans and non-binary student affinity group, and Senior advisor to GSA. As an upper-class student, he has taken numerous courses in theater, lighting, and tech design. Lufkin will attend Carnegie Mellon University next year and major in Drama, Design, and Production. 

How did you discover your passion for theatre? 

When I was four years old, I started acting. I was lonely as a child, but I was able to find an escape performing on stage and being involved in theatre. My experiences being bullied and losing my mother during the early years of my childhood led me to discover my passion for theatre, as it provided a safe space for me. Ever since then, I have always loved the supportive community that theatre fosters. 

What are some of your most memorable set and lighting designs? 

For this year’s musical, Into the Woods, I designed and created all of the costumes. My original costume design drafts are hanging on the bulletin board next to the Dining Hall as part of the Senior Art Show. I have also loved creating the lighting for the dance shows for the past three years, because you can create dramatic designs and play around with different functions. 

What advice would you give to aspiring performers and production set designers? 

We have an amazing theatre program here! I just toured a variety of colleges, and our technology is on par with a lot of the tech that exists there. I would advise everyone to take advantage of the opportunities here; it is so easy to get involved. If you are interested in tech, go talk to Mr. Derek Brashears, director of theater. Take theatre classes; no one knows they exist, but I promise you they do, and they are so fun.