Alumni Spotlight: Luke Kowal

Luke Kowal, current First Stage Board Member and First Stage alumn took a moment out of his busy schedule to speak with us about his days at First Stage and what inspires him to stay involved. 

When did you first get involved with First Stage?  7^th grade (12yrs old at the time)

Were you a young performer? Yes

Luke with First Stage Founder Rob Goodman

What shows were you in?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (91-92)
One Thousand Cranes (91-92)
Bridge to Terabithia (92-93)
Frankenstein (93-94)
Peter Pan (96-97)



What was your favorite show or First Stage memory?  It’s hard to pick just one, but certainly attending academy classes, or having the opportunity to perform on the main stage along with my sister Anne Kowal in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  I also remember thinking how exciting First Stage was when I was 11 years old and saw my first show, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (89-90).  That made it very special to watch my younger brother Stephen Kowal, perform in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing at First Stage 10 years later.  

How did your experiences with First Stage help shape the person you are today?  I really learned about myself as a person and like many others, First Stage really did teach me excellent life skills through stage skills (except singing).  The musical aspects of First Stage were still in their early stages in my time, but that wouldn’t have helped me anyway!

What inspired you to continue your relationship with First Stage? Tough to say – what doesn’t?!  I had such a phenomenal experience in the Academy, performing and with the people I met at First Stage.  It meant so much in my life that it is a privilege to be involved again in any way.

What is new with you? 
My wonderful wife Alison and I will be celebrating our two year anniversary this month we live in Chicago, IL in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.  Our first child was born in February – Evangeline Lorraine Kowal, thankfully she looks like mom.  I work with healthcare systems throughout the Midwest, and specifically Wisconsin as the Vice President in JPMorgan’s Non-profit banking group.