Lucas Terrell Penick

Lucas was born in Miami but grew up in the midwest, where he was trained in classical violin (Suzuki method) and classical dance. He had already performed with a half-dozen orchestras and toured the United States and Europe when he graduated as Outstanding Student of Forensics from City High School in Iowa City, Iowa. As a National Merit Scholar, he studied International Relations at the University of Chicago before turning his focus to teaching. Never one to avoid a challenge, Lucas taught some of the brightest students in the nation as one of the most successful young nationally-ranked debate coaches, while simultaneously co-founding several independent film production companies. In 1997, Lucas turned his focus to acting, making his debut in a stage production of Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs'(he played Nice Guy Eddie). Lucas later demonstrated his range as an actor in plays by Alan Ball, Christopher Durang, Rod Serling, William Shakespeare and many others; writing, directing and acting for North Carolina Kids Theatre; and appearing at North Carolina Theatre, North Carolina School of the Arts, Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Ensemble Players, Peace College, Meredith College, and North Carolina State University. Lucas has also made appearances in Universal Studios' 'Patch Adams', WB's 'Dawson's Creek', and many independent films and commercials (including Subway & Travelocity.com); and performed for more than fifty thousand students in the spring of 2003 as Otto Frank in William Jones & Classic Productions' 'Anne Frank' Tour. Lucas last appeared as Captain Keller in NCKT's revival of 'The Miracle Worker', and has appeared on the festival circuit as Clyde in Louis the Moon, as Tim in 'Odd Man Out' (Nexgenentertainment.com), and as Jeff in the North Carolina School of the Arts short film, 'Methuselah's Ledger'. While he was the Education Coordinator and Senior Writer for North Carolina Kids' Theatre, Lucas spent six years teaching hands-on science and creative problem-solving to Triangle-area students as "Professor Prove-It," the whimsical leader of 'Science Rules!' He also taught acting to six-twenty year olds. Lucas teaches DAT-PA, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT-V and SAT, and scores in the 99th percentile on each test he teaches. He often sees his role more as coach than instructor.