Artist of the month: Lucia Forte ’26

From her first role as Nana the dog in Peter Pan to becoming a leader in EA’s theater community, Lucia Forte ’26 has built a reputation on both talent and dedication to the craft. Over the years, she has grown not only as a performer but also as someone who brings others together on and off the stage. 

Forte’s journey in theater began in third grade at the Wolf Performing Arts Center. Before that, she had experimented with other activities, but nothing quite clicked. Theater, however, was different. She explains, “I did that one show, and I fell in love, and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Since then, Forte has taken on a wide range of roles. One of her earliest favorites was playing Simba in The Lion King, a role she describes as especially fun and memorable. More recently, her performance as Jane Bennett in Pride and Prejudice challenged her in new ways. “She was a very different type of character than I’m used to,” Forte explains. “Her quiet confidence and the way she carries herself was difficult for me, but she also taught me a lot.” Through that experience, Forte not only strengthened her acting skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of connection on stage.

For Forte, theater is about more than just performing; it’s about collaboration and trust. “Theater is ultimately about telling a story and trusting that you really can’t tell that story on your own,” she says. “It’s about allowing yourself to be part of something way bigger than yourself.” That mindset is something her peers have noticed as well. Her friend, Clementine Clifton ’26, describes Forte as both a leader and a source of energy within the program. “She’s really good at making everyone feel energized and included,” Clifton notes. “She truly makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome everywhere she goes.” This is demonstrated through her Lilley Fellowship, focusing on providing accessibility in theater to actors with down syndrome. Forte went on to create the Shared Stage Collective, a nonprofit centered on creating resources, like rehearsal toolkits, and spreading knowledge on how to best support performers with down syndrome.

Clifton also emphasized Lucia’s growth over the years, noting how her confidence has developed alongside her talent. “She’s always been passionate and talented, but now she’s so confident in herself,” she says. “She’s constantly pushing herself to be the best she can be.” Forte’s leadership has also made an impact on the program as a whole. According to Upper School Performing Arts Chair Dan Clay, she consistently prioritizes others and helps build a strong sense of community. “Lucia is one of the kindest, most inclusive students that I know,” he states. “She’s always checking in with people, making them feel comfortable, and reaching out to newer students.” As dance captain and a senior member of the Domino Board, Forte has taken on significant leadership roles. Clay says that she leads with both confidence and respect. “She’s not afraid to speak up and share her opinion,” he says, “but she always does it in a way that’s kind and respectful.”

Despite all of her accomplishments, what stands out most to Lucia is the sense of community she has found through the program. “We have such a family here,” she says. “I’ve met some of my best friends through theater and choir.” As she looks ahead, it’s those relationships that she says she will miss the most. The friendships, the shared experiences, and the support system she’s built have defined her time in EA theater. Through her passion, leadership, and commitment to others, Lucia Forte truly exemplifies what it means to be EA’s Artist of the Month. Forte plans to attend Brown, majoring in Theater Arts & Performance Studies and International & Public Affairs, where she will continue to be a shining star on and off the stage.