Luka van Herksen is an incoming Musical Theatre major at Emerson College in Boston, where he will begin his studies this fall. With a deep-rooted passion for performance and storytelling, Luka has spent the past several years honing his craft on stage, and he is now thrilled to take the next step toward a professional career in the arts.

Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Luka has been involved in musical theatre since childhood. He has trained and performed extensively with organizations like Young Artists of America (YAA), where he played leading roles and participated in productions that pushed his growth as both an actor and vocalist. Luka’s dedication to his craft is matched by his academic drive and his commitment to using the arts as a tool for connection, healing, and personal discovery.

Luka is incredibly honored to receive a scholarship from the Motivated by Music Association. He is sincerely grateful for the support, and he plans to use this award to help fund his study abroad program through Emerson. Studying abroad will allow Luka to expand his artistic lens by experiencing different cultures, theatrical styles, and creative practices—an opportunity he does not take lightly.

As he begins this exciting new chapter in Boston, Luka is full of gratitude and determination. He hopes to use his time at Emerson to explore new perspectives, collaborate with passionate peers, and continue growing into the artist—and person—he aspires to be. Thanks to this scholarship, a world of opportunity has opened up for him, and he’s ready to embrace it with everything he’s got.