Rising Stars: Meet Luke Sanders

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Sanders.

Luke, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got used to performing in various degrees in high school, be it in the band, choir, or church. Once I realized just how much of everyday life is an act and just how easy some of it comes to me, I decided that’s what I want to do. It took a while to really get started in any aspect of performance arts, so I turned to cosplay to scratch that itch.

When I moved to Australia, I found my start with student film work. I did as much filming as I could in Sydney, and when I returned to TN, I started in on-stage musicals and the TN Renaissance Festival. Only recently, did I get into some more serious modeling. Even started a decently successful TikTok. It’s been a true trip.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Between immigrating to Australia, becoming homeless, finally coming back to TN, another homeless stint, pandemic, divorce, and quarantine, it’s been a rough time. A lot of excruciating work has gone into this career choice, and there’s still so much to do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am, in general, a performer; an actor and singer by trade, part-time model, who dabbles in cosplay. I’ve performed in a few musicals in middle TN, a few years in the TN Renaissance Festival, and some filming both here in TN and in Australia.

One of the films in Australia is probably my favorite work, a student film from the mind of Tom Westley, called Wish Upon a Star (which can be watched from a link on its Facebook page). I think my voice is what sets me apart, seeing as how people tend to think I’m a recording when talking on the phone!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Flexibility. Being able to get to auditions, being able to get time for filming, all while juggling a retail job can be quite trying, so I’ve got to constantly be flexible in my scheduling and demeanor. One of my fight coordinators was once fond of saying, “everything’s set in jello,” and I feel like that describes an actor’s hustle pretty well.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@ace_pendragon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aceofdreams/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acependragoncosplay

Image Credits
Chris Preston and Ken Hall