Rafael Lyrio was born/raised and is based in New York City.  They graduated from Adelphi University in 2024 and continue to study and work as a member of Theater 68. They have also studied at The Powerhouse Theater Program (Vassar College), The Neighborhood Playhouse School Of The Theater, and Stella Adler Studios.

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Rafael has been acting for over 11 years, dabbling in musical and straight theater productions and taking improv courses in high school. Some of their favorite theatrical experiences include being a finalist in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 2 (2024); performing a one-person piece they wrote as their senior capstone, writing and directing a 10-minute play (City of Strangers) performed at The Short Play Festival at Players Theater and playing such roles as Christopher Boone (Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime) and Viola (Twelfth Night). When they are not working on their craft, you can likely find Rafael watching a show or TV or perhaps in Brazil with their family.