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Benjamin W. Smith (He/Him)
Director. Theatre Educator.
Indecent
by Paula Vogel | Studio Theatre, 2023
Against a canvas of historical upheaval, Indecent unfurls the gripping narrative of Sholem Asch's audacious work, God of Vengeance, a groundbreaking Broadway sensation that sent shockwaves a century ago in 1923.
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Dramaturgs: Dana Taner-Kennedy, Daisy Brazil, Bailey Batrice
Cultural Consultant: Rabbah Gila Caine
Stage management: Stuart Lindsay
Set design: Brock Keeler
Costume design: Payal Jotania
Lighting design: Guido Tondino
What People Are Saying about Indecent
“Every five or ten years, as one might imagine, there is a stand-out production. Benjamin’s production of Indecent was just such a one.”
— J-P Fournier, University of Alberta
“Smith’s beautiful production at Studio Theatre, the route to memory is marked theatrically — in luminous stage imagery that steps out of shadows, in klezmer music played live, in song, in dance, in ingenious stagecraft, in a repeated projection that says “a blink in time.”
— Liz Nicholls, Theatre Reviewer
“We are in awe of the commitment, talents, and intensity that gave to this exceptional production…You have made all of us in this part of the Asch family feel that you have done right by us all, and that feels good.”
— Michael & Margaret Asch
The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow, Based on the novel by John Buchan
Movie by Alfred Hitchcock | Bleviss Laboratory Theatre, 2022
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs and over 150 zany characters (played by a rediculously talented cast of four).
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Dramaturg: Louise Casemore
Stage Manager: Julian Anderson
Set and Light Designer: Ian McClellan
Costume Designer: Ankita Yadav
Sound Designer: Shella Apostal
The Devils
by John Whiting | Studio Theatre, 2022
The Devils, written in 1960 by John Whiting, is a gripping play based on Aldous Huxley's book about the real-life events in Loudun, France, in the early 1600s. This historical drama delves into themes of power, corruption, and hysteria, exploring the intense and often dark human emotions at the heart of this tumultuous period.
Director: David Kennedy
Assistant Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Dramaturgs: Dana Taner-Kennedy, Brett Dahl, Daisy Brazil
Set design: Payal Jotania
Costume design: Lieke Den Bakker
Lighting design: Kristen Fernandes
Sweet Dreams
by Justin Matthew-Sargent and Tony Lepage
Fredericton Playhouse, 2020
Sweet Dreams is a comedic, modern day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” set to the timeless music of Air Supply. Set in modern day New York City, this hilarious yet heartfelt story, is one about self-acceptance and love in all its forms. It features 14 of Air Supply’s greatest hits as well as two brand new songs written by Graham Russell specifically for the show
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Stage Manager: Georgia Brown
Music Director: Michael Doherty
Producer: Fredericton Playhouse Inc
East Of Berlin
by Hannah Moscovitch | Bleviss Laboratory Theatre, 2021
Rudi stands outside his father’s study in Paraguay for the first time in seven years. Questioning redemption, love, guilt, and the sins of the father, East of Berlin is a tour de force that follows Rudi’s emotional upheaval as he comes to terms with a frightening past that was never his own.
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Dramaturg: Louise Casemore
Stage Manager: Julian Anderson
Set and Light Designer: Ian McClellan
Costume Designer: Ankita Yadav
Sound Designer: Shella Apostal
The Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum | The Fredericton Playhouse, 2019
Produced by Theatre New Brunswick Theatre School Senior Musical Theatre students, this imaginative and heartfelt exploration of Dorothy's journey through Oz highlights themes of self-discovery, courage, and the enduring power of friendship, set against a backdrop of enchanting music and vibrant storytelling.
Director: Tania Breen
Assistant Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Stage Manager: Wei Xing
Sound Designer and Musical Director: Michael Doherty
Set Designer: Mike Johnston
Projection Designer: Darren O’Donnel
Matilda The Musical
by Dennis Kelly | The Fredericton Playhouse, 2019
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Music Director: Michael Doherty
Stage Manager: Wei Xing
Set and Light Designer: Trent Logan
Costume Designer: Jill Pelkey
Choreographer: Courtney Arsenault
Scooter Thomas Makes It To The Top of The World
Adapted by Peter Parnell | Black Box Theatre, 2020
An intimate two-hander, Scooter Thomas Makes It To The Top of the World reflects on how life changes from adolescence to adulthood. The story follows Scooter and Dennis, and their very different world views about what it was like growing up, and what it means for us to make it to the top. How do we measure success as humans? What would you do today if you died tomorrow? What would you regret not doing?
Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Stage Manager: Mallory Kelly
Sound Designer and Original Compositions: Michael Doherty
Shrek The Musical
by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori
The Fredericton Playhouse, 2018
Produced by Theatre New Brunswick Theatre School, a hilarious and heartwarming production of Shrek the Musical brings the beloved ogre's tale to life with a mix of irreverent humor, unforgettable characters, and toe-tapping tunes, celebrating the magic of individuality and the joy of friendship.
Director: Tania Breen
Assistant Director: Benjamin W. Smith
Music Director: Michael Doherty
Stage Manager: Wei Xing
Set Designer: Mike Johnston
Costume Designer: Sherry Kinnear
Choreographer: Josie Morasco
Benjamin W. Smith (He/Him)
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Customized stage combat coaching for all levels, focusing on foundational techniques and advanced disciplines like Unarmed and Single Sword.
