Unlocking The Script Workshop for NZ actors

Host(s)

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  Benjamin Henson

  Benjamin is one of New Zealand’s busiest theatre directors, forging a diverse career, spanning form, scale and medium including original works, scripted premieres and opera. Prior to New Zealand, Benjamin worked for one of the UK’s largest youth arts organisations, leading participatory projects for primarily at-risk youth, including taking six productions a year to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for nine consecutive years. Ben later trained in theatre direction at the Mountview Academy of Theatre arts, London, while continuing to direct for the London fringe and cabaret circuit. Following projects in Germany and France, Ben was director in residence at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. Under theatre collective Fractious Tash, Ben has received critical acclaim for Earnest, Not Psycho and Titus, which was then remounted for a sell-out season at the Pop-Up Globe (featuring Beyoncé covers by NZ’s only steelpan band). Ben opened ATC’s 2018 season with the NZ premiere of Red Speedo by American playwright Lucas Hnath. He then closed their 2019 season with Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, winning best production design in the Auckland Theatre Awards. The award-winning production of Last Tapes’ Valerie toured throughout NZ, following dates in Australia and Edinburgh, adding to its accolade the coveted Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Ben is currently the Artistic Manager of The Actors’ Program, one of New Zealand's leading acting training programs, as well as Associate Artist for Auckland Theatre Company.