In the Pittsburgh theater scene, Ben has been involved in multiple productions working with CLO, Pittsburgh Public, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, The New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh University Theater Dept., Stage 62, Comtra, and others working in multiple positions throughout various productions. Ben worked as music director for the New Hazlett’s production of Monteze Freeland and Michael Meketa’s “Kalopsia.” He has been piano conductor for multiple University of Pittsburgh musicals since 2018. Ben was music director of Stage 62’s “Mamma Mia,” which won Pittsburgh’s “Best of the Burgh.” Ben has worked for CLO as music assistant for SPARK festival as well as shows in the Cabaret (“Game On” and “Double Threat Trio”). Ben performed with the talented pit of Pittsburgh Public for “Little Shop of Horrors,” music directed by John McDaniel and piano conducted by Catie Brown.

In the Jazz scene, Ben has worked with a variety of musicians in the city such as: The Boilermaker Jazz Band, Mike Tomaro, Tom Wendt, Jeff Bush, Tony Depaolis, The Bliel Brothers, Artistree, Lee Robinson, and ISKA. Ben performed with the Mid Atlantic Big Band under the direction of Ted Nash (2016) and Delfeayo Marsalis (2017) at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York City. As a child he was selected to represent the Yamaha Music Education Systems Corporate division to perform his original compositions in New Jersey, Washington DC, California (Biola), Arizona, Canada, and at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California.

Ben received his BM in at James Madison University and his MM at Duquesne University. At JMU, he performed in masterclasses and worked with John Hollenbeck, Theo Bleckman, Bobby McFerrin, Nate Smith, and Branford Marsalis. Ben is excited to be a part of the CMU School of Drama!