Education

Core Teaching Philosophy

Who was the instructor that I needed when I was a student? This question continually shapes my approach to teaching, informing how I interact with students, plan lessons, and adapt as an educator. My classrooms are a laboratory, a space for students to experiment, take risks, and find what is meaningful to them. While not every experiment may be a "conventional" success, I encourage students to redefine success and embrace the value of exploration. A core philosophy that I’ve adopted from my time at The Ohio State University is to "work within my capacity of today, not of my lifetime." I add to this that one's capacity may not always align with their comfort zone. This outlook encourages students to challenge themselves while acknowledging where they are at any given moment.

Transparency & Diversity

I believe that diversity coincides with transparency. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching at a Land Grant institution, which requires acknowledgment of the land our institution occupies and the responsibilities that come with it. This practice of transparency extends into my classroom, where I encourage students—and myself—to reflect on who we are, the privileges we hold, and our openness to learning from one another.

Innovation

I prioritize creating a sense of connection and community through clear communication, interactive discussions, and digital collaboration tools. Whether through discussion boards, video feedback, or group projects, I ensure students remain engaged and feel a part of the classroom, regardless of physical distance. The integration of technology into audition processes, staging, and performance has become an indispensable element of the industry. By integrating technology into the classroom, I not only prepare students for the demands of contemporary theatre but also empower them to explore innovative storytelling across diverse media platforms.

What students are saying.

"Mr. Bennett is very passionate and enthusiastic about what he teaches. He is also always open to any questions or concerns you may have about the course material. He can be very accommodating and understanding when need be and is always prepared to provide help to his students when they need it. "

"He makes sure that his students think about their material and really absorb all the information they need to in order to master their piece, which is something crucial when it comes to a craft like acting."

"Mr. Bennett has a charming, relaxed, magnetic, passionate composure of a writer. He is articulate, intentional, and thoughtful, and it’s clear that he genuinely loves his craft. I had the privilege of seeing his solo show and his performance of Blood Wedding. He transformed into a completely different character in both, unrecognizable compared to his natural self, demonstrating his exceptional acting skills."

"Mr. Bennett is also an insightful voice in the theatre community, hosting the Black and White Pod, where he reflects on his creative identity/process and lessons/self-insight. He [is an] actor, playwright, and podcaster. His multifaceted contributions to the arts make him an inspiring mentor."

"As my instructor for THEATRE 2811, and often our coach for our scenes, he seamlessly demonstrated the ability to be critical yet sensitive with remarkable poise, creating a positive, confident environment that encourages community."