Armidale

Ben is a theatre director, educator and producer based in Tamworth, NSW. His work is driven by a passion for storytelling, collaboration and creating theatre that is both ambitious and accessible.

Ben holds a Master of Theatre & Performance from the University of New England and has undertaken specialist training in directing actors with Actors Centre Australia and screen acting with NIDA. He has been the Owner and Director of O’Grady Drama Academy New England since 2018, working with young performers aged 5 – 18 and developing their skills in voice and movement, improvisation, performance, collaboration and ensemble work.

Ben has been an active contributor to Tamworth’s performing arts community for more than two decades, working both onstage and backstage with Tamworth Musical Society and Tamworth Dramatic Society, as well as serving on their committees. In 2021, he was nominated as a finalist in the Tamworth Local Legends Awards as a Performing Artist, recognising his contribution to the region’s arts community.

Ben is passionate about regional theatre and, above all, about giving performers the opportunity to take creative risks, develop their craft and create memorable experiences for audiences.