Darnell Pierre Benjamin

Darnell Pierre Benjamin is a multidisciplinary artist, community builder, and educator who attended University of Houston in 2009 and earned his MFA in the university’s Professional Actor Training Program. Centering play, community, and collaboration, Darnell’s work lives at the intersection of art and mental health awareness, which is apparent in his companion pieces, 13th & Republic and REST, where he reached over 15,000+ individuals. These two projects were funded by Artwave’s “Truth and Reconciliation” grants, which Darnell was awarded in 2020 and 2021. He is in the process of completing his certification as an educator and performer in the Michael Chekhov Technique at Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. Darnell has also trained with the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement, as well as Siti Company. In addition, he is an active member of Actors Equity Association, Society of American Fight Directors, and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Recent directing and choreography credits include the world premiere of T-Room…The Musical, The Prom, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Sweat, and The Niceties. Darnell is on the boards of Treehouse Cincinnati, Stop the Stigma Productions, Pones, and Caracole. In 2022, he was presented the Vizazi Award from Cincinnati Black Pride for his contributions in the community.  Like James Baldwin once said, Darnell agrees that “Great art can only be created out of love” and Darnell focuses on love being at the core of his work.