ben Ashcraft

Actor, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer

I am a New York-based actor currently performing in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre. I am a May 2025 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where I earned a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance.

My musical theatre journey began at age 14 when I played Peter Pan in my middle school’s production of Peter Pan. Since then, I have had the pleasure of performing with several theatres, including Lyric Stage Dallas, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, and Firehouse Theatre. Some of my favorite roles include Gabey in On the Town, Danny Zuko in Grease, Edward Bloom in Big Fish, and Duke in The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Other credits include Max/Herman and Cliff understudy in Cabaret, the Acrobatic Fox/Footman in Cinderella, and Josh in 9 to 5.

about me

News
Photo Gallery
The image shows a scene from a theatrical performance with a man dressed as a sailor standing on a platform, surrounded by several people. The background features a painted sky with clouds and some architectural structures.
The scene is from a theatrical performance with nine women on stage in vintage costumes, some with animal ears, and one woman in black performing a split supported by another woman. The backdrop is decorated with cartoonish drawings and red curtains.
A woman and a man on stage, engaged in conversation. The woman is holding a cigarette and a remote, wearing a white turtleneck sweater and beige pants. The man, wearing a patterned shirt and a brown jacket, is listening with a slight smile, with his right hand in his pocket.

acting is living

Be. you. you're. enough.

Be. you. you're. enough.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things

Current Project

Stranger Things The First Shadow

Young man in a black jacket and striped shirt speaking or singing on stage, with four other young men dressed in vintage clothing and varsity jackets, some holding footballs, in a school locker room setting.
Poster for the TV series Stranger Things, featuring the series' title, the subtitle 'The First Shadow,' and a silhouette of a girl standing in front of a large window, with her reflection on the floor.

more about me

Before I found theatre, I was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. I pitched for a competitive baseball team, competed as a Level 10 gymnast, and played wide receiver and quarterback in football for four years. I was also part of a competitive billiards team in high school, competed in swimming, played soccer and basketball, and even dabbled in lacrosse. In my free time, I enjoy rollerblading, mountain biking, hiking, painting and customizing shoes, and taking on carpentry and other at-home projects. I’ve loved discovering new interests and exploring new things ever since I was a kid. That curiosity is one of the reasons I love the arts so much: theatre gives me the opportunity to push boundaries, challenge myself, and discover new experiences every day. I first found that feeling when I played trumpet in band, sang in choir, and performed with my a cappella group, Walk the Line. Now, I’ve found it in theatre. My passion for this art form continues to grow, and I’m excited to keep learning, evolving, and expanding my skills throughout my career. As an artist, I hope to push the boundaries of theatre by participating in works that challenge societal norms and moral values, reimagine the classics from new perspectives, and explore the connection between dance and the expression of human emotion. If you’d like to collaborate with me or learn more about my work, you can find links to my media below.

Reels
Close-up photo of a young man with black hair, blue eyes, wearing a black blazer, white shirt, and silver chain necklace, standing outdoors with blurred background.
Headshot And Resume

Dance and Choreography

A group of dancers performing on stage with colorful lighting, holding long flowing fabric ribbons as part of their dance routine.
Dance Reel

Dance/Choreography

My love for dance has grown immensely throughout my time in college. What began with feeling like I had two left feet has evolved into a passion for movement, performance, and choreography. During my time with the UTA Dance Company, I completed my first-ever dance course and performed in pieces such as “Eleanor Rigby,” “Solitude,” “The Butterfly Effect,” and “A Rose Blooms in Chaos.” I also began my choreographic journey through UTA’s dance program. Some of my choreography credits include “ANG3R,” a piece exploring the societal pressures associated with male identity, and “The Butterfly Effect,” a commentary on the intricacies of life and the connections we make along the way, in which I both choreographed and performed. I’m excited to continue expanding my skills as a dancer and choreographer, pushing the boundaries of my performance, and creating meaningful art through movement. Dance has become an invaluable part of my artistic journey, and I look forward to discovering new ways to tell stories, express emotion, and connect with audiences through this art form.

Group of five dancers performing on stage, one kneeling and four standing, with dynamic poses against a dark background.
The image shows four performers on a dark stage. One person is kneeling on the floor wearing a mask and a black outfit. Two other performers stand with arms outstretched, one in a dark suit and the other in a purple dress. The fourth person is in the background with their back to the camera, raising their arms, and wearing black clothing.
Two dancers perform in a dark setting with dramatic lighting highlighting their movements and clothing.

“we must not allow other peoples limited perceptions to define us”

- Virginia Satir

Pop, Lock, & Dance

Pop, Lock, & Dance