BEN KISTINGER
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Ben made incredible contributions to the Chappell Players and St. John's University when he was a student, in all arenas of performance, design, and production, and has never stopped as an amazingly supportive and involved alumni.
After earning a master's degree from St. John's, Ben is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Toxicology. Ben was able to take some time out of his busy schedule in the lab, and Disney music, to sit down with CPTG and share some of his experiences. Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted? If I could, I would be on stage every chance I get. I really do miss it. However, I do feel that I am as involved with theatre as is realistic for someone who should be spending all of his time in the lab doing research, and I’m okay with that. I am really enjoying working with the CabaDisney cast as Musical Director, and it is nice still going to school at St. John’s because I still have the opportunity to see all the shows the CPTG puts on. |
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Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so? Being a part of the Chappell Players has equipped me with two valuable skills: the ability to present well and the ability to work with people, both of which will come in handy once I (eventually) graduate. I’ve found that performing on stage, I got used to projecting my voice so that now I don’t mumble or sound monotone during important presentations (such as my Master’s thesis defense). During Undergrad, I worked on the production side of many shows and was also on E-board for 3 years. These combined experiences helped to prepare me for future work, as I will have to be able to work together with people on a project that may have different viewpoints than I do on how things should be done. I’ve learned how important it is to compromise, but how important it is to remain steadfast on points I truly feel strongly about. |
Ben (center) in Urinetown.
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Ben (center) in Rent.
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What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
Of all the shows, and all the performances I’ve done, one stands out the most, and it wasn’t even a real performance. My Sophomore year I was cast in The Laramie Project. I think it was during tech week that we were notified that some of the administration had concerns about the content of the show, so they were going to come watch one of our runs. We performed for about 5 people, which was such a surreal experience because we knew they were out there, but we couldn’t see them and we didn’t get any sort of response from them during the show. It was so important that we got the message right, so that the administration would understand how important this show was for us, and for our community. The Laramie Project was probably one of the most draining experiences (I think I was like 8 different characters) but also one of the most rewarding as well. We were actually on Fred Phelps’ list of events to picket on the Westboro Baptist Church website. Nobody came to bother us though, but man we were ready for it. I like to think that the Laramie Project in a small way helped bring awareness to the LGBT community on campus, and pave the way for the acceptance of LGBT groups to exist at St. John’s. It makes me really glad to have been a part of it.
Of all the shows, and all the performances I’ve done, one stands out the most, and it wasn’t even a real performance. My Sophomore year I was cast in The Laramie Project. I think it was during tech week that we were notified that some of the administration had concerns about the content of the show, so they were going to come watch one of our runs. We performed for about 5 people, which was such a surreal experience because we knew they were out there, but we couldn’t see them and we didn’t get any sort of response from them during the show. It was so important that we got the message right, so that the administration would understand how important this show was for us, and for our community. The Laramie Project was probably one of the most draining experiences (I think I was like 8 different characters) but also one of the most rewarding as well. We were actually on Fred Phelps’ list of events to picket on the Westboro Baptist Church website. Nobody came to bother us though, but man we were ready for it. I like to think that the Laramie Project in a small way helped bring awareness to the LGBT community on campus, and pave the way for the acceptance of LGBT groups to exist at St. John’s. It makes me really glad to have been a part of it.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
My advice for the current Chappies is this: What you guys have is a unique opportunity that not many others get. In the Little Theater you can be Ensemble one show, Assistant Director for the next show, Costume Designer for the show after that, then Lead, etc. I’ve been able to be a Cast Member, Producer, Director, Writer, Costume Designer, Musical Director, Dancer, and Choreographer, which something you could not have convinced me would happen had you tried to tell me during Freshman Orientation. Take advantage of the opportunity to try new things, because you may not get this opportunity again.
But like, try to avoid tanking your GPA while you’re out having fun, ok?
My advice for the current Chappies is this: What you guys have is a unique opportunity that not many others get. In the Little Theater you can be Ensemble one show, Assistant Director for the next show, Costume Designer for the show after that, then Lead, etc. I’ve been able to be a Cast Member, Producer, Director, Writer, Costume Designer, Musical Director, Dancer, and Choreographer, which something you could not have convinced me would happen had you tried to tell me during Freshman Orientation. Take advantage of the opportunity to try new things, because you may not get this opportunity again.
But like, try to avoid tanking your GPA while you’re out having fun, ok?
