This week’s student spotlight is over the jack of all trades Ben Verstraete!
Ben Verstraete is a sophomore here at MSU pursuing a major in DTSM with an emphasis on sound design. Ben is credited as Treasurer of the Tabula Rasa Production Company, as well as a member of the Missouri State Improv Team. Ben just recently participated as Sound Designer for our previous production of In Vain, and as far as performance, portrayed the role of Bill Livingston in Laboratory Theatre Company’s production of The Women of Lockerbie. Outside of his participation in the T&D Department and other extra curricular activities, Ben is an outstanding collaborator and friend.
Ben has a truly creative mind, and understands what makes art meaningful. He pours his all into everything he does with the utmost intelligence and ease. According to one of his peers, “I’ve never seen Ben not give 110% with whatever project he is working on. Whether he’s working on Sound Design for one of the mainstages or he’s just being an amazing scene partner in Improv, Ben gives all of his energy into doing a good job. Ben is a reliable friend and worker who will never let you down.” On stage, Ben is an absolute unit. He has an amazing grasp on how to be present in whatever role he is embodying, whether that be for a scripted production or for an improvised scene. “If anyone has also had the chance to see Ben in The Women of Lockerbie with LTC, they would say that guy’s an actor. He takes charge on stage and is inspiring to watch grow as a theatre-maker. I’m glad to have him as a friend and colleague.”
When it comes to comedy, Ben is one of the funniest writers, performers, and comedians a lot of people have had the pleasure of meeting. Another peer mentioned, “When Ben first auditioned for the improv team, I was in the set that he was auditioning for and I just remember him being so witty and quick, it was insane […] He is very sharp, especially as a performer. I’ve never seen this man buffer.” Ben has such an amazing understanding of how to control a scene and a room. He is generous to those he works with, and knows how to share the stage while still upholding the integrity of a scene or production as a whole.
Outside of the department, Ben is a wonderful friend to many. “Ben is honestly the life of any party and a pretty funny guy. He also has a grounding personality where it’s easy to talk to them.” Ben shows up and shows out, driven by passion for his interests and friends. He pours his heart into his writing, his sound design, his improv, and his friendships. Throughout his time as MSU, it has become strikingly evident that the department and the school would not be the same without him.
