Biography

Benjamin Smith (he/him) is a bilingual Canadian stage director, educator, and arts leader from Fredericton, New Brunswick (Wəlastəkwewiyik), now based in Edmonton, Alberta. His work spans theatre, opera, and musical theatre, and is recognized for its collaborative process, text-driven storytelling, and commitment to developing artists alongside ambitious productions.

Benjamin serves as Associate Artistic Director & Operations Manager of NUOVA Vocal Arts, one of Canada’s leading national training institutions for emerging opera and musical theatre artists, where he oversees artistic planning, operations, and new initiatives. He also teaches acting and musical theatre performance in the Department of Theatre at MacEwan University.

As a director, Benjamin has collaborated with companies and institutions across Canada, including Theatre New Brunswick, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Studio Theatre, Theatre St. Thomas, the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, and NUOVA Vocal Arts. His recent directing credits include Fun Home, Speed Dating Tonight!, Carrie: The Musical, Miracle on 34th Street, Something Rotten!, Indecent, East of Berlin, The 39 Steps, and Matilda the Musical.

Benjamin is the founding Artistic Director of Impulse Productions, an independent theatre company dedicated to creating bold, community-driven work while providing meaningful opportunities for emerging artists. His practice extends beyond directing to mentorship, arts administration, and institutional leadership, reflecting a belief that nurturing artists and building sustainable cultural organizations are inseparable parts of the creative process.

He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Alberta and graduated with Honours from St. Thomas University, where he became the first student to design and complete an interdisciplinary degree in Artistic Direction. His research and writing explore artistic leadership, collaborative practice, and the role of cultural institutions in civic life, including publication in Canadian Theatre Review. Benjamin has also trained with the Academy of Fight Directors Canada and Theatrical Intimacy Educators, integrating movement and trauma-informed practices into his work as a director and educator.