Ben Schroth
Today we continue our Profiles in Talent series, highlighting the theatre artists who contribute their time and talent to making Pegasus Theatre successful. Meet Ben Schroth, veteran of several Living Black & White™ shows. You can see Mr. Schroth in our upcoming show, The Naughty Bits!
Q: How long have you been involved in theatre?
Since I was a little boy. Our church did a production of Noah’s Flood and we in the children’s chorus played the animals. I was hooked.
Q: How long have you been involved with Pegasus Theatre?
Since May 2001. At the time, Pegasus Theatre produced a variety of comedies beyond the annual Living Black & White™ show. I auditioned for Cowboys! which was a gay western musical, and I was cast as a scantily clad Indian. It was my first chance to kiss another boy on stage—as part of the show. My next role at Pegasus Theatre was as Santa Claus. It was a fun year!
Q: What is it about Pegasus Theatre that keeps you coming back?
The beautiful people and the attention to detail. Not every theatre company cares as much about the product. Not every theatre company respects their people as much.
Q: Any favorite moments that stand out for you?
In 2002, Pegasus Theatre moved out of its old space on Main Street in Deep Ellum. I remember being in the last performance of the last show at the old space, and Kurt made a speech and I felt all bittersweet and glittery. Then in an Eisemann Center performance, my wig flew thirty feet into the air and I just felt bitter.
(Editor’s note: To be fair, Ben’s fellow actors have never let him live down the wig incident.)
Q: You have had the opportunity to play the villain a few times. Is that any more fun than your other roles?
Yes. I have a talent for the kind of histrionics that make a fun bad guy. The bad guy is often just the guy that no one listens to who finally blows up. That’s kinda me in real life. But I’m safe. Really.
Q: Looking back at all your experiences, who would you say has influenced you the most in your career?
Tough question. I have had some really great mentors and teachers but my biggest influence must be my family. They stay behind me no matter what. They have seen many good shows and just as many stink bombs and still come back for more.
(Editor’s note: Let it be here noted that none of the stink bombs were shows at Pegasus, to our knowledge.)
Q: What comes next for you?
Wait and see! I have many irons in the fire.
(Editor’s note: Ben is being modest. He is part of the ensemble in The Naughty Bits which Pegasus Theatre is producing at the Bath House Cultural Center in August. Ben is also an award-winning playwright who has multiple scripts under consideration by multiple theatres for readings or full productions.)