“Most of the time, hard work pays off, but the relationship between hard work and success is not linear,” muses Ben ’26. Known for his hilarious turns on the stage and clever Cooking Club announcements, he’s always good for a laugh. But like a true jester, Ben’s humor belies his wisdom. Keep reading to get to know this junior from Medford, Massachusetts, a bit better, including what he’s learned through three years of Commonwealth theater and how he feels about taking a national stage later this month, when he competes in the English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition finals in New York City. 

Getting to Know You

What is bringing you joy right now? 

I’m getting back into collecting Pokémon cards at the moment, and I am getting a lot of enjoyment from finding and organizing my colorful and shiny little pieces of cardboard.

What is your favorite book (or a book you’ve re-read)? 

It has to be The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. My dad read that book to me front to back maybe four times when I was a little kid, and I’ve read it three times by myself. Because of it I got really into Egyptian mythology, so much so that I ended up writing my own stories about the stuff, which was the beginning of my love for creative writing.

What do you think is the most intriguing paradox? 

Don’t have a favorite paradox, but I’m really intrigued by the Slippery Slope fallacy (which is only the tiniest bit related to a paradox), because it’s something I see people fall victim to all the time.

What are your favorite comfort foods? 

There is a pizza shop in Davis Square called Mortadella Head, and they make a pizza called “the Gomora,” which is a Roman-style pie with a white sauce, fried chicken, broccoli rabe, and a calabrian chili sauce, which I have to say is the greatest food man has created. Though if I had to give a general answer, brisket will always hold a special place in my stomach.

What was/is your favorite class (at Commonwealth or elsewhere)?

This year I’m taking Bible as Bible/ Bible as History, and it has to be the most thought-provoking and interesting class I have ever been a part of. I’m not so much of a fan of the history stuff, but I am absolutely enjoying the theological discussions we have. I love diving into the text and arguing with my classmates, who have many times made me rethink my whole perspective on (what I would call) the most talked-about book in history. 

What never fails to make you laugh?

This TV show called Martin, which has phenomenal physical acting, and I think every character on the show plays their role perfectly. It’s hilarious.

When do you feel the most challenged?

When I play basketball at the Roxbury YMCA, and I have to guard a guy who’s in his twenties.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

I took ballet for a year when I was seven years old.

Pen or pencil? 

Pilot G-2 07 with black ink. It doesn’t get any better. End of discussion.

Coffee or tea?

I really don’t drink either often, but if you put some iced sweet tea in front of me, I’m not saying no.

Fall, winter, spring, or summer?

Between May 18 and June 9.

Life as a Commonwealth Student (and Beyond)

Tell us about your journey in the theater—why you’re drawn to performing, when you started, what you’ve done here. What has it taught you? What are your tips for students interested in treading the boards?

I have to give all the credit to my sister Margaret [Class of 2023] for why I chose to give acting a try at Commonwealth, but she and I have been acting together since we were teeny tiny. Whether we were Kung Fu Panda characters on a stealth mission, or Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton at the DNC, or performing in the Shrek musical together, we were always putting on a skit or show of some kind. 

The first production I was in at Commonwealth was Much Ado about Nothing, and I’m still of the opinion that my work as Dogberry is the best I’ve done yet, but that experience of working with so many kind and engaged people was intoxicating enough to completely absorb me into the acting department. A lot of people tell me I’m a natural comic, and I would have to agree with them, but before I finish up my acting tenure at this school, I would love to take on a dramatic role just to show off a little versatility. 

I think the real message I’ve received from acting here at Commonwealth is that people will accept you if you put yourself out there, and all you have to do is stand by your work. I’m so lucky to have acted with all the people I have over the years, and when I was a freshman they showed me that it’s not just okay but the expectation to go full force when you’re on stage, so I’ve tried to run with that as much as possible. 

I don’t really have a message for younger actors, because your experience here will be your own, and, for me, the beauty of all acting is what you make it for yourself. I ain’t here to shut off anyone’s creativity.

Congrats on your Shakespeare competition win, too! What has that experience been like? 

Surprising. Honest to God I didn’t expect any of this to happen the way that it did, but you just have to roll with it all. I’m blessed to be heading to New York in a couple of weeks to try and finish the job. The one thing this competition has made me appreciate the most is how many amazing actors we have at Commonwealth. I'm just saying: I found a greater challenge here than I did in the state competition. 

Related: Watch clips from the 2025 Shakespeare competition

What was your first impression of Commonwealth and how has it mapped to your experience?

For a long time, I thought I didn’t belong here. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I only got into this school because I had a sister who went here before me. But those first experiences of feeling like I didn’t belong really let me know that I had to make an effort to get myself involved. I’d like to think that I’ve proved that I should be at this school, but, even so, the lesson of having to give it my all will always stick with me. 

Using metrics besides grades, how do you define “success” in your classes?

If I improve my understanding over the year and I have a good relationship with my teacher, that’s really all I can ask for.

How do you spend your time outside of Commonwealth?

It’s a whole lot of playing basketball; something about that game has stuck with me and stuck with me hard.

When do you feel most connected to other students (or teachers/staff members) in our community?

When I make a point in class and someone else builds off of it.

How has your Commonwealth experience colored the way you look at the world? How you plan for your future? 

It’s tasked me with trying to be okay with being wrong and the constant trials of learning. I think that will serve me very well whatever path I go down.

What’s your advice for prospective students considering Commonwealth?

If it’s for you, it’s for you; if it’s not, it’s not. But don’t be so quick to make that decision for yourself. Take some time and accept the fact that things will change. (Listening to “Everything Must Change” by Quincy Jones really speeds up the process.)

What would you tell your ninth-grade self?

Most of the time, hard work pays off, but the relationship between hard work and success is not linear. If you’ve done all you can, just be happy with that and don’t ever let how many times you’ve done something affect how hard you try the next time. 

What is it like going to school in Boston?

It’s pretty awesome; not much more to say than that.

Anything you’d like to add? 

It is possible to be both extremely humble and extremely egotistical at the same time. It’s okay to give yourself credit sometimes—but just like any good research paper, you have to cite your sources.

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