Based in Columbus, Ohio, Ben Hartwig  is an actor, director, and artist educator with over 12 years of professional experience in the performing arts. Passionate about storytelling and collaborative creation, they have built a career dedicated to performance, directing, and arts education within the Central Ohio theatre community.

Their artistic journey began as an Acting Apprentice at CATCO, where they developed a strong foundation in ensemble-based performance and professional theatre practices. Since then, they have continued to expand their craft through work with several regional theatre organizations, including Weathervane Playhouse, Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, and Evolution Theatre Company.

Some of their favorite acting roles include Smudge in Forever Plaid at CATCO Is Theatre; Judah (Benjamin Calypso Soloist) in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Evolution Theatre Company at the Abbey Theater; and John in From White Plains with Evolution Theatre Company.

As a director, Ben has worked with several theatre festivals along with shows for theatre companies. Favorite directing credits include The Fantasticks and The Little Mermaid Jr., where they enjoyed bringing imaginative storytelling and collaborative artistry to life. 

In addition to their work onstage and in rehearsal rooms, Ben is deeply committed to arts education—supporting emerging artists and young performers in discovering their voices, building confidence, and developing their craft.

Through acting, directing, and teaching, Ben strives to create meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, and creativity within the Columbus arts community.