Kashara Bennett

Director, Theatre, and Art Educator with extensive experience in directing plays and musicals. Expertise in script interpretation, casting, and production design, resulting in engaging performances that resonate with audiences. Comprehensive skills in visual arts, with a background in drawing, painting, and sculpting, that informs a strong eye for aesthetics in content creation.

Licensed Substitute Teacher [IL], certified to teach K-12

• Season Selection Committee (2023-2024) — Krannert Center For The Performing Arts — Theatre Studies Student Representative, Contributed to the meticulous curation of a dynamic theatrical season by evaluating venues, budgets, acting and design students’ learning goals, and by considering the unique preferences of the Champaign-Urbana community. Through strategic decision-making and effective collaboration, we successfully selected plays and musicals that resonated with the local audience, enhancing the cultural impact of the artistic community.
• Department of Theatre Student Advisory Committee (2021-2022) — Krannert Center For The Performing Arts — Theatre Studies Student Representative, Engaged in a collaborative committee effort aimed at fostering cohesion among theater departments while prioritizing student representation and inclusion. Provided valuable insights into race-conscious casting, advocated for enhancements to the freshman student experience, and addressed the specific needs of transfer students. Demonstrated leadership by ensuring that our recommendations were thoroughly considered by faculty members.

• Dean’s List (Fall 2018), Dean’s List (Spring 2022), Dean’s List (Spring 2023)
• Department Distinction (2023)
• Lloyd and Edna Morey Award (2023)- A prestigious accolade bestowed upon students exemplifying outstanding character, integrity, industriousness, and exceptional proficiency in the realm of dramatic arts.