Eddie Bennett, 1996 Garland High School graduate, knew at the age of 12 that he wanted a career in musical theatre and has come a long way since his first theatre class in seventh grade at Garland ISD’s Austin Academy. He has established himself as a major talent in more than 15 years of continuous theatre work.
A few of his credits include his appearance as a regular cast member in the Broadway show “Chicago: The Musical at New York’s Ambassador Theatre, choreography and direction of two full production shows for Deborah Gibson and choreography of “Mira Quien Baila” for Bianca Marroquin’s concert “Luz.” He has choreographed major films and concerts, music videos and appeared on season 5 of “Celebrity Apprentice.” He has also served as a guest judge on the “Dance Moms” series. His work as a choreographer has earned rave reviews.
He participated in gymnastics at Flippers Gymnastics in Garland, but after he discovered music and theatre, his dreams of being a gymnast and a dolphin trainer changed.
Bennett said that his discovery of three musicals — “Into the Woods,” “City of Angels” and most importantly “Phantom of the Opera” – changed his life.
“It was then that I knew musical theatre was what I was in love with and I wanted to be a song and dance man,” he said. “It just made sense and I was passionate about it.”
After being accepted into the IB Theatre program at GHS, Bennett performed in all of the school’s musicals and choral productions and was also a member of the prestigious choir group, Celebration. He said that Garland HS teachers, Randy Hooper, Marc Frie and Vicki Kruger, were amazing.
The most important influences in Bennett’s life are the performers of the generation before him.
“I never claim to know it all. I am constantly learning and still have a lot to learn,” he said.
His advice for young people who dream of a career in the theatre is “Take the opportunities that come your way. Don’t have tunnel vision. We all want to get to Broadway, but there can be a lot of stepping stones on that path. Do your research and know your craft. Stay positive and be someone people want to work with, and I’ll see you on that stage one day!
Bennett recently came home to host a dance workshop at Texas A&M Commerce. In addition to dance technique, the workshop included a question and answer session where Bennett shared his insight into musical theatre and dance.