“The musical’s hero, Jeremy, {was} handled terrifically by the always appealing {Ben} Ribler.”
“{Ben] Ribler is the standout in director Laura Giannarelli’s staging...”
“Ben Ribler, as Alfred Packer, carries the show on his shoulders... just like a good leading man should do. His characterization... is just terrific.”
With some of the puppets and cast of The Kennedy Center’s Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (2022)
Photo Credit: RJ Pavel
Public Reading of Ben Ribler’s The Stallion Express, hosted by Adventure Theatre MTC and 4615 Theatre Company (2020)
Ben Ribler (He/Him) is a non-union (EMC) actor, playwright, and puppeteer. Born and raised in Northern Virginia with a degree in Theater from George Mason University, he continues to work in the DC Metro Area, both on stage and screen. He is a Helen Hayes Award-Nominee in the category of Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for his 2023 performance as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
As an actor, he has worked with theatre companies such as Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Imagination Stage and Washington Stage Guild, and at venues such as The Atlas Performing Arts Center, The Hylton Performing Arts Center, The Tennessee Performing Arts Center and The Lorton Workhouse.
Onscreen, his work can be seen in the feature films Tapawingo (starring Jon Heder and Billy Zane) and Josh Taylor's Prom Date, as well as Investigation Discovery’s Evil Kin, along with several webseries and short films.
Ben's original plays have been performed as part of professional readings hosted by 4615 Theatre Company and Adventure Theatre MTC, as well as in University festivals, such as at George Mason University and The Catholic University of America. His profile on New Play Exchange contains a comprehensive list of works.
He is also a puppeteer, with experience portraying many different styles of puppets and types of characters- from the cuddly Ducklings of The Kennedy Center’s Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! to Alfred Packer, the blood-hungry protagonist of HalfMad Theatre's inventive puppet-filled production of Trey Parker's Cannibal! The Musical.
When not performing or writing, Ben enjoys playing video games, watching movies and spending time with loved ones.
He also enjoys meeting new people, so please feel free to reach out here!
- current projects -
FINN
Presented by The Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences
“Let’s “seas” the day—it’s time to sparkle and shine! From the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, Finn explores the depths of the brilliant and beautiful ocean, with quirky sea creature characters and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartwarming, this underwater musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of Finn, a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard. As Finn faces the challenges of growing up and following his heart, the musical takes us on a magical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure.”
Ben joins the cast of this charming world premiere production, playing at the Kennedy Center’s Family Theatre from November 23rd through December 22nd, 2024. Production and ticket info can be found here!
TAPAWINGO
Presented by Foggy Bottom Pictures
“Tapawingo follows a 30-year-old oddball named Nate Skoog who works a dead-end mailroom job and still lives in his mom’s house. When Nate’s boss orders him to pick up his social misfit son, Oswalt, from school— it becomes clear the kid is being bullied. Nate finally gets the opportunity to do what he’s always wanted: mercenary for hire. Nate forms a team of crack-shot wackadoos to protect Oswalt from the town’s family of bullies who seem to have taken an especially keen liking to his client.”
Ben joins the cast of this star-studded comedy, featuring Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder, Titanic’s Billy Zane, John Ratzenberger, Gina Gershon, Chris Gethard, Jay Pichardo and many others, with direction by the award-winning Dylan K. Narang.
Tapawingo had its Virginia premiere at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville, Virginia on October 28th, 2023, and has since had subsequent premieres across the country, including showings in New York City and Las Vegas. Stay tuned for information on a wider release!
