Alex Bender
Alex Bender
Hometown: Mountainhome, PA
BFA - Theatre Arts, Stage Management, Penn State
“I am hoping to find the next step on my career path by exploring the many facets of arts administration."
What is your connection to the arts?
In high school, Alex started working with a local community theatre group at the urging of his best friend. “It was a fun extracurricular activity, but not something I took seriously.” Alex headed to college to pursue a criminal justice degree and midway through freshman year, realized he was on the wrong path. His best friend pushed him towards theatre. Alex graduated from one of the top Stage Management programs in the country and has been working in the theatre industry ever since. “I can’t imagine doing anything else!”
Why did you choose KU?
After touring the country and the world for almost 15 years, Alex decided to settle down with a job at a performing arts center. Becoming involved in the office end of the live entertainment industry has made him want to learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and rewards of arts administration. Alex’s current boss had a hand in creating KU’s program and with her encouragement, despite never considering graduate school before, he went for it.
Fun Fact!
Alex and his wife met on tour with Blue Man Group in 2010. Since then, they have been to all 50 states and 18 other countries together. This summer, they are planning a trip to Japan.
What do you hope to get out of the program?
“I am hoping to find the next step on my career path by exploring the many facets of arts administration. Suggestions welcome!”
Which course are you most excited to take?
Alex enjoyed Ethical & Legal Issues in the Arts and he is looking forward to Organizational Leadership.
Favorite local hangout?
Alex and his wife have both fallen in love with Lancaster. “It’s impossible to pick just one spot! It’s such a vibrant area with so many ways to learn something and be entertained. There is a wonderful variety of ethnic restaurants throughout the city, art galleries on almost every street, and over two dozen museums and live music venues within a 2-mile radius. Everyone can find something interesting to do here.”