Ben “Pinky” Colwell spent a decade gracing the Limelight stage (and contributing in every possible way offstage). Always willing to throw himself fully into any role, volunteer to help with any task, or join in on the latest shenanigans, Ben is “all in”. Ben’s thoughtful and observant nature in life translates in to magical storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful collaborations. Check out what Ben has to say about his experiences.
What year(s) did you participate in Limelight? If you are a current Limelighter, you can list your first year-present.
2008-2018
What was your first show?
Harriet The Spy
What is your favorite show that you did or part that you played with Limelight?
My favorite show would be G36 G36: The Legend of Jack Gaines, and my favorite part would have been as 2nd Murderer in Macbeth.
How were you involved (acting/writing/tech)?
Throughout my time with Limelight I was exposed to almost every area: acting, writing, stage work, tech work, you name it, I probably was exposed to it at one point. However, my primary involvement was acting.
Most memorable Limelight experience?
Most of, if not all of my experiences with Limelight are most memorable, but if I would have to choice one, I would have to say getting to play Bert in It’s a Wonderful Life alongside one of my best friends as Ernie. We would welcome people at the door of the Little White School House, we got to sing “I love you truly” in the most ridiculous of ways, and we just laughed abundantly throughout the entire process. That’d probably take the cake.
What is something you learned from Limelight?
What haven’t I learned from Limelight? Limelight was able to teach me hands on skills within the theater world, but also skills that transcend into every day life. My ability to collaborate with others in a productive manner, my adaptability skills, and my love for learning all stemmed from Limelight. When you grew up basically doing Limelight as often as you could, like I did, you could argue that I just learned how to be the person I am today.
What does Limelight mean to you?
Limelight means the world to me. I grew up in Limelight. I started when I was ten and was in my last show when I was twenty. Limelight was and still is in many ways a family to me. I know people who watched me grow up within Limelight and I see them as older brothers and sisters or some sort of family unit to me. I haven’t been much involved since going to college, but I always know I have a place back with Limelight. Having that place to come back to, that’s kind of like home. So when I think of what Limelight means to me, I’d have to say Limelight is like a second family to me at my second home.
What are you doing now? How did Limelight help prepare you for that?
[As of Early 2020] I’m currently a Senior at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. Limelight prepped me for my college career by encouraging me to be bold and to be myself. Limelight fostered the idea of not being afraid to take chances, not being afraid to fail, and not being afraid to have fun along the way. Many of the skills and ideas I learned while being in Limelight, I have used in my collegiate career.What is your advice for other theater artists?
Be bold, and take chances. Try things. If you have an idea, run with it and see what comes of it. Be authentic and don’t give up on yourself.
