Dany Benitez

Artivist, Queer Drama, Take the Stage

they/them

Dany Benitez is an actor, dancer, teaching artist, choreographer, director, and makeup artist based in San Francisco. They received their B.A. from Princeton University in 2021, majoring in Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures with minors in Translation & Intercultural Communication, Latin American Studies, and Theater. As a first-generation college graduate from a low-income, immigrant background, Dany understands the ways the arts are often inaccessible to those from marginalized communities who simply cannot afford the time or money it takes to gain artistic experience. They have a passion for increasing accessibility and representation within the arts and believe arts education has the ability to create positive social change in the world. Their work within the community and the arts in college garnered them a Spirit of Princeton Award, an Outstanding Contribution to Theater Award, and a BTGALA Recognition Award, among others. After graduating from college, Daniel moved to San Francisco and immediately began working as a performance and creative artist within the local LGBTQ+ artist community, as well as a teaching artist for underserved youth in the city. Through their teaching, performing, and activism, Daniel has made it their mission to center marginalized voices and embed social justice into every creative realm. They hope to help their students gain confidence in their art-making and understand the importance of identity, self-expression, and community within the arts.