A Word from the Wise

Windward’s advanced acting students sit down with Ben Affleck to discuss his journey in acting and filmmaking

Honors Advanced Theatre Ensemble is a year-long course intended for Windward’s most advanced acting students. Throughout the year, students hone their acting craft and have the opportunity to work as an ensemble to create provocative work. In addition, they engage in in-depth discussions about their work and are often joined by guest artists, who lead discipline specific workshops. On Wednesday, April 13, the class had a special visit from Ben Affleck, one of the greatest actors, directors, and screenwriters of our generation.

During the hour-long visit, Honors Advanced Theatre Ensemble Instructor and Theatre Area Advisor Jordan Fox asked Ben a series of questions about his expansive career. Our student artists heard from Ben about his experience taking on various roles, from how he creates a character for performance to the many lessons he learned from various artists and collaborators on set.

Ben shared his earliest experiences as an actor in high school and the indispensable lessons he learned from his theatre teacher, most notably inspiring the confidence within him to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting as a career. When Ben and his friends, who also shared a love for acting and filmmaking, had a difficult time finding work, they didn’t give up. Instead, they set out to create the work themselves. What came to fruition was one of America’s most iconic films, “Good Will Hunting,” which propelled Ben and childhood friend Matt Damon to Hollywood stardom.

Our student artists had a chance to ask Ben questions directly regarding his journey. He emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself, and he also encouraged the class to always stay curious, to ask questions, and do research. He also spoke honestly and frankly about the setbacks and struggles he endured acknowledging the many complexities of fame. Finding ways to be confident in yourself is a vital piece to sustaining joy and creativity in your work, according to Ben.

“Ben taught us some great lessons in sticking to your craft and not giving up. He also gave us advice on how to go far in the acting business. I really enjoyed our class with him and definitely will never forget it!” said Sammy Liker ’23. Ben’s visit came just one week before the actors performed in the Honors Advanced Theatre Ensemble Showcase, an evening of scenes and original videos. Ben’s stories certainly encouraged the actors to dive deeper into their performances as they worked as an ensemble to create provocative work, which they shared with the Windward community.

“This is such a special class as these dedicated actors are at a point where their passion for acting has really begun to solidify, and the process of lending themselves as storytellers is such a meaningful part of their day. Ben’s generosity of time, openness, and invaluable lessons were so inspiring for us. His insights about staying true to yourself and sustaining work in the entertainment industry were so tangible for our student artists as they pursue careers in theatre and film,” said Jordan Fox. “We can’t thank Ben enough for joining us!”