Ben Cleaveland (Co-Program Director/ CTE Drama Teacher) attended Tam Drama and graduated in 1984. As a high school student Ben was lucky enough to have appeared in three world premiers developed with guest artists in residence.

He attended Cal Arts where he received a BFA in Acting and was the recipient of the Lew Wasserman and Bill Ahmanson Scholarships. Ben would like to acknowledge his acting teachers who inspired him to teach: Richard Seyd, Libby Appel, Dan Caldwell, Michelle Swanson, Robert Bennedetti, and Fran Bennett. 

Television work includes featured and guest star roles on all the major networks and HBO. He is a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and Actor’s Equity Association.

Professional theatre credits include EGO Theatre, Shakespeare Festival Los Angeles, American Conservatory Theatre, Theatre Works, Theatrefirst, S. F. Shakespeare Festival, Word for Word Theatre Company, and The Bay Area Playwright’s Festival.

Favorite roles include Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, Barnaby in The Matchmaker, Lysander in Midsummer and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night.