Martin Benesh of Mount Vernon has been named the valedictorian of Southern University of New York’s New Platz campus.
Benesh, a 2022 graduate of SUNY New Platz’s theatre arts program, has been studying stage light design. 
“Every day of work I’m exploring new technologies, fixing things, and learning how they work,” he said. “I believe this is particularly relevant to my work as a lighting designer because it helps me learn to be adaptable and quick on my feet.”
Benesh complemented his theatre arts training with the College’s minor in digital design & fabrication, giving him a unique skillset (and competitive advantage) for his entrance into the industry.
“Understanding things like 3D printing, coding and mechatronics has really become beneficial, especially as I begin working more closely with more complicated lighting fixtures and consoles,” he said.
The return to in-person theatre shows in 2021 was especially valuable for him. He says the pandemic created some “unique opportunities to dive into a lot of the new technology” while the department was focusing on virtual events, but this spring’s “Songs for a New World” gave him a chance to fully apply himself as a lighting designer.
“It was incredible to use everything I’d been learning throughout my time here for a production that was fully realized and quite flashy,” he said. “The rest of the artistic team and the cast created a community, and I think the quality of the work is a testament to those close-knit relationships.”
After commencement, Benesh will be moving on to a position with the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico. His goal is to use that experience as a springboard into some more opportunities in New York, close to the beating heart of the American theatre industry.