We had the good fortune of connecting with Benjamin Leon IV and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benjamin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Everything in life is a risk, but when you’re taking that risk doing something that you love, in my case theater and the arts, you really don’t think too much about it… you just do it. Arts in general have been a huge financial risk from the beginning of time, but, when you realize what the arts contribute to society you come to find that those risks cannot limit you. Risk taking is always a daunting experience and it needs to be done in a calculated fashion (budgets have to be considered and respected, quality needs to be assured, and artistic integrity needs to be adhered to). Every show that we put on is a huge risk, but such is the nature of any creative endeavor. However, the experience of producing the shows and reaching our audience is invaluable. Whether it’s producing theater here in Miami or being part of the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street on Broadway, I’ve always found that risk only exists in order for us to prove that it can be overcome. The greater the risk the greater the reward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The mission of Loxen Productions, the company that I founded back in 2018, has been to offer the local talent base here in South Florida the opportunity to perform in high quality, professional productions of theater in all of its genres. I’ve always believed, and can now confirm, that there is no shortage of talent in our communities. All we have to do is showcase that talent for the world to see. That is my goal. Nothing in life is easy, but when you have a clear and definite purpose, challenges only seem to be temporary obstacles. Although I am fairly young in age, I find that the only way to gain experience is to throw yourself into the deep end and face those challenges head on. It’s important to be unafraid of failure as it is the only way we can grow. I want the world to know that talent can be found all around us and that the only thing that it needs is to be nurtured.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Truth be told I don’t go out all that much, but, I definitely would ask any visitor to go and support the local acting companies and local theater scene in South Florida… such as Area Stage Company, Miami New Drama, The Actor’s Playhouse, Gablestage, and so many others.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am a firm believer that my success is only attributed to those that have supported me over the years and guide me on every step I take. First and foremost I have to acknowledge my incredible family for their unwavering faith in me. Evelyn Perez, Damaris-Lopez Canales, and Tim and Beth Fath at the Miami Children’s Theater who helped solidify and develop my love for theater. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my incredible mentors Gonzalo Rodriguez and Jim Kierstead.

Website: www.loxenproductions.com

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Image Credits
Courtesy of Loxen Productions

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