Nick Bender is a 2008 graduate of the School of Theatre at the University of Southern California. He is currently living and working in the Chicago-land area and is willing to travel for any new job or audition opportunity. He is a versatile performer and loves portraying a variety of characters whether it is in the theatrical realm, on film or television, for a voiceover or for modeling.
Mr. Bender is the Assistant Director for the Naperville North High School Theatre productions and is working as a Standardized Patient at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Most recently, Nick wrapped his part of the gruesome and gory serial killer, Victor, in the feature length horror film, Murder for Pleasure. Nick’s other feature film acting credits are, Jibboo, in which he portrays Mason Corn, a young Autistic man. He also depicts Squint, the demon, in Thinking Speed and plays the role of ‘Euro-trash boyfriend,’ Zach in Rain.
Mr. Bender also has a wide range of short film credits. His most recent short is, The Interrogation, in which he plays Charlie Rutherford, a man trying to save himself and avoid life in prison. His portrayal of Isaac in Smell the Roses helped the film win an honorable mention at the Columbia Undergraduate National Film Festival. He also worked closely with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts by acting in over fifteen short films in his duration at the university.
Nick has begun to build his voiceover resume with his most recent commercial airing on WMAQ-TV (NBC), ESPNChicago.com and on WBBM 780AM radio during the Chicago Bears games. He has also recorded a voiceover for the Illinois Education Association.
Mr. Bender’s most recent theatrical endeavor was with Players, Please Theatre in which he portrayed Michael Wells, a professor struggling to regain freedom after being taken hostage in Beirut, in Lee Blessing’s Two Rooms. His work on this role was recognized with the Best Actor award at the conclusion of their season. He is the head of PPT’s Seasons Selection Committee.
In his two years at the University of Southern California, Nick performed in five productions. He was a part of two main stage productions, first as Bob the Saw in The Threepenny Opera and then as Ezekiel Cheever in The Crucible. He had the opportunity to work on an original play by Brian Jones as Tyler in Winner In Life. Nick also performed in a student production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest as Aide Williams; and to cap off his run of shows, he played Len Hoch in the B.A. production of Book of Days.
Nick graduated USC with honors after two years on the Dean’s List. While at USC, Nick’s most informational and inspirational classes came under the instruction of Andrew Robinson, Joseph Hacker, Sharon M. Carnicke, Mary Joan Negro, Lora Zane and Paul Backer. He participated in workshops with Christine Lahti and Andrei Belgrader and even had the chance to meet Jim Belushi and Steven Spielberg.
Prior to his move out to Los Angeles, Mr. Bender attended the College of DuPage where he graduated with high honors and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He was awarded the John Belushi/Second City Memorial Theatre Scholarship for 2005-2006.
Nick is applying his years of training and experience to the business of show business as he lives his dream. He looks forward to the next chapters of this amazing journey.
Nick Online
