Michael Benitez (“Rocking Your Audition” for kids) is very active in the world of music. Along with working as the Middle School Chorus teacher at Southwood Academy of the Arts, Michael is the Music Minister at Union Baptist in Iva and just recently completed his master's degree in Music Education. As a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing, Michael teaches singing, basic guitar, and basic piano. He has also taught ballroom dancing and swing dancing.

Michael has had the opportunity to perform with notable musicians such as Kenny Rogers—on the Anderson stop of his Christmas tour—and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Star Wars in Concert. He also had the opportunity to sing in the world premiere of an original composition by the late composer Johnny Mann, the original voice of Theodore from Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Michael has been heavily involved with the Anderson theatre community for the past 16 years. As a music director, he has worked on 21 different musicals with Market Theatre, Project Challenge Playhouse, Stagecraft Theatre, and the 24-Hour Musical. Michael has also performed onstage in about 15 productions with the Anderson University Playhouse, Market Theatre, Electric City Playhouse, and Christian Youth Theatre. Some of his favorite roles (besides music director) include Captain von Trapp from The Sound of Music, Motel from Fiddler on the Roof, Mr. Bucket/Mr. Salt from Willy Wonka, and Sergei in Matilda the Musical.