Check Out Robert Drake’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Drake.

Hi Robert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My way into the arts is unusual. I worked on political campaigns from the time I was in High School. I worked on local campaigns through college and was a journalist as well. I discovered Laughing Matters in 1991 or 1992 and accepted an invitation to work with them in 1993. It was an odd year so there were fewer campaigns. When their production manager left to work on the Renaissance Festival, I stepped in in 1995. From there, I began to sound design stage plays at Stage Door Players in 1997 and became their Artistic Director. I left in 2002 and kept working on improv and designing. When the Academy Theatre moved to Avondale Estates in 2006, I became an Artistic Associate, then Production Manager, and became Artistic Director in 2008.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. Stage Door Players hired Robert Egizio as Artistic Director and he did amazing work for that theater for many years. That allowed me to help Blacktop Circus reach its heights and broaden my concert experiences. I worked for Sambuca Jazz Cafe for many years, but there were circumstances that led me to walk away. Each time I’ve walked a way from an organization, I’ve found new adventure and opportunity. The improv moniker of ‘yes and’ makes all the difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Artistic Director of the Academy Theatre and Improvability Theory, I am the chief engineer for Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, and an Instructor at the Osher Life Long Institute at Emory. I specialize in curating and producing music, theater, comedy, and dance. I think I am known as a person who, if you have an interesting project and your not sure how ot make it happen, and you can find me, I might produce it and have it come to life. I’m part of a theatrical A-team. I also have run an intern program that has produced scores of high successful and happy people both in the arts and away from it.

I think what sets me apart is two fold. One is attitude. I learned from Beverly Sills who said, “I am not always happy, but I can always be cheerful’ and as someone who majored at Oglethorpe in Economics, I’ve merged the rules of economics and improv and that’s a unique approach to the business.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was very fortunate to find any number of mentors from whom I learned. I found them by being curious and asking them questions. I bought them coffee. As someone who has mentored hundreds of young people, I think the key is to help those people who are curious and hungry for the adventure of their field.

I can improve your craft, introduce you to key people, and write a winning recommendation easily. I can’t want to succeed for someone else. They have to want that. Once they do, then I can help.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Academytheatre.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academytheatrega/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyTheatreGA
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-drake-3485208/
• Twitter: https://x.com/academytheatre
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcademyTheatre
• Other: https://improvabilitytheory.squarespace.com

Image Credits
Atlanta Radio Theatre Company Photo Caran Wilbanks, all other photos Robert Drake