Some teachers do more than teach—they create spaces where communities connect, grow, and feel inspired. Robert Hindsman, Alliance Theatre’s Administrative & Adult Program Manager, is one of those unforgettable teachers, and his impact is being celebrated by the Educational Theatre Association with the EdTA Teaching Artist Award. This award is presented annually to a teaching artist employed by a regional theatre, arts organization, or working independently whose work in schools or communities reflects creativity, commitment, and significant contribution to theatre education.
“These award recipients represent the very best of what theatre education makes possible,” said Jay Gerlach, Interim Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association. “They are creating spaces where students grow in confidence, creativity, collaboration, and empathy. From classrooms to communities across the country, their leadership and dedication ensure theatre remains a powerful and essential part of every student’s education.”
Robert’s teaching artist journey began at Birmingham Children’s Theatre and for over a decade he has been inspiring the Atlanta community at the Alliance Theatre. At the heart of his work is a commitment to creating welcoming spaces for artists of all ages, spaces where artistry and imagination can flourish, and communities can grow. Throughout his time at the Alliance Theatre, Robert has helped launch and expand programs rooted in that mission. From founding middle school musical theatre programs and mentoring future teaching artists to creating inclusive NeuroArts spaces, his influence extends far beyond the stage into Atlanta and beyond.
As part of the inaugural JumpStart Theatre team at the Alliance Theatre in 2020, Robert has partnered with middle schools throughout Atlanta to create new sustainable musical theatre programs. This opens the door to theatre for students who otherwise may never have the chance. Each year, students showcase their productions in a culminating performance. Watching his first JumpStart Theatre showcase was a moment in Robert’s teaching artist journey that will stay with him forever.
“I saw students I had worked with for two years, that were afraid to even speak in front of people, perform, and they were shining, and they were ecstatic…It changed my brain chemistry being able to see these kids who didn’t have these skills learn it so fast and then start a love [for theater].”
Robert is the founder of the Alliance’s Teaching Artist Training Program (TATP), a 10-week summer internship that serves as a training ground for teaching artistry. Since its inception six years ago, the program has grown from 12 participants to engaging over 100 college students annually. An average of 60% of teaching artists who work at Alliance Theatre have emerged from this program. The TATP program helps make the Alliance Theatre an artistic base for emerging artists and even more, it creates a community of educators, learners and teachers who then take their training back to their communities.
Robert continues to spearhead teaching artistry into new realms. He is a strong proponent of the NeuroArts initiatives at the Alliance Theatre, creating spaces where the arts can enhance our community in unique and healing ways. This season marked the launch of Memory Café, a monthly gathering designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, along with their care partners, to experience creativity and community together. Each session has blossomed into a beautiful time of connectivity.
This is only a glimpse at the powerful and far-reaching impact that Robert Hindsman continues to make through his teaching artistry. Through every program he builds and every student he mentors, Robert is helping shape a more creative, connected, and compassionate community. His work reflects the transformative power of theatre education and the lasting influence a teaching artist can have both on and off the stage. We congratulate Robert on this well-deserved honor and are deeply grateful for his continued dedication to theatre education and the Atlanta community.
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