Actors Theatre of Louisville (ATL) announced the departure of Executive Artistic Director Robert Barry Fleming, who has led the organization with vision, passion, and innovation since June, 2019. Fleming will be moving on to pursue other creative and artistic opportunities. During his tenure, Fleming has solidified ATL’s reputation as a hub for bold, inclusive, and groundbreaking theatre.
“It has been the privilege, honor, and daily joy of my lifetime to work and learn with and from this extraordinary Actors team. Though the challenges of stewarding a regional theater through a global pandemic and the detrimental comprehensive impact it has had on our industry has been formidable for everyone in our field who care about and are dedicated to the American theatre, I’m nothing less than ‘beyond-my-wildest dreams’ grateful for the wonderful partnerships that have emerged and the sense of community and connecting across difference that has manifested from our collective efforts,” offered Fleming.
As the fifth Artistic Director of ATL, Fleming has profoundly shaped the organization, bringing their multifaceted expertise as an artistic and administrative leader, producer, director, choreographer, performer, teacher, and coach to guide ATL toward numerous significant milestones:
Launching the Storytelling (r)Evolution: The development of groundbreaking world premieres like I AM DELIVERED’T, Grace, Ohio and Still Ready, which exemplify ATL’s commitment to exploring complex identities and contemporary themes.
Realizing ATL as a Community Convener: A significant expansion of ATL’s engagement with diverse communities through innovative partnerships with local and national organizations.
Financial Growth: Strategic alignment of capacity and ambition. Honored with a one million dollar grant for their transformative leadership in the American theater by the Mellon Foundation.
Transmedia Approach During Pandemic: Faced with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic shutdown, Fleming pivoted ATL to continue serving the community with VR experiences, radio plays, a video game, a podcast, community conversations, and multiple short and full length films – notably The Breasts of Tiresias which Fleming directed and won Best Animated Short at New Orleans Second Line Film Festival.
Radical Hospitality: Inspired by the thought leadership of Dr. David Anderson Hooker and Dr. John A. Powell, Fleming initiated an evolution in ATL’s approach that centers radical hospitality and extravagant welcome to create a space of belonging for all.
Mac Thompson, President of the Board of Directors, shared “We are truly grateful for the five and a half years of service that Robert Barry Fleming has dedicated to Actors Theatre of Louisville. Robert furthered and deepened the mission of Actors Theatre of Louisville with bold and exciting artistic programming as well as meaningful community partnerships. They navigated the tremendous challenges of the pandemic shutdown with grace and wisdom, and they have steered Actors Theatre towards a brilliant future. On behalf of the full Board of Directors, I wish Robert all the best in their future pursuits.”
The Board of Directors has reaffirmed its commitment to ATL’s mission of unlocking human potential and building community through theatre by appointing Impact Producer and Co-Director of Artistic Programming Amelia Acosta Powell to Interim Artistic Director and Executive Producer and Co-Director of Artistic Programming Emily Tarquin to Interim Managing Director. Acosta Powell joined ATL in 2021 and most recently directed Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Tarquin joined ATL in 2016 and most recently directed Won’t you be my May-bor? As interim leaders, they will collaborate with the staff to continue the exciting upcoming programming without interruption.
About Actors Theatre of Louisville:
Actors Theatre of Louisville, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, is one of America’s most consistently innovative nonprofit professional theatre companies. Founded in 1964, Actors Theatre serves to unlock human potential, build community, and enrich quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time.
