We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Drake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk and failure are essential in performing arts success. If a creator doesn’t try, does have something new to give, then the entire enterprise is for naught. Risk yields innovation and when contextualized properly, it can be understood. Every new show is a risk. Can the production do the idea justice? Will it find an audience? Are there enough resources to make it happen?

When lined up properly, with the right assets, bringing something new to the world, while a risk, is a gift to the world and the reward can be amazing. Sometimes, an idea and the expression of that idea, takes a long time to change things. Van Gogh’s paintings were not heralded in his time, but now we see him as an essential artist.

If you understand the idea you’re presenting to the world, the risk is often worth it.

Man wearing a shirt with 'VOTE' standing in front of a voting sign with 'VOTE!' repeated four times.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been performing, producing, recording, and directing for more than 30 years. What sets my work apart is that I will improvise a way to make even large projects happen. The rules of improv govern all my projects. I say yes and bring resources to make people’s vision come true. It has often been challenging, but so often, what people need is just re-assurance that their idea is worthwhile and that we can move forward. Once they see that someone has bought into their idea, momentum and inertia build. I’ve learned that you cannot want success for someone else more than they want it for themselves. I have made a lot of dreams and hopes come true, but the people with whom I work have to be committed to their vision. Sondheim was right, ‘The art of making art is putting it together. That’s what counts, Bit by Bit. Part by Part. Start by Start.’ I take interesting ideas and say yes, then think strategically about how to build them.

Man standing with a paper and folder, speaking or presenting, in a room with a white wall and black curtain behind him.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is a fascinating place. Understanding it takes time and travel. I would start with a bar called Polaris which rotates and so you can see the whole metro area and how vast it is. Each stop will tell a person about Atlanta. The collections at the High Museum show what art Atlantan’s have valued and donated. It tells part of Atlanta’s aspirational story. I think going through Cascade Heights and their nature preserve there tells a fascinating story about Black wealth and what it could bring to people and what it couldn’t in Atlanta. Manuel’s tavern is an essential part of the political, journalistic, and arts eco-system and so eating there is essential. The Village Bakery in Stone Mountain, El Rey on Buford Highway, and the Varsity are also places that tell Atlanta’s story. For nightlife, Joe Gransden’s Monday Jam session at Napolean’s, a puppet show for grown ups at the Center for Puppetry Arts, and a show at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville will all help visitors get a feel for culture in Atlanta.

Group of people talking in a restaurant with brick wall background and wooden furniture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The risks I have taken as a performer have been supported by so many people. Lorenne Fey of the Academy Theatre has kept the Academy going and given new ideas the change to see the world for more than 30 years. Brian Phillips has been a creative partner and sounding board in the creation of improvisational elements and radio theater with endless support. I have had the joy of giving so many musical artists the chance to perform and make their art happen and that would not be without my long partnership with Gwen Hughes, who really gave me the chance to hone my music production skills.

Website: https://Academytheatre.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academytheatrega/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-drake-3485208/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyTheatreGA

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/academy-theatre-atlanta-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcademyTheatre

Other: Our Film site: https://academytheatrefilms.org/

Theater stage with red curtains, white walls, and seating area, viewed from an elevated angle.

Image Credits
Headshot by Enisha Russo,

Academy Theatre photo by Michael Boatright

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.