This episode of Nonprofit Report features leaders from Actors Theatre of Louisville, exploring how the organization integrates art, technology, and social transformation to redefine the role of regional theater in community building and civic dialogue.
Guests:
Robert Barry Fleming, Executive Artistic Director
Mac Thompson, Board Chair
Kate Roselle, Vice President of the Board
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Actors Theatre of Louisville centers storytelling as a tool for healing, learning, and liberation.
- Streaming and digital platforms have extended the theater’s accessibility and audience reach while helping to create a more inclusive experience for audiences and inviting a great community to participate and benefit from the theater’s programs.
- Programming includes immersive experiences and diverse forms that reflect contemporary life.
- The theater emphasizes partnerships and co-creation with local and global collaborators.
- Fundraising strategies connect donors emotionally to the work and expand shared language.
- The theater offers lifelong learning through classes, community events, and language programs.
- Data and impact evaluation guide artistic choices and community engagement strategies.
- Inclusive practices celebrate cultural difference and common humanity across audiences.
Other Points on Actors Theatre of Louisville:
Actors Theatre of Louisville is not just a performing arts organization; it’s also a platform for civic imagination. By blending technology, traditional stagecraft, and immersive design, the theater fosters a space where communities gather, reflect, and co-create.
Under Robert Barry Fleming’s leadership, the company has embraced hybrid programming, from radio plays and streaming productions to interactive performances that invite audience participation. These offerings expand access for those with geographic, physical, or financial barriers.