As our new development director, Robert leads the Carolina Theatre’s fundraising and donor relations. He has worked in the fundraising departments at many notable Charlotte institutions, including Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Carolina Raptor Center and Arts & Science Council. Needless to say, we’re fortunate to have him on board. To help you get to know him, we asked him a few questions.  

1. You have had a longtime successful career within the development departments of many of Charlotte’s most well-known nonprofits. What drew you to the Carolina Theatre? 
   I moved to Charlotte almost 19 years ago and have been fortunate to work in Charlotte’s arts and culture community for 18 of those years. A lack of affordable space for nonprofits to host events and perform has plagued the industry for years. I came to The Carolina because we’re committed to helping address this community need while also serving as a place to engage the community in civic conversations. 

2. What excites you the most about opening the Carolina Theatre? 
   While I’m looking forward to bringing in music, theatre, film and speakers from across the world, I’m even more excited to show Charlotte how gorgeous the Carolina Theatre is. Charlotte has a reputation (well-earned or not) of tearing down many of its historic buildings. But we’ve lovingly restored the Carolina Theatre while bringing it into the 21^st century. It’s the most beautiful cutting-edge historic theatre I’ve ever seen.  

3. What’s special about Charlotte’s philanthropic community? 
   We’re a large community with a small-town approach to getting things done. Relationships matter, and thanks to those strong relationships, we’re able to come together to solve some of the community’s biggest challenges. 

4. What’s your theatre background? 
   I’m proud to say I starred as the “Juggler” in my second-grade’s unnamed stage production. Fortunately for audiences, that’s where my stage career ended. However, I started my nonprofit career with Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, and my love of experiencing live theatre came from many field trips to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. I love live theatre and attend shows as frequently as my busy schedule allows.  

5. If you could appear on stage with three people (dead or alive), who would they be and why? 
   I feel like I’m writing my college admissions essays all over again, but here we go! 

• Lady Gaga: She’s such a gifted musician and actor; plus, she always shows up in great costumes. 

• Betty White: She was so witty and friendly. I also want to know how she kept a straight face when delivering her stories and one-liners in The Golden Girls. 

• Fred, the Carolina Theatre’s ghost: We’ve heard a lot of conjecture about the origins of our friendly specter, but I want to interview him to get the real scoop on why he chose to call Carolina Theatre home. 

6. What’s your favorite performance or act you’ve seen on stage in Charlotte or elsewhere? Why did you enjoy it so much? 
   It was an Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s production of Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman. It’s a dark comedy set in an authoritarian state. It’s equally chilling and funny, and it was some of the finest acting, scenic design and directing I’ve ever seen from Charlotte’s local talent. 

7. Who or what is your dream act to watch at The Carolina? 
   Can we please resurrect Tina Turner and convince her to perform at the Carolina Theatre? She’s my favorite recording artist, but I never saw her live before she died.