Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Meet Robert Warren, Hartford Performs' new Executive Director!


Inspire the “Arts Fire” within!
Thank you for taking a look at our website and at all of the exciting opportunities that Hartford Performs offers to the students, teachers and administrators of Hartford Public Schools.  Before beginning my journey as the first ever Executive Director for Hartford Performs I was asked by friends, family, and peers the following question: Do you honestly believe that Arts Education really can make a difference in a student’s life?
For me, the answer is an emphatic yes!  I am certain that Arts Education works because I would not be who I am or where I am today had it not been for an extremely dedicated group of educators who believed, as emphatically as I do now, that one of the best ways to reach students was to totally immerse the entire school with music, art, drama, and dance.  Every classroom was alive and every student was engaged and inspired!
After arriving in Hartford, I reflected back on how it was that I got here.  Much like the 1300 mile drive from Florida, that journey is too long to go into but, suffice it to say, I was truly fortunate in my childhood.  Fortunate to have a group of dedicated teachers and administrators that understood – despite the limitations of our community, and with very few financial resources – that their students could learn more and have a richer life by integrating art into the classrooms.
A spark was ignited in me and an unquenchable passion for the arts has led me to the bright lights of Broadway and onto a successful producing career, including eight years at The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  Along the way I was constantly learning new things and made certain that I gave something back through teaching, mentoring, and a myriad of live performances.  I wanted to ignite that same spark in the next generation of arts enthusiasts and educators.
So now I invite you to join me on the next leg of my journey and feel the heat and excitement that I will bring to Hartford Performs.  I guarantee you will be glad that you did.
Robert Warren, Executive Director 

Robert Warren with Hartford Performs staff and interns