Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Richard.
Hi Robert , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story honestly started in a pretty unexpected way. I originally got into theatre because of a girl. I was in Theatre 1, and at the time I had no plans of continuing into Theatre 2. But there was a girl I liked who was signing up for the next class, so I signed up too, thinking it would give me a chance to spend more time with her. Ironically, we never ended up together, but that decision completely changed my life because somewhere along the way, I fell in love with theatre itself.
What started as a teenage crush became a genuine passion and eventually my purpose. The more I performed, the more I realized theatre gave me confidence, discipline, and a voice. As an African American artist and educator, representation became deeply important to me. I understood how powerful it was for people to see stories and performers who reflected their experiences, and I wanted to be a part of creating those spaces for others.
One of the biggest reasons I kept going was my family. My mom and dad showed up for every single show they could. No matter how big or small the role was, they were there supporting me, encouraging me, and reminding me that what I was doing mattered. Having that kind of support gave me the confidence to continue pursuing the arts even when the path felt uncertain.
As I continued acting, I had opportunities to perform in theatre, film, commercials, and touring productions. But over time, I realized my gift was bigger than just performing. I truly believe God gave me the ability to connect with people through storytelling, and I see theatre as a ministry in many ways. Whether I’m performing on stage, teaching students, or directing productions, I try to use my gift to encourage people, inspire confidence, and remind others that their voices and stories matter.
That passion eventually led me into education. I earned degrees in theatre, education, and educational leadership, and today I serve as a theatre director and fine arts leader. I love being able to pour into students the same way others poured into me. I especially want young people, particularly students of color, to know there is space for them in the arts and that they do not have to limit themselves.
Looking back, it’s funny to think that this entire journey started because I was trying to impress a girl. But I truly believe God can use even the smallest moments to guide us toward our purpose. Theatre became more than a class or a hobby for me. It became a calling, a platform, and a way to reach and impact others through the gift I’ve been given.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. It has definitely not been a smooth road. In fact, I’ve probably quit at least five different times mentally and emotionally throughout this journey. The entertainment industry comes with constant rejection. There are many moments where you are told you are not the right fit, not the right look, not tall enough, not experienced enough, or simply “not what they’re looking for.” Hearing those things over and over can really affect your confidence if you let it.
One of the hardest periods for me was during my time at Sam Houston State University. I was never cast in a role while I was there, and honestly, that hurt deeply. When you care so much about something and continue putting yourself out there only to not be selected, it can make you question your talent, your purpose, and whether you belong in the room at all. It took me a long time to recover from that mentally and rebuild my confidence as an artist.
There are also a lot of physical and financial struggles that people do not always see. Acting and theatre can be exhausting. Long rehearsals, travel, balancing jobs, paying for training, auditions, headshots, and simply trying to survive while chasing a dream can become overwhelming. There were moments where I did not know how things would work out, but I kept pushing forward because I truly believed God placed this passion in me for a reason.
Through all of those struggles, I learned resilience. I learned that rejection does not always mean you are not talented. Sometimes it just means the opportunity was not meant for you. I also learned that my value could not be based solely on whether I booked a role or received recognition. Over time, those difficult moments shaped me into a stronger performer, educator, and person.
Now, when I teach students or mentor young performers, I try to be honest with them about both the beauty and the difficulty of this profession. I want them to understand that success is not always a straight line. Sometimes the setbacks, disappointments, and closed doors are the very things that prepare you for the opportunities that are meant for you later on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear a lot of different hats, which is something I’m very proud of. Professionally, I am a theatre director, educator, actor, and mentor. I currently work in education as a theatre director and fine arts leader, where I teach and direct students while also helping build a strong arts culture on campus. Outside of education, I continue to work professionally as an actor in theatre, film, commercials, and touring productions.
As an actor, I specialize in storytelling that is emotional, honest, and grounded in truth. I love roles that allow me to connect deeply with people and make audiences feel something real. Some of the work I’m most known for includes playing Troy Maxson in Fences, Junebug in Mamma’s Breath, and touring nationally as Zach in Black Boys Cry. Those roles challenged me not only artistically, but personally, because they dealt with powerful themes surrounding family, identity, trauma, and resilience.
In education, I’m probably most known for the relationships I build with students and the culture I create within my programs. I want students to feel safe, confident, seen, and pushed to grow. A huge part of my mission is representation and accessibility in the arts, especially for students of color who may not always see themselves reflected in theatre spaces. I want my students to understand that their stories matter and that they deserve to take up space creatively and confidently.
What I’m most proud of honestly is not the awards or titles, although I’m grateful for them. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to have on people. Whether it’s a student gaining confidence for the first time, an audience member feeling connected to a story, or someone telling me they felt seen through a performance, those moments mean the most to me.
I think what sets me apart is that I lead with authenticity. I’ve experienced rejection, self doubt, financial struggles, and moments where I questioned whether I belonged in this profession at all. Because of that, I try to approach both teaching and performing with humility, honesty, and compassion. I’m not interested in simply putting on performances. I want to create experiences that move people, inspire people, and remind them of their value.
I also believe my faith plays a huge role in everything I do. I truly see my gift as something God entrusted me with, and I try to use it to encourage and uplift others. For me, theatre is bigger than entertainment. It is connection, healing, representation, and community.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely. I’m always looking for resources that help me grow creatively, spiritually, and personally. As an actor, educator, and director, I think it’s important to constantly keep learning and staying inspired.
For acting and storytelling, I’ve spent a lot of time reading books focused on performance, character development, and theatre education. Some of the books and materials that have helped me most are centered around acting for the camera, accents and dialect work, acting techniques, storytelling, theatre history, and exploring theatre as both an art form and a tool for connection. Those types of resources helped me better understand not just how to perform, but how to communicate emotion, truth, and humanity through storytelling.
I also learn a lot from watching performances, films, and theatre productions. I pay close attention to how actors connect emotionally, how directors shape stories visually, and how productions make audiences feel something real. I’m always studying people, emotions, and behavior because I think the best actors and educators remain lifelong students of human connection.
Spiritually, my relationship with God is one of the biggest things that keeps me grounded. Prayer, faith, and staying connected to purpose help me through difficult seasons, especially in an industry where rejection can sometimes make you question yourself. I truly believe my gift is bigger than entertainment. I believe storytelling can heal, inspire, and reach people in ways that words alone sometimes cannot.
Outside of theatre, I also lean heavily on mentorship, collaboration, and community. Conversations with other actors, educators, directors, and mentors have taught me just as much as any class or textbook. And honestly, my students inspire me too. Watching them grow in confidence, take creative risks, and discover their voices constantly reminds me why I do this work in the first place
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robdaactor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robdaactor/
