Sandra Hughes creates original arts programs for and with communities – locally, nationally and internationally. Sandra is a professional writer, director, choreographer, actor, storyteller, mime, musician, mask performer and educator. Her classes and original productions for the live stage, television, radio and virtual platforms have been presented throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe.
Sandra offers virtual classes in creative writing and acting/script writing through Gateway Performances Productions, where she is the Producing Artistic Director of this non-profit arts organization, located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sandra’s extensive experience includes teaching as an adjunct professor, instructor and artist in residence at Lake Erie College, Antioch College, the University of Akron, Emory University and Phillips Exeter Academy. She served as an acting coach for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company’s National August Wilson Monologue Contest, an acting instructor for the Dekalb School of the Arts and a drama coach for the National Trial Lawyers Institute.
Sandra’s CD Album — Kairos — features her original spoken word performances, flute music and lyrics with piano accompaniment written and performed by GRAMMY nominated composer John Burke.
AWARDS (examples)
American Film Institute Video Festival – Bring Me Yellow Flowers – Creator/Choreographer – Robert Bennett Award – 2nd place
Regional EMMY – Outstanding Entertainment Program of the Year – Creator/ Writer/Choreographer
City of Atlanta Outstanding Partner & Outstanding Community Service Awards
South Arts – Southern Artistry Award, Outstanding Theatre and Literary Artist
Ford Foundation – Professional Development Awards (3) though Alternate ROOTS
HONORS (examples)
Public Television – National Distribution – Concept/Writer
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute – Sandra L. Hughes Theatre Collection – documents Sandra’s professional career
Art on the Atlanta Beltline – (5) Commissions for original performance pieces with (3) large scale outdoor art installations – Writer, Director, Choreographer, Designer, Project Director
The Ohio State University – Irish Collection – Playwright – Designated Works of Significant Cultural Merit
MEMBERSHIPS
National League of American Pen Women – Letters
Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences – Fellow
CLIENTS (examples)
Georgia institute of Technology – Inclusive Leadership Academy – Writing & Storytelling Coach
Fort McPherson Domiciliary – Arts Programs for Military Veterans – Creative Writing/Theatre Arts
Art Pharmacy – Arts Programs by prescription from medical doctors, therapists, and certified social workers for youth ages 12 -24 suffering from anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation and elders age 65 and up for anxiety, depression and isolation
Many thanks to the Fulton County Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts and Culture, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Fulton County Veterans Services Program for their support of Sandra’s performances and classes through Gateway Performance Productions